What to expect:

Music

• Now you can select the options [Type 3] in Settings > Music Settings > Bitmapping. This bitmapping process has been designed exclusively for the PS3 with the goal of improving the audio reproduction.

Video

• DivX y VC-1 WMV are now compatible.
• The system is now compatible with the Profile 1.1 Blu-ray Disc.
• A [BD data tool] option has been added.
• To play VC-1 (WMV) files you will need to select the option [Activate WMA reproduction], available in the Settings > System Settings
• It’s not possible to play copyrighted files or files compressed with DivX 3.11
• It’s not possible to play files bigger then 2GB
• Now you have several additional features, like the simultaneous reproduction of the videos in the Blu-ray Disc compatible with the 1.1 Profile. The available features vary depending on the disc.
• Stores the management data used by the Blu-ray Disc.

An interesting thread started by Mathieulh indicates custom firmware 3.80 M33 is in the works. Furthermore, the possibility of a 3rd generation PSP model could be under development too… Have a read:

While working on the future 3.80M33, we found a VERY interesting string in the IPL’s playload: “/kd/pspbtcnf_03g.bin”

For those who do not understand here is a bit of history:

since 2.71 and especially in 2.80, we could see a string refering to pspbtcnf_02g which suggested the support of a new hardware or at least of a new operative mode. Later with the slim release we found out that the slim’s codename was this infamous 02g (proably standing for second generation) and that it used the _02g modules as well as pspbtcnf_02g.bin. It means that they worked on slim firmware/kernel for months before the actual hardware was announced/released.

We believe it is the same with the 3rd generation hardware which they are now preparing for sure. Will it be yet another lighter (and pandora proof) psp or will it be the new psp phone? Time will tell

- source: lan.st

Thats right! It's here,sonys new firmware update. Take a look at what it has to offer but remember if you update to this firmware you will lose the ability to play hombrew. So just wait untill the next M33 or HX version comes out.

3.80 changes:

• The function [Radio via Internet] has been added under [Network].
• The import of channels OPML format is now possible under [RSS Channel].
• Pictures can now be displayed under [RSS Channel].
• New visualization effects were added to the viewer under [Music].
• Support for PLAYSTATION®Network titles has been expanded

If you want to download it here is the link download

i also just found some more info on slim and lite updates on the japan site

link to it

Update: A quick Popsloader bug fix:

• When selecting a firmware for a multidisc game, the setting was remembered for any other multidisc game too. Fixed.

The M33-4 package below contains the corrected ’seplugins/popsloader.prx’ file.

M33-4 & Popsloader changelog:

• Bugfix: Multidisc psx games bought in the psn store would not work due to the format being different and M33 treating them as decrypted games.
• Added support for decrypted multidisc psx games created with popstation_md (supplied with this release).
• Bugfix: Games without compression had sound issues when using 3.72 pops. Fixed.
• Added support for multidisc px games created with popstation_md. Note: multi disc games will only work in 3.71 and 3.72 pops. Previous pops will exit to the xmb with generic error 0×80000004 when attempting to run multidisc games.

• HERE is the Download Link
• Then a BUG FIX to the popsloader in 3.71M33-4

Word has been released that Sony Japan will be sending out a new firmware update bringing it's users to 3.80. Well, this usually means that a firmware update will soon follow for our systems as well. Scheduled for release only a week away on the 18th, the new update will bring the following additions… (Translated)

• SARAGETCHU Zarzal blitz (Trial version and wallpaper)
• Anywhere with – Let's school! PSP Greatest Hits (Trial, wallpaper, a promotional video)
• LocoRoco (Loco Loco) PSP Greatest Hits (Trial version and wallpaper)
• SARUGETCHU PIPOSARURESA PSP Greatest Hits (Trial)
• Brave habit to actual trendy (Trial)

Dark Alex seems to have another fresh batch of homebrew goodness on its way to add as a nice stocking stuffer for PSP owners who enjoy playing PS1 games on their portable consoles. Now for this particular version of popsloader, it is said that…

 Essentially, this means that when converting multi-disc PSone games for use with custom firmware on the PSP, users will be able to store and compress all the data into one EBOOT file, rather than building a separate EBOOT file for each disc."

This is definately a must have for all PS1 gamers. Keep checking back for updates and further information on its release date.

Grand Theft Auto IV, that's right, the 9th game in the Grand Theft Auto series has had it's release date delayed from 2007 to around April 2008 because of additional time needed to complete the title.

Why you ask? Strauss Zelnick, Chairman of Take-Two, stated, “With Grand Theft Auto IV, Rockstar is setting a new standard for next generation video games. Certain elements of development proved to be more time-intensive than expected, especially given the commitment for a simultaneous release on two very different platforms. We all recognize that perfecting the game is vital and I can assure everyone it will be worth the wait. We owe it to the game’s millions of fans, to our dedicated development team, and to our shareholders to make sure that Grand Theft Auto IV is a groundbreaking gaming experience that takes maximum advantage of next generation technology.”

I guess all of us die-hard GTA fans will have to wait till next year untill we can get our greedy little hands on this baby. But, by the sounds of it, it's gonna be worth the wait. Check out screenshots and trailers here.

Full story here.

YAOSM 2.0 rc3 Released

"This version has been optimized even more so that by removing Gamecube import support (use GCOS to boot them instead) I have managed to include support for the configuration disc on the smaller chips.

It also includes a change to the config disc handling to make sure the new config disc can be used safely on yaosm 1.9 chips without overwriting the drivecode with the audiofix configuration byte.

I hope this will be the last release candidate for yaosm 2.0 and if you are using rc2 today and don't plan to use the config disc then there is no need to upgrade.

The chips with only 1024 words of program area has been crippled to make the code fit.

This is what has been removed on each chip type:

12F629/675 - Gamecube region patching, Chip disable feature
12F635 - Gamecube region patching, Chip disable feature, Dual layer support
16F627/627A - Gamecube region patching, Chip disable feature, Dual layer support
16F630/676 - Gamecube region patching, Chip disable feature"

You can download the new code over at Wiinewz .

While we wait for all the great games to start hitting the shelves I thought I would pass along this little bit of good news for all you Gran Turismo fans.

Gran Turismo 5 Prologue’s North American release date has finally been confirmed. GT5 Prologue will be out in Japan this December and the North American version will be released on February 19, 2008.

I know I am looking forward to this one. We all should be. The hype surrounding this game is unbelieveable.

Yep, it is December 4th and the Xbox 360 Fall update is finally available. Just connect your 360 to LIVE and it should ask for the download. Simple as that. If by chance your 360 does not say there is an update available (rarely) give it an hour or so and try again. Then then update will come up. 

Also, DivX has been reported working. It is not 100% yet but more like 90%.  So for all the DivX lovers out there, this is a major update for you. In the tests, the 360 could play almost ALL the DivX movies we put on it. 

So what are you waiting for? Go UPDATE.