Just days after the release and immediate decryption of Sony's PSP firmware v3.10, homebrew developer Dark AleX has released a new edition of his custom brand of firmware: 3.10 OE-A (Open Edition). As the name implies, Dark AleX's custom firmware includes all of the functionality provided by Sony's latest firmware update, plus the ability to run homebrewed (and pirated) applications and files, and further exploit the PSP hardware (e.g., speed up the processor, unlock maximum video resolution, bypass region coding, etc.). The new custom firmware also grants access to the PSP's fourth level of brightness without the use of a power adapter.

Any reason not to downgrade and then upgrade to 3.10 OE-A? Sure, custom firmware perpetuates piracy, but a user can choose not to download and run pirated games. But is the temptation just too strong?

[Via PSP Fanboy]

Sony's PSP firmware v3.10 was decrypted less than 24 hours after its release, claim reports out of the "homebrew" community. While the decrypted files are useless to the average PSP user, they represent the building blocks for requisite hacker celebs like Dark_AleX, Booster, and the Noobz team. New custom firmware? Another DevHook update? Sony lost this round, fast.

For those good lil' updaters out there, firmware 3.10 brings support for new PlayStation Network games, MPEG-4 AVC format for the Location Free Player, and the 'Dynamic Normalizer' sound setting, along with a memory saving mode for the browser.

Just days after Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories was again used to compromise Sony's PSP firmware (v3.03), a new downgrader application has been released. Those wishing to return -- perhaps for the first time -- to the storied glory of firmware v1.50 need only this trusty guide, Eboots of firmwares 1.50 & 3.03, and an original (unpatched) copy of GTA:LCS (not worth $400).

Downgraders will likely make a quick upgrade to Dark_AleX's custom firmware for a far less restricted (but piracy-prone) PSP experience. Sony is no doubt working quickly to re-secure its porous handheld.

[Via PSP Fanboy]

Dark_AleX has released another edition of his custom PSP firmware. Just as it appears '3.03 Open Edition Revision A' (OE-A) is essentially a modified version of Sony's official v3.03 fimware. 3.03OE-A also comes with a modified version of Sony's PS1 emulator, popstation; and with this latest custom firmware release, custom-made ISOs (game files) can now be compressed to conserve memory stick space.

Ethical concerns aside, it's amazing how the PSP homebrew scene has exploded ahead of Sony, unlocking the company's emulator for use with all PS1 titles. With just a few hours of research, a stack of old PlayStation games on hand, and perhaps a little trial and error, you now have the power to forge your own emulation experience -- imagine that. You don't even need a PlayStation 3.

Update: clarified that popstation is a modified version of Sony's PS1 emulator.