The classic homebrew app PSPRadio is back, now with a playlist creator. The original app was written by Raf but the new playlist creator comes courtesy of Slade and bigdaddie. Read more in the full article.

Download: PSPRadio v1.18.400
Visit: QJ.NET PSP Development Forums

Just one week ago, homebrew mainstay developer Raf released an improved version of the already great application PSPRadio. However, some of you mentioned that the program freezes on some occasion and the owner was quick to acknowledge the problem and promised to come up with a bug-fix release.

We here at QJ recently heralded Raf as one of the gods of Playstation Portable (PSP) homebrew scene and as if to secure his much-deserved post, he just delivered what he promised: folks, we present to you the music streaming application for your handhelds, PSPRadio v1.18.1377. A lot has changed since last week and to get you familiarized with the newest version, we've provided the changelog.

New Features:

• TextUI: Msgbox now goes away after 3sec (not based on frames rendered anymore, but time).
• Core: (Supported by TextUI) Framerate configuration file is now set globally in PSPRadio.cfg (PLUGINS:DISPLAY_FPS)
• TextUI: Now uses GU more; which reduces flickering and improves framerate.
• TextUI: Cleaned up the way stream time and info is displayed while on fullscreen visualization mode.

Bug Fixes:

• Core: PSPRadio would crash on startup if the visualizer plugin was disabled.
• Core: PSPRadio would crash on startup if the SHOUTcast database (newdb.xml) file was empty.
• TextUI: Corrected problem where PSPRadio would crash when downloading the SHOUTcast database. (The problem was caused by lack of complete support for values -1 and -2 in the configuration files after the TextUI rendering changes.
• TextUI: Corrected problem that caused a crash when switching from TextUI3d to TextUI.
• Core: Corrected problem that caused a crash on restore from suspend mode when the wifi was enabled. Now it will also resume play.
• Core: Disabled UI rendering while shutting down; this makes sure the "shutting down" screen is not drawn over.

Raf also said that in case the text disappears in the TextUI while changing skins, just move up or down for the text to re-render. Likewise, in case you're having problems with static IP, you can set up a proxy server in your network in PSPRadio.cfg. Last reminder, the CPU speed should be 222 when establishing Wi-Fi connection.

Download: PSPRadio v1.18.1377

Break out those USB/mini USB cables again. Raf has updated his portable audio streaming solution PSPRadio to 1.18.1365, only a week after having released the previous version. Here's the list of new features, new fixes, and fixes yet to come:

"All releases are for F/W 2+ with OE (tested on 3.03B); no more static/dynamic mumbo-jumbo. All releases are what was formerly known as dynamic; i.e. plugin based."

NEW FEATURES

• (raf) TextUI: After a configurable amount (default 10 seconds) during playback, the visualizer goes into fullscreen.
• (raf) Core: Use PSPRadio.cfg PLUGINS:VISUALIZER_FULLSCREEN_WAIT to set the wait before going into visualizer fullscreen mode. (Set to 0 to disable).
• (raf) Core: This fullscreen config wait parameter is now configurable from the PLUGINS Options menu.
• (raf) Core: Added kiss-fft routines, and now provide frequency data to visualizer plugins if requested.
• (raf) Plugins: Added a spectrum analyzer plugin (based on finespectrum.c for XMMS).
• (raf) Core: FFT and VIS_Spectrum use vfpu for some calculations, to get a speedup. (Thanks to MrMr[iCE] for his helpful vfpu library pspmath).
• (raf) Core: Removed VBLANK message across the core and sent to UI. UIs need to do it themselves.
• (raf) TextUI3d: Updated to use a renderthread instead of vblank message -- Good speed-up.
• (raf) Core/Plugins: UI Plugins have versioning now, and won't work across versions of PSPRadio that don't support the same interface.
• (raf) Core: Clean-up.
• (raf) CScreen: Using GU for clearing screen and background copies. This makes rendering (TextUI) MUCH faster; especially during fullscreen visualization!.

There still may be a problem with the shoutcast download, Raf notes: this occurs with TextUI, he notes, and not with TextUI3D. Expect a corrected version soon.

You can check out some bug fixes and other known bugs in the Full Article link.

Download: PSPRadio 1.18.1365

PSP owners will be happy to know that homebrew developer Raf has released a new update for PSPRadio, which is now running at version 1.17.1349.

