Booster has updated his firmware launching tool, DevHook for the PSP to version 0.42 today. For those of you who don't know (i.e. 2.5/2.6 users who have just downgraded), DevHook allows you to launch another firmware version up to 2.5 and use all of its features, enabling you to use the web browser and LocationFree player, and run UMDs that require firmware version 1.5. The firmware remains loaded in the PSP's RAM, so after a simple reboot of your PSP, it will return to firmware version 1.5 like magic.

Here's the changelog:

• Menu looks sharper with a better resolution.
• No UMD bug fix
• UMD Emu's semaphore bug fix
• Changed Clock reset timing
• Changed contents of configuration data
• Changed loading & setting method from launcher
• Changed the config load at the time of starting into a memory course from a file.
• XMB's UMD change feature is now in an external module.
• Added a CLOCK change function to the XMB shortcut.
• Clock frequency is displayed on the XMB
• Remote control compatibility with Kprintf.
• Added Japanese localization launcher version by mok

Todo:

• FW2.00 No-UMD loading
• FW2.71 reboot
• NAND driver emulation

Most of these changes are to the core of DevHook, and they improve the stability and compatibility of this program. The main differences the average user will spot are the menu resolution enhancements and the addition of Remote control compatibility with Kprintf. Those who have downgraded from 2.5-2.6 now know why 1.5 is known as 'the magic firmware.' You can do almost anything with it: defy the Update Machine; play 2.5 UMD's; and, browse the Web with 1.5 Firmware!

Note: Dumped firmware files are required in order to emulate that firmware version. We cannot provide these for legal reasons, you must obtain them yourself.

Download: [DevHook v0.42]

UPDATE: These developers sure work fast. Barely two days after releasing v0.42 of DevHook, Booster has another update for all off us. V0.42a fixes a bug for NOUMD. The return value of dhGetVersion () has changed from 0x00004200 to 0x00420001 in this update. Get updated version of DevHook below.

Download: [DevHook v0.42a]

UPDATE No. 2: Booster is not only one smart guy to have come up with DevHook, he's also one fast worker as well. In a span of two days, he was able to give us not only one but THREE updates to arguably one of the most exciting homebrew app to cross our ways.

Thanks to AkiraPsychic, we got to know of the latest version to Bosster's DevHook. V0.42b has the following changelog (as always, thanks to the amazing Jeff Chen for the translation):

- Memory drain improved when rebooting.
- DevHook resident task stack changed from 4KB to 8KB.
- The return value of dhGetVersion() changed from 0x00004201 to 0x00420002.
- When set CPU CLOCK=0, the CLOCK manipulation of DevHook will be disabled (launcher is not supported yet)

Download: [DevHook v0.42b]

Christophe has updated his one and only Commodore 64 emulator for the PSP, PSPVice to version 1.0 today. PSPVice is based upon PS2Vice made by Rami Rasanen. Possibly the most noticeable update is that the full list of compatible Vice games are now compatible with PSPVice, which Christophe describes as "huuuge". Check out the changelog to see what else is new:

• .G64 file supported
• Better speed accuracy
• Support .zip files (one or multiple files into zip/s)
  
• Save snapshot on MemoryStick. Allow 4 saves for 1 game
• Improved disk/tape browser with screenshots and info file. Can also display .nfo file from gamebase game archives
• Save settings on exit
• Enable / Disable sound option
• Scrolling in menu
• Cpu clock, 266 Mhz is now available
• Customizable menu font
• Palette support (Vice format .vpl)
• Use Vice1.18 sources (instead of 1.14)
• Save screenshot with snapshot
• Save Date and time into snapshot text
• Keymapping for simultaneous 2 players (turn in on in menu)
• User can change keymapping and save/load it. Any shortcut can be assigned on any key.
• Long name support and display in file browser, which no longer crashes PSPVice

PSPVice v1.0 also includes a long list of bug fixes that makes PSPVice much more stable to keep you playing C64 games with no interruption! P00 files still do not work with this emulator, but it's something we can hope for in the future. Download this updated emulator now!

Download: [PSPVice v1.0]