Thanks to QJ.NET user sbrillion1, we've received word that ccpspita has applied minor updates to the ever promising Sony PlayStation Portable robot project. Now at version 4.4.2, MyPSP Robotics is now under strenuous testing phase for the MyEye module of the software set. MyEye is the Italian developer's tool to provide the PSP robot with the means of seeing and recognizing its environment. More at the full article.



Download: MyPSP Robotics v4.4.2 package - MyEye beta samples

Here's a bit of good news for all you sports-lovin' Arsenal stadium fans. Sony is out to bring you them much-awaited football matches all the way from Highbury and onto your PSPs.

The technology being developed for it is S.PORT. What this will basically do is allow you to access a wireless feed so you can see replays, stats and other game scores. As it is still in its prototype stage, there are obviously still a lot of issues to deal with, such as the question on whether or not S.PORT will be made workable with other devices. Also still under consideration is whether its accessibility will only be limited within the stadium or even outside of it, as well as which particular games you can utilize S.PORT.

Be that as it may, a beta test for the said program is already in the works, which promises to cater to about 4,000 Arsenal fans. Apart from this, Eric Siereveld, Director of Retail Transport Venues at Sony, reassures that the service won't be exclusive to the Arsenal stadium alone. "It could be used at any stadium around the UK, or even a golf match where it is sometimes hard to see the ball flying through the air."

S.PORT is set to get the ball rolling by the end of 2007.

Jpdeathblade has just released a video which shows his Xp Max team's work in progress: the second version of Super Mini Halo. The vid is basically a beta test of Level 11 of the homebrew game. Even though the PSP in the video has a bit of glare, we can still see how much progress they've made. Graphics are smoother now for the sprite-based side-scroller.

We're not sure when they will release the final build of Super Mini Halo v2, but Jpdeathblade says that they're aiming for a total of 50 levels to play in. He didn't mention though how far they are now. Although the video shows Level 11, that doesn't necessarily mean that that's only as far as they've accomplished. Maybe that's just the level they chose for the vid.

Regardless, Jpdeathblade promises to bring us more updates as well as more videos in the future. We'll keep you posted as soon as they drop in.

Mat17 sure is one determined developer. If you'll remember, he's that guy who did the PspIrda 0.0.1. Well, he's back and working on new versions of his homebrew app, still determined as ever. Apparently, he got a good share of feedbacks from his first version.

Thanks to your participation, the compatibility tests based on your feedback from v0.0.1 revealed the conclusion that the app's compatibility with Nokia and Siemens mobiles are a-ok. But when it comes to Sony Ericsson phones, well, let's just say it ain't as smooth as with the other brands.

So, this is where he'll be focusing on before he finally releases v0.0.2. And in order to do that, he's again asking for your help by checking out his application and sharing your critiques or whatnot regarding it. He's sent a couple of beta versions (in debug version only) over at our forums, namely PspIrda 0.0.2 Beta 3 and Beta 4. Where's beta 2? He already released them to beta testers.

Anyhow, a little explanation is required as to Beta 4. According to him, this is also a debug version, only, a more verbose one. This will produce two files, namely: dump.log and debug.log in the '/PSP/GAME/pspirda' directory.

The instructions for it are as follows:

•   start the homebrew
•   align the devices before starting the exchange
•   do only one transfer (send for example)
•   exit the program
•   send me dump.log, debug.log at mathieu17@gmail.com
•   repeat the operations for the inverse transfer (receive for example)

So there. The guy's pretty persistent on hearing from you guys, whether it's good feedback or not.

Download: [PspIrda 0.0.2 Beta 3]
Download: [PspIrda 0.0.2 Beta 4]
Discuss: [Forum Release Thread]

Man, you guys are fast! When you got word of this sweet offer, our inbox got flooded with the tip... thanks guys! Just goes to show how much you love us, and to do justice to your tips, we'll cover it, of course!

So, what's up? If you have a PSP (this should be a given, but you never know) and internet access, then you've got a shot at being one of the beta testers for Ratchet and Clank: Size Matters. All you have to do is send in an application to Sony through your browser and pray you're one of the lucky few they respond to with a "You win!" email.

It sounds simple, but there are a couple of catches for prospective players, and even more hazards for those who do homebrew. Besides the usual "You must be 18" spiel, you can only apply for the beta test through your PSP browser, and they require that you use firmware 2.81 to beta test the game. To complicate things further, the beta is only playable online, so you have to stay somewhere with wireless internet to be sure. Furthermore, they won't ship to a P.O. box, and they'll be rather pissed if you moved to a different home address after winning. Otherwise, though, you're in the clear.

To hand in your application, head to the PSP beta sign-up site (that's our source) using your PSP browser (they won't accept any other applications), and sign up. Good luck gamers, and let us know if you win the beta!

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Update: As you guys have mentioned in the comments, it seems you have to be a member of the Gamer Advisory Panel to get the actual invitation to sign up. Still, when has being optimistic and trying to sign up anyway ever hurt, right? You never know what might happen if you try. In any case, we apologize for that oversight.

Today at the 0x89 development forums, Harleyg have posted some cool concept images of what the PSPTouchME touch screen might look like. He also confirmed that it will use the USB port instead of the serial port. If the touch screen were to use the serial port, an audio jack would have to be present because the serial port wont be active if not.

This would lead to it having no sound, so now the touch screen will use the USB. Don't worry about the occupation of your USB, as seen on the images and written by harleyg himself, there will be a USB plug on the top of the screen (not actually on the screen it self, but you know what I mean, just look at the picture).

The touch screen may become compatible with the new 0x89 XMB Replacement Harleyg and his mighty team is creating. How cool is that?! And homebrew in the future may also become compatible! If not there would be no use.

The full article awaits after the jump!