MSDN undergoes update

Posted by multippt

Microsoft has just updated its developer’s network (MSDN). The changes are visible in terms of user interface. It has been made more easier to navigate, and the search system has been improved.

These improvements are based largely on feedback from customers and users (well, at least Microsoft is listening).

The search system now have more relevant results, and it now dishes out results related to products and technologies you are using. The user can also limit search results to particular content, such as downloads or the MSDN library. The search system also now supports other languages. It is also based on Windows Live technologies.

The navigation as mentioned earlier, has been improved. It is much more simpler looking, and easier to use (it is quite similar to the folder navigation system in the address bar in Windows Vista). Although the navigation system has undergone large changes, the content is not modified too much, so the layout should still be familiar to most experienced users.

Google updates homepage

Posted by multippt

Google has done up a nice little update to it’s homepage. It now sports a more organised user interface, using the navigation bar as an element in it’s web site to make other services available.

Though it is quite a small update, millions of people would probably notice it. After all, Google is one of the larger sites out there.

Windows Live Hotmail?

Posted by multippt

Hmm… here’s something I’ve never noticed before… Windows Live Hotmail. This version of Hotmail is still in beta [probably was made available since Feburary earlier this year].

What’s so different from the original Hotmail?
First of all, it has a nice disk space of 2 GB [Hotmail plus members get this amount as well], 1 GB up from the original Hotmail. It also dons a nicer look [similar to Office 2007], plus allows you to change the theme. It claims to have increased security as well.

If you have a relatively old account, you can upgrade your account at the Windows Live Hotmail page. Some user accounts have already been upgraded automatically.

3.40 OE-A and 3.30 OE-A’ custom firmwares

Posted by multippt

Dark_Alex has recently released an update to his series of custom firmwares. First off, we would start on the 3.30 OE-A’ custom firmware. This is a relatively minor update to the 3.30 OE-A custom firmware. The changes are as followed (from 3.30 OE-A):
-Some security patches [related to RAM usage]
-Reimplemented autoboot

Now for the custom firmware of interest - 3.40 OE-A. Just after a few days of the official 3.40’s release, Dark_Alex managed create 3.40 OE-A, which has the features of his custom firmwares, plus the features of 3.40. Here are some features in this custom firmware (changes from 3.30 OE-A):
-Features from 3.40
-Improvements in flasher. It would generate the flash 1 directories [so chances are, you won't lose your settings], and checks the generated DATA.DXAR file [to check if you are using the right file].
-Some security patches [same as 3.30 OE-A']
-Reimplemented autoboot [same as 3.30 OE-A']

Via Dark_Alex.org

*This news is actually quite old :P. It should have been made on 20th Apr *sign*

PS3 official firmware 1.70 and PSP official firmware 3.40

Posted by multippt

Sony sure is busy about these updates. First was the first appearence of the PSP update at the PSP official korean site [the English translation is quite vague], and now an update for the PS3.

First things first, lets look at PSP firmware 3.40. The firmware was first spotted on the Korean site, followed by the Japanese site. Now, it has appeared on the US site, and seems to have a few features in relation to gaming:
-Support for more PLAYSTATION network titles
-Saved data from PlayStation format software can be used on both the PSP and PS3
-”Certificate Utility” was added

Of course, don’t expect any homebrew friendliness from Sony on this firmware. As of yet, there is no downgrader for a firmware past 3.10.

Now for the PS3. Sony has dished out yet another software update, this time it’s 1.70. This update is released roughly at the same time as the PSP’s. This update first appeared on the Japan site, but it is accessable at the US site as well. This update apparently allows the PS3 to use saved data from the PlayStation format software.

FW 3.40 surfaces on Sony’s PSP South Korean website

Posted by signup

Looks like some fellows at QJ found something that no one expected Sony to do: 

We’re not certain if you are aware of this but Sony has an official dedicated site for the PlayStation Portable (PSP) in South Korea. Despite that, we believe that this move is rather sneaky for a company that has the homebrew community breathing down its neck.

Folks, welcome PSP Firmware 3.40. Oh Jeesus!

Now what does this one do? We’re not too certain for now because the official sites for other markets, especially the English-speaking ones, are yet to be updated. Anyway, this was generated by an online translation engine:

* It enjoyed PLAYSTATION Network tie frames and the function for was strengthened.
* [these sense civil officials] were eliminated.
* [Is indicated information which from this sense civil official] with afterwords it will be able to confirm as a same fabrication.
* After selecting the icon of the game information the reporter [it selects △ buttons information] consecutively from the option menu.

We know that didn’t make a lot of sense but the point is FW 3.40 has been released. In case this appears on your territory, we recommend staying away from it first. As you will all remember, DAX broke his unit trying to crack FW 3.30.

PSP custom firmware 3.30 OE-A released

Posted by multippt

Dark_Alex has recently added 3.30 OE-A (Open Edition revision A) to his list of custom firmwares. Quite an achievement considering that he didn’t give up even after bricking one of his PSPs.

Firmware 3.30 OE-A basically has the features of 3.30, plus the good old goodness of homebrew in one.

Here is a list of some of the new features (changes over from previous custom firmwares):
-Homebrew support for either 1.50 or 3.30 kernal
-Region spoofing
-Some patches in the firmware
-Increased stability and some bug fixes
-Direct launching of PSOne games
-Direct launching of demos and homebrew
-Direct launching of ISOs and CSOs
-Ability to regulate the speed of the PSP’s processor

Though, there are some minor problems with the popsloader, due to changes in the firmware by Sony.

Note that to install this, your PSP must be running either the 1.50, 2.71 SE, 3.02 OE, 3.03 OE, 3.10 OE. If your PSP is running some other firmware, please downgrade to the appropriate firmware (usually 1.50). At the moment, the following firmwares cannot be downgraded: official 3.10-3.30 (since there isn’t a downgrader yet), so please don’t upgrade to those versions if you want to use this custom firmware.

This firmware is not the official PSP firmware, thus install this firmware at your own risk (fortunately, the risks are quite low). Remember to read the readme, so that you would be doing the right thing and won’t end up damaging anything.

You can download this firmware from Dark_Alex’s site.