In case you're wondering what this homebrew does, PSPRadio is a music streaming application for the PSP, and has been repeatedly considered as one of the cooler apps to have onboard your portable.

New Features:

• (Raf) Plugins: Added some VERY SIMPLE visualization plugins. This only works under TextUI at the moment. (Look under the Options-Plugins menu)
• (Raf) Plugins: PSPRadio saves current selected plugin in config file section PLUGINS:DEFAULT_VISUALIZER
• (Raf) Core: Localfiles: Empty directories are not listed anymore.
• (albadross) TextUI: Updated screens for the visualizer plugins. Added new skins: Selector2 and Spectrum.
• (Raf) TextUI: Converted rendering to use page flipping (double buffering).
• (Raf) TextUI: Added a PLUGINS:DISPLAY_FPS option to config files. (not there by default -- disabled).
• (Raf) Plugins: Added sample sourcecode for a simple visualizer plugin to the release.
• (Raf) Core: Changed the default button mapping to be closer to the original mapping, (so it matches the current skins).
  

Bug Fixes:

• (Raf) Core: Fixed button repeat handling that broke when implemented the button mapping. (This also corrected problems with HPRM)
• (Raf) Core: If resuming(from suspend) from a paused state, it would not continue from where it left off.
  

Full installation details and other important notes for Raf's application can be found in the zip bundle, which is available for your downloading pleasure below. Enjoy!

Download: PSPRadio 1.17.1349

The "known bugs" list is available at the "Full Article".

After a previous brief delay, the British military has launched a satellite into space, aiming to obtain secure, high-band with communications for UK and allied forces. Called Skynet 5A, this spacecraft is the first in what will eventually be a three-satellite constellation designed to allow the Army, Royal Navy and RAF to pass more data, faster between command centers.

Developers of the satellite believe that Skynet 5A is going to provide five times the capacity that UK's previous system has provided, and allow the military to do things they just haven't been able to do in the past. Skynet 5A performs just as well as the best modern satellite platforms, but it had been prepared specifically for military use.

The satellite allows the production of peaks of reception across the surface of the Earth, and to change that antenna pattern in extremely rapid time. Analysts talk increasingly of the military's "network enabled capability" - the idea that information and fast access to it are paramount.

With this satellite on space, its controllers are surely sitting smug in power. After all, modern warfare is all about information, something which Skynet 5A can certainly provide.

BBC News reports that the launch of the British military satellite Skynet 5 has been postponed due to a "last minute technical glitch." Apparently, the delay was caused by a fault found in the "deluge" system, which sprays water across the launch pad to keep it cool as the rocket lifts off.

According to the BBC, the Skynet spacecraft will deliver secure, high-bandwidth communications for UK and "friendly" forces. Skynet 5's launch is part of a multi-billion-pound project that aims to allow the Army, Royal Navy and RAF to pass more data faster between command centers.

Engineers are currently investigating the problem. Another launch attempt is planned for Sunday from Kourou, French Guiana. Nobody cared to comment on the possible connection between Skynet's launch delay and the sudden appearance of a naked Austrian bodybuilder in a Los Angeles biker bar.

 

Raf has quite the fan following here with his PSPRadio homebrew, which turns your portable console into a veritable online jukebox. Cutting to the chase regarding this hot item, we bring news of the latest release for his application, which is now on version 1.15.1283. As for what's new:

New Features:

• (raf) Core: Added AUTOSTART option under USB, instead of it being its own option, and using up screenspace.
• (raf) Core: Better Suspend/Resume support.
• (raf) Core: Added Tell/Seek functions to the streams/decoding. Added support to resume to continue playing where it was before it went into suspend mode (localfiles).
• (raf) Core: Buttons can now be mapped. Look at PSPRadio.cfg for details. Changed the default mappings. SQUARE=CANCEL now. L+R cycle screens. (Button combinations are now also allowed).
• (raf) Core/Plugin/Version: Changed the interface to .15. Working on a revamped interface. (will be .2). TextUI uses the button mapping to remap buttons if the skin is configured to do so (look at SHOUTcastScreen.cfg for an example).

Bug Fixes:

• (raf) Core: USB is now working again, thanks to AhMan's for the help.

