Hacker FreePlay has released word of a hack not too long ago the works with new PSP Go! Sony’s latest attempt at blocking out homebrew seems to be a failure, previously stating the system was indeed unhackable. Even more interesting, above is a video demonstrating that the hack is indeed compatible with every PSP model to date. So can we look forward to seeing a homebrew launcher, or perhaps a custom firmware come from this? Well no… FreePlay is not releasing the hack to anyone, and has decided not to develop it any further. Apparently it was only done to prove that it could be done. Still, it’s good to confirm that nothing is impossible to hack. Nice try Sony…

Earlier today the official US PlayStation blog was updated by Eric Lempel, Director of Playstation Operations, letting us know that OFW 6.10 will be available “soon”. Most likely the update will be available in the US sometime tomorrow, to compliment the release of the PSP Go. Here is a list of new features, as quoted from the post:

SensMe
“SensMe channels is a new music application for PSP that uses Sony’s proprietary 12 Tone Analysis technology to evaluate music tracks that have been imported from Media Go application on your PC to your PSP. The application automatically categorizes the tracks into 12 channels such as “Relax” or “Newly Added”. Check out the walk-thru demo to see how it works.”

Media Go Enhancements
“In addition, PlayStation Store for the PSP and PSPgo via Media Go (v1.2) will be updated with a new look on Thursday, October 1. To access PlayStation Store, you need to download Media Go (or update Media Go if you already have it). Media Go is a free PC software application that allows you to easily organize and transfer music, photos and videos between your PC and PSP. It also allows you to access PlayStation Store and to purchase, backup and restore PSP games. Of course, you can always access PlayStation Store directly on the PSP and PSPgo by connecting to a wireless hot spot and simply logging in with your PlayStation Network ID. But for those of you who prefer to use a PC, you will see that downloading games, movies and TV shows for your PSP is easier than ever with the new PlayStation Store on Media Go. With this update, you’ll be able to export playlists onto the PSP. Go to us.playstation.com/psn/mediago to download Media Go and for more details.”

Tethering (PSPgo only)
“Another new feature is the ability to use a Bluetooth mobile device, such as a mobile phone, as a modem to connect your PSP system to the internet. This means that when you’re not located close to a wifi spot you have another way to get on the internet via a bluetooth mobile device.”

The video above shows off the gorgeous looking SensMe feature added to the music player. Perhaps this will be enough incentive for Dark Alex or GEN to release a 6.10 custom firmware? Only time will tell…

Update: Firmware update 6.10 is now live, here is the changelog:



Music

[Via playstation.com]

Ars Technica is reporting that a UMD-less PSP-Go! (aka PSP-4000) will be getting some spotlight at E3 2009. These are the same people that reliably claimed such rumors as the RE5, Halo 3, and Fable 2 bundle for the Xbox 360. Speculation of Sony pushing out a UMD-less model has been running wild ever since Patapon 2 was released as a download-only game. The insider claims that the system will also be lighter, have a lower power consumption (meaning higher battery life), and possibly even a lower price.

The Playstation 3 Slim will likely not be announced at E3 this year, mostly due to the thousands of regular PS3’s still hanging out on store shelves. Most likely Sony will make their move quietly, announcing the PS3 Slim right before it hits store shelves.  According to what everyone is calling the “mole”, that should be August or September, right in time for holiday 2009. The image above is a supposed leaked version of the system.

1up claims to have “reliable sources” with knowledge of the next generation Playstation Portable. Here are a few of the highlights:

• It will be revealed at E3 09, and released this fall.
• The system will scrap the UMD drive in favor of an internal flash drive.
• It’s name will supposedly be “PSP Go!” (Which is speculated because of all the “Go!” accessories released in Europe.
• Japan gets the system in September, US gets in late October or early November.
• Sony will have over 100 classic and new PSP titles available for download at launch.
• Sliding screen design similar to the mock-up above. No second analog stick.
• The “PSP Go!” has two separate models, 8GB and 16GB.
• Possible 800×480 touch screen and built in camera.
• Grand Turismo Mobile is speculated to be the poster-child launch title.

Remember these are just rumors, however 1up tends to be a trusted source of information, and many of these claims have surfaced before. We will undoubtably see at this years E3. You can read the full article over at 1up.