PSP: Getting a head start on everyone else

Happy New Year 2008

It's only the second week of the year, and already, the PSP is showing signs of a great year (as if last year wasn't great enough)!

Needing no introduction is the news of Dark AleX's custom firmware supposedly coming out this week. Why are so many people looking forward to it? Well, definitely not least of all is that last minute addition that DAX made: an update feature to bump up your PSP firmware (via WiFi) using the Network Update function on the XMB.

You really got to hand it to Dark AleX and Team M33. They just keep on surprising us with a lot of features that sweep us off our Phat and Slim feet.

Link: CFW 3.80 M33 to be released tomorrow, has update feature

The team hit a snag though. After a quick update care of - who we're starting to believe is DAX's official spokesperson and PR guy - Mathieulh, we learn of some technical problems they've been experiencing, and because of that, the release of CFW PSP 3.80 M33 will be temporarily delayed.

No specifics were revealed; with Math saying that Dark AleX wanted the CFW to be in utmost perfection once it hits the public. As always, we suggest you stay patient. Everyone would prefer a slightly delayed but flawless 'brew than an early half-baked one.

Thanks to homj, brad, Fadil, and JaXeRiR for the emails!

Link: Dark AleX's CFW PSP 3.80 M33 delayed due to tech problems

You all might have heard about the Skype PSP feature that's scheduled to come out soon. It's been talked of since last week. The new bits we got this week relate to the specific details about running the system on your Slim - what's free in the subscription and what's not free, what outbound calling options you have, what accessories you'll be needing, the works... All that, neatly bundled in the article linked below.

Thanks to SooperGooman and Jaspreet S for the tip!

Link: Sony announces Skype for PSP coming late January, details

As we trudged on this week, more details have surfaced - and more importantly, we finally get to see the face of the Skype feature running on the PSP (gotta love that sleek Skype logo on the XMB!).

We also hear of the reason why Skype is only made available for the PSP-2000, and get to see the USB microphone and PSP Skype headset. If you've got all of those down pat, a good way to end all of this week's Skype hype is with nothing less than a video demonstration. Dude! Suh-weeet!

Link: First screenshot of Skype PSP, Sony launches USB microphone
Link: Skype only for PSP Slim & Lite because of Phat's memory limitation
Link: First look at the PSP Skype headset
Link: Demonstration video: Skype running on PSP Slim

The PSP homebrew community is stirring, making its own waves to cause alarm for the big Sony mother ship. Getting a head start on the whole Skype PSP feature, Fanjita and the rest of the Noobz team released Furikup PSP SIP Phone this week - it's an alternative for PSP Skype.

As Noobz's post goes, they saw a couple of flaws that could result from the Sony's plan for the framework of their Skype system, so, they took matters into their own hands and released their homebrew alternative.

Big thanks to bobtentpeg for the news tip!

Link: Fanjita, Noobz release Furikup PSP SIP Phone - The PSP Skype alternative

Now if you've got nothing to do while waiting for DAX's CFW, we avert your eyes to another notable homebrewing team, RealTechVR. No, there's still no No Gravity (double negatives... hmm... meaning there is gravity?). But shocking so many people with not just one, but two releases, RealTechVR brings us Purple Motion and EyeLiner during the same day!

Link: No Gravity creators' Purple Motion v1.0 - futuristic racing game for PSP
Link: No Gravity team RealtechVR releases EyeLiner

Whew! Is week #3 of 2008 going to be just as explosive? Well, if DAX's CFW doesn't get released by the time this QuickPeek gets posted, then at least there's that to look forward to!

- QJ.NET's PSPUpdates Team