Alek, Dark AleX's webmaster, has come upon some information about Datel's Action Replay for the PSP that you might want to know. Suffice it to say that you're really better off with CWCheat. If you want the dirty details though, better head over to the full article.

Thanks to CJ for sending in the tip!

Torch just finished v3.3 of his energy saving utility, Hold+. Version 3.3 fixes a bug that occasionally makes the battery icon disappear. It also adds a refinement to the method Hold+ uses to prevent accidental "suspend" states.

Download: Hold+ v3.3
Visit: QJ.NET PSP Development forum

Homebrew developer Torch gave us a quick heads up on his popular Hold+ program, which is now on version 3.1. Hold+ is a plugin that'll help your unit save on some battery power. This version has several new features and fixes, check them out after the link.

Thanks to Torch for the tip!

Download: Hold+ v3.1
Visit: QJ.NET PSP Development Forums

A new update for Dark AleX's custom firmware for the PlayStation Portable has arrived with CFW 3.90 M33-2. The latest build improves much of the plugins since the previous version as well as adds in a couple of patches specifically for the PSP Slim & Lite. For more information, you can view the changelog in the full article.

Download: CFW 3.90 M33-2

Mathieulh has responded to recent issues in the PSP homebrew development scene. Along the way, we are treated to some updates about the release of Dark AleX's PSP CFW 3.80 M33. Turns out that the previous announcement of the release was nothing but a rumor (it's still coming though, so don't worry).

More than this, Math raises a couple of points about the PSP scene that we want all of you guys to hear of. Read more of his public statement in the full article.

Heads up, homebrew developers! We've just received word that homebrew giant Booster has released a software development kit (SDK) for the PSP's IPL code.

From what we've seen so far, the SDK is a basic model that allows users to work original codes without the need for the SCE OS on one's PSP. It includes a basic library of readme files that'll help people understand what the SDK is all about, as well as some example code (raw IPL code examples and boot code examples for MS MultiLoader) for homebrew developers to work on as they see fit.

Homebrew developers will definitely want to check this code out to see how it can help them develop their own PSP applications, though we warn you that it's highly technical. That being said though, enjoy the new SDK.

Download: SDK for PSP IPL

As much as we all want to hear that the new PlayStation Portable batteries Sony's dishing out can be converted to Pandora, it can't. Fanjita informs us via the Noobz site that the new Sony PSP batteries are Pandora-proof.

Fanjita got his Sony PSP-110 battery (the fat PSP's original batt) recently from Amazon, and it seems Sony's been doing some patching, making it hard to be successfully converted to the ultimate universal PSP unbricker from Noobz and C+D. The homebrew coder says that even flashing an EEPROM image shows lots of errors when using the new battery.

So far, dev says that the only difference of this new Sony PSP battery from the older versions is that this was made in Japan, while the older ones were made in China. But the Pandora-proof batteries shouldn't be a problem for the homebrew users. Fanjita suggests that we get new large capacity batteries to use as a regular battery and the just use the original battery that came with the PSP for Pandora. Or we can also use the multi-IPL loader from Booster so our Pandora batteries can also become our primary batteries. He goes on to warn us that we shouldn't buy new Sony PSP batteries if we're intending to convert it to Pandora. Nice guy.

For those of you planning to unbrick your PSPs (assuming you still haven't done that or have just had your PSP bricked) using the Pandora, you can familiarize yourself on the how-tos with the easy-to-follow tutorial from FreePlay.

After a long hiatus, homebrew developer Booster is back with a very useful application called the PSP MS Multiloader IPL. This software allows users to boot PlayStation Portable units normally while using the unbricker Pandora's battery.

This means that batteries used to unbrick systems are no longer simply diagnostic tools, but fully functional batteries as well. With this, the handheld doesn't go straight into service mode but gives people the option to boot up normally.

It does the trick by simply choosing from the IPLs found on the memory stick. Aside from that, another major features of this homebrew is that it generally doesn't need mspformat, making it easier for less tech savvy users to install and use it.

Booster included a comprehensive Readme.txt file which details how to install and use the program. Go over it before doing anything to avoid any problems.

Download: PSP MS Multiloader IPL
Visit: QJ PSP Development Forum

While the Noobz's Pandora's Battery unbricker is a definite godsend, the problem is that creating this tool means you'll be needing to lug around two batteries with you. Now, in case you're a little cash-strapped to buy a spare, we've picked up word on a tool that could help, courtesy of developer Booster. (Now there's a homebrew giant we haven't heard from in a while...)

Mathieulh reports that the coder has released an IPL code that, when properly installed in your target Memory Stick, will allow you to "boot PSP normally with pandora's battery" (i.e. booting up the XMB menu).

Some users online have already confirmed that this works, however there seem to be some problems with the reset function. For those who are wondering, Booster also gives us a hint of what to expect soon: "The multi_boot_loader which does boot any IPL by buttons select comes soon."

Full usage instructions are available in the file bundle's readme. Teh Luxx0rsz's discussion thread at QJ.NET's PSP Development Forums is also a good place to pick up additional details.

Download: Normal boot loader for Pandora's Battery
Visit: QJ.NET's PSP Development Forum

ManiacX has released the PSP Easy Disassembler, which is a GUI for Booster's PSP disassembling program.

For those who don't know what this does, a disassembler is a computer program that translates the machine language in a file or program into the assembly language used to create it. Programmers use it mostly for reverse-engineering purposes. That being said, it's not going to be the kind of homebrew that laymen will be able to use.

ManiacX notes, however, that there's a chance he might include this in the next release of CSP Development Studio, so programmers should keep their fingers crossed for that. Other than that, please remember that you'll need .Net Framework 2.0 for this app to run.

Download: PSP Easy Disassembler
Download: .Net Framework 2.0
Visit: PSP Development Forums