Sony has now officially announced that they have discontinued the production of the Motorstrom 80GB bundle.  But don't fret, they're coming out with the new and improved 80GB system.  This brute comes with the snazzy Dualshock 3 controller and a copy of Metal Gear Solid: Guns of the Patriots.  The cost for this bad boy is a somewhat painful $500. {Thanks uberusmaximus}

 —"What you mean, you're firing me?"

PSP CFW 3.95 GEN changes:

Here's the breakdown of CFW 3.95 GEN's changelog:

• General

• Kernel updated to 3.95 (new nids, patches etc.)

• * Recovery

• Option added in recovery to choose between VSHMenu and in-XMB recovery.
• Option added in recovery to choose between Sony, GEN and M33 network update modes

• XMB
• Access vshmenu/recovery with the SELECT butto
• Network Update icon can download directly from the GEN server (adjustable)

3.95 GEN is compatible with the PSP Fat models. Also, the VSHMENU from Popsloader, most of the functions of IRShell, and the CXMB were tested on the new CFW with limited success.

The full version of the Homebrew Channel, developed by Team Twiizers, was released just yesterday. The channel can be installed on a Wii to load from the Wii Menu, eliminating the need to run the Twilight Hack every single time you need to run a homebrew application. The channel loads any applications from the SD card, so you no longer need to change the .elf on your card when you want to run a new application. This isn't without it's risks, if the installer fails because the Wii loses power or the installer is corrupted, your Wii may brick. Take care when attempting to install the channel. The official website is located Here. Good Luck!

Directly from the description…here comes the New UPMS v4. Here is wat they have to say about it….

 Homebrew developers The U.P.M.S. Team has released a new build for the UPMSInstaller, bumping it up to version 4. The application gives Sony PlayStation Portable owners a clean memory stick for a fresh install.

This is especially helpful when you want to upgrade after having a working Pandora or UPMS stick. In this way, you will no longer need to write the IPL on the stick again or install fatms371.prx.

The following changes to the installer itself and the ultimate loader in version 4 of the program were provided by The U.P.M.S. Team:

Installer

* You will need the following EBOOTS to the root of your Memory Stick before proceeding:
o 150.PBP
o 371.PBP
o 380.PBP
o 390.PBP
o UPDATE.PBP (Only if you want to downgrade to 1.50 Firmware)
o 340.PBP (Only if you want to Install Time Machine)
o 360.PSAR (Only if you want to Install Time Machine)
* New Improved Splashes
* New Improved visual install proceedure
* New Motherboard detection using Pommel, Tachyon & Baryon values. (Now displays your PSP model ie. TA-079.)
* New Displays the available free space on your memory stick which updates as the install proceeds.
* Renamed the Clean Nand items in Utilities menu, to stop confusion of people thinking it's installing the clean nands to the actual psp without creating a nand backup.
* Added 390 Kernel 150 Addon
* Removed writing of the full eeprom to the battery
* New Dark AleX's Time Machine IPL can now be installed from the IPL menu, this also installs the config file which contains the LTrigger for booting to UPMS. Now no need to convert Pandora's IPL or install the IPL, just launch Time Machine from the Utilities Menu then select the firmware you want to install.
* Disabled the battery menu for the latest PSP Slims V2.
* New Random Serial Generator for when you want to make your Pandora Battery normal, creates a randomly generated hex number.
* Now installs Despertar Cementerio V5 (TheJoker has had to be removed)

Ultimate Loader

* Firmware installation:
o 352M33 via Hellcats Menu
o DCv3
o DCv4
o DCv5
* New PSP Motherboard detection
* New Reboot to XMB option added. (TA-082 has troubles with display after reboot)
* Added Free Memory Stick Space for visual confirmation.
* Added Nand Backup direct from Ultimate Loader. (For Fat & Slim PSP's)
* Added IDStorage Key Backup direct from Ultimate Loader. (For Fat & Slim PSP's)
* Removed NandManager as NandTool by Cory is UPMS-Projects preferred backup/restore tool.

UPMSInstaller v4 comes with several documentation in .PDF format which should be read first before doing anything to avoid any problems. 

Download

Wii homebrew developer Bushing has created a home-made fix for Wiis that have been semi-bricked by wrong region updates or homebrew mishaps. The files used are edited system updates designed to be put on a disc to be run in a NTSC (American) Wii. Burning the files to a disc and running it recovers the Wii's system software to version 289. This is not quite as effective as the Pandora's Battery, as this fix can ONLY be used on an AMERICAN Wii and it may not fix all bricks (notably total bricks). There is no read-me included, so be careful and do reading on Wii homebrew before attempting. The files can be downloaded Here. Good luck!

[sources: qj.net, tehskeen]

As a thanks from the Graphics Team over at SmashGFX.com, They have made us some nice looking psp wallpapers! There are pleanty to choose from (the one above being one of them), So no matter your taste, there's a brewology wallpaper that will suit you!

The National Purchase Diary released their monthly sales report, with only 1,969,800 next generation consoles sold. The Nintendo Wii was in first at 714,000 sales, 36% of all sales that month. Nintendo DS sold 414,800, and the PSP sold 192,700. The Xbox 360 was fourth place this time, at 188,000. The PS3 ranked fifth with only 187,100, very much less than expected. Though many estimates for sales were off by large numbers, it was a good month for Nintendo and the Wii.

[source: qj.net]

A new Wii channel was released today, called the “Nintendo Channel”. This channel gives the user videos and information on games, as well as DS downloads and purchase links. This channel also gathers anonymous information on your settings and playing habits, and allows you to recommend titles and channels you’ve used for over an hour on your console. A WiiConnect24 message containing the necessary update was sent out today, and the channel is available for free download on the Wii Shop Channel.

Well we all know one time or another we have had to call that dang customer service. It is a dreaded feeling calling and listing to the machine try to help you. 

Jason at Doombot has developed a process for reaching intelligent life at XBOX customer service. He discovered this easy 4-step procedure thanks to a XBOX 360 that enjoys not reading discs.

1. Call 1-800-4-MY-XBOX.
2. Get a reference number for your problem as quickly as possible. You may need to say “I already did that” when they try to make you do the troubleshooting script, just to expedite the process.
3. Hang up and call the escalated support number, 866-506-3826.
4. Talk to someone who knows what they’re doing. 

I know companies make these machines so they don’t have to spend as much money… but can you make them a little smarter?