The video above shows (turn the sound off if you're at work) shows developers "Davee" and "Bubbletune" using a TIFF exploit on 5.03 firmware, placing the PSP into the correct state that it can eventually run custom homebrew apps. It's not quite finished, but it should be close now. [Slashdot via Technabob]

Update: Nevermind! Looks like Chickhen, the homebrew enabler, is available now. Thanks karltpb.

Beginning March 5th, Japan will have access to the PSP in Radiant Red, Vibrant Blue, Bright Yellow and Spirited Green. They'll come alone for about 19800 yen (the normal PSP price) or with a matching case/wrist strap and 4GB Memory Stick for 24800 yen (that's about $280 when converted).

I don't know about you, but these new PSP colors make me crave elephants, clowns and bearded women...and definitely not in that order, if you know what I'm saying. [Sony and Akihabara News via Kotaku]

Sony just asked its customers what they want in the next PSP. Well here's what we want in our next PSP, and most of it's doable through software alone.

Get Remote Play Working, Standard
Remote Play promised to allow gamers to play PS3 games through the internet on their PSPs. Brilliant! And it was actually implemented in a game PS3 called Lair...and then basically nothing else. You can find Remote Play in a handful of downloadable PS3 titles, but it's far from a standard offering, and basically doesn't exist in the world of AAA releases. But just think—Remote Play would lessen the PSP's need for original titles—something Sony hasn't been able to secure as of late—and promote loyalty to the PS3 since its games would be playable from anywhere.

Make the PSP the Ultimate Blu-ray Remote
If there's one thing you can't fault the PS3 for, it's the machine's excellent Blu-ray playback. So why not make the PSP the unequivocal best Blu-ray remote ever? Not only could you use the PSP for basic functions, but a little programming savvy could stream entire BD features to your hands. Imagine the use of a Wi-Fi enabled second screen from the PSP with streaming audio support. You could watch a movie with a friend and decide that just you would turn on the audio commentary for a scene (through headphones), while viewing some extra production stills (on your secondary display). Hey, we'd settle for a submenu on the PSP's screen, even.

Give Us a PSOne-to-PSP Ripping Tool
Offer us a tool to rip PSOne games on the PS3 in order to be transferred to the PSP. They can wrap them in DRM and charge us $5 each time we rip a game, and we'd still do it. While we'd say the same for PS2 titles, we realize that PSP processors probably couldn't handle the software emulation load. PSOne games, though? Definitely.

Display Hints and Walkthroughs That Sync with PS3
Easy money for Sony—license out the option to make PS3 walkthroughs for the PSP. The strategy guide company does all the work, creating the text file (already on hand from their publications) and some basic syncing cues from, I dunno, saved game files or scripts. We're sure if enough money was exchanged between all involved parties, something could be figured out that's not so resource intensive that it isn't worth their while.

Our Only Hardware Revision: Add a Second Analog Stick Already
Look Sony, you were wrong, just give in. Screw backwards compatibility and add the second analog stick to make the PSP essentially interchangeable with the Dual Shock 3/SIXAXIS. Just as that second analog stick has held back PSP developers, it's also limited Remote Play functionality and the option to use the PSP as a premium controller. The hardware is holding back the software, but not in a "we just need stronger processors" way. It's a simple fix. PSP loyalists might complain, but trust us, they're complaining more that their controls are gimped. (Oh, and Bluetooth would be a runner up for greater connectivity options.)

Do All of the Above, Then Sell a PS3/PSP Bundle
The PS3 has already lost the game machine war. But it's still a contender as a premium home theater machine. Offer users a deal in which they can pick up a PS3 along with a PSP. Upsell the PSP as a remote, a second screen, and a media streamer (as opposed to a bulky PMP with a crappy game catalog).

The questionnaire asks the public if they're interested in features like Bluetooth, integrated storage, GPS, TV tuning, better file connectivity with the PS3, a touchscreen, improved battery life and speedier load times. Is there any way to just circle all of the above?

It would seem that Sony, able to do all of these things with the PSP, would like to select only those options that will prove the most enticing to companies and profitable for the company. Fair enough, but with every lame PSP update that's made, I think we all get a little less excited about the platform. Oh, and games, Sony. We want games. [PSPFanboy]

While we haven't heard much yet, Eurogamer sources in the game publishing sector have confirmed that a PSP-4000 will be released in 2009 with a successor to the PSP platform coming sometime after. Sound vague? It is. But these sources also claim that PSP2 games are in the works right now. Needless to say, if that's actually the case, it's only a matter of time before more details leak.

(And it also might not be a bad time to remind the industry that Gizmodo will keep all tipsters anonymous.) [Eurogamer via Kotaku]

The problem is two-fold.

1. Pixels are arranged horizontally
2. Blue pixels are much darker on the 3000

Given these findings, the problem appears to be 100% hardware-based. So now the question is, how is it possible that Sony didn't see this problem coming? Literally? [Logic Sunrise via Maxconsole]

Yes, you can notice the scan lines in both games and movies. Yes, you can also noticed jaggies resulting from the interlace problems. But is it horrible? No. The image above exaggerates the effect slightly. The increased brightness and contrast more than make up for this. Does the new "improved" screen mean you need to upgrade from what you've got? Nah. Current PSP users are fine, and new PSP users may even prefer to get the PSP 2000 now to avoid the interlacing quirks if it really bothers you a lot.

Here are two other reasons why you don't need to upgrade, or might prefer to buy an older PSP now. They both play the same games and the hacking community still isn't quite familiar enough with the new version to say how hackable it is. One of the main problems that Sony's had with the previous two PSPs was piracy, as evidenced by the 5.0 release being hacked just two days after it launched. We're thinking that the PSP 3000 will add even stronger anti-piracy measures, but it's too soon to tell until hackers get their hands on them.

There are other very minor changes to this such as a microphone for built-in Skype chatting, the re-labeling of the Home button to the PlayStation button and the fact that the current pack comes with Rachet and Clank: Size Matters as well as a National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets UMD movie for $199. So the only question left to answer is whether the PSP 3000 is better than the PSP 2000. My answer? Yes, as long as you're alright with that screen. [Amazon]

[Impress PC Watch]

The PSP 4GB Memory Entertainment Pack includes:

— Updated Piano Black PSP system

— 4GB Memory Stick PRO Duo — Store more photos, music, videos,

downloadable games and game saves.

— Everyday Shooter PLAYSTATION Network voucher* — A colorful and

music-driven arcade shooter, Everyday Shooter won three awards at the

Independent Gaming Festival at the 2007 Game Developers Conference.

Unlike traditional arcade shooters, in Everyday Shooter each on-screen

interaction is a note, chord, or riff that plays in harmony with each

level's unique music track. The title is available for PLAYSTATION(R)3

and will be making its debut for PSP. Download Everyday Shooter for

PSP from PLAYSTATION Store to your Memory Stick PRO Duo with the

included voucher.

Other than those tidbits, we have little more information on the alleged update other than that it could include "cellphone support." And from the looks of this back casing, it doesn't seem that the next PSP will be much, if any, thinner than its predecessor. [PSP China BBS via Kotaku]