Known Bugs:

• (raf) Core: Static IP connections don't work correctly. Seems the gateway is not used as it should.
• (raf) Core: Module unloading doesn't free up all memory correctly. Even though plugins can now be loaded/unloaded, the PSP can eventually crash as it runs out of memory (after loading/unloading enough times; even though I switched back and forth between the text and 3d UIs over 20 times, and everything worked fine).

Just make sure to view the bundle's README when you open up this app, which can be found at the source link to your lower left.


Download: [PSP Radio v1.15.1283]

 

There are things in life that just won't go away. That's why it's hard to believe in the old adage, "Everything good needs replacing." This is especially true for PSPRadio. It doesn't need to be replaced. It just needs to be updated from time to time. And that is what exactly homebrew coder extraordinaire Raf did.

This nifty application is currently in v1.1.1271. In case some of you missed the last update, please take note that Raf changed the release numbers of v0.38.12 to v1.1.1258 with the promise that he will begin taking PSPRadio in a whole new direction. And one glance at the changelog tells us that Raf kept his word:

Changelog for PSPRadio v1.1.1271:

• Core+UI Plugins: Added Skin selection support to PSPRadio (finally). This can be accessed via the Options menu (skin option). -Optimized.
• Plugins: Added a version check system. From now on, plugins will only work if designed for the same interface version of PSPRadio (in this case 1.1).
• Plugins: Plugin unloading work-around implemented. Root cause still under investigation. This means plugins can now be loaded/unloaded, switching between user interfaces works, etc.
• Core: Added skins made by Albatross. Thanks, Alba!

As great as these additions and changes, the PSPRadio still has some problems. We listed below all the known issues so don't be surprised if you encounter some of them. Also, Raf mentioned that should the plugin stop, all you have to do is press "L+R+START" and that will take you back to PSPRadio.

Known bugs for PSPRadio v1.1.1271:

• Core: USB is not working, menu option removed for now (With AhMan's help this will hopefully be working again on the next version)
• Core: Static IP connections don't work correctly. Seems the gateway is not used as it should.
• Core: Module unloading doesn't free up all memory correctly. Even though plugins can now be loaded/unloaded, the PSP can eventually crash as it runs out of memory (after loading/unloading enough times; even though I switched back and forth between the text and 3d UIs over 20 times, and everything worked fine).

Download: [PSPRadio v1.1.1271]

Something must have happened to famous PSP developer Raf over the past few weeks. We haven't heard from him in a long time and yesterday, out of the blue came a new PSPRadio release, closely followed-up today by another release of the only homebrew alternative to the Sony firmware browser - Links2. Those 'in the know' will recognise the name as Links2 is an open source browser for Linux, which Raf has kindly ported to the PSP.

The Links2 browser has many advantages over the Sony firmware browser, including an extensive options menu and an enhanced compatibility with large websites, making the 'not enough memory error' a non-existent thing of the past. Links2 r1261 (the new release) comes in 2 versions - standalone for running from the PSP game menu and a plugin version for use inside PSPRadio.

Please note that although the plugin version can run within PSPRadio itself, it does have a memory limit of 5MB, which although larger than the PSP browser's cache size, might restrict browsing to a certain extent. Raf still has to optimize priorities on the plugin version so for now the plugin will run slow if PSPRadio is playing music. So if you want the most out of your browsing experience go for the standalone version!

Here's the changelog:

New features:

• Changed default background color from gray to white (for html).
• UP/DOWN in html now scroll up/down (without R+)
• UP/DOWN at the top/bottom of a menu list will wrap (user request).

Bug fixes:

• Plugin: Fixed openssl compile options (-mno-explicit-relocs), this fixes the problem where the Links2 plugin wasn't working. (You will need to upgrade openssl from the pspdev svn to rev.2169 or greater --if you want to compile links2 yourself).

Download: [Links2 PSP browser r1261 PSPRadio plugin]
Download: [Links2 PSP browser r1261 standalone]

So, what's new with homebrew developer Raf and his kick ass PSPRadio? Well,  Raf decided to re-release PSPRadio v0.38.12 and renamed it PSPRadio v1.1.1258. It's not a simple re-launch though as he tweaked some important things.

First, he revealed that this is a new start for this app as he plans to gear it towards a different direction. He didn't specifically mentioned what direction exactly but he did say that all releases from now on are for firmwares 2 and above with OE. The first version was tested on 3.03 B. Here are some more of the changes included in this re-launched version:

New features

• Core: Version number is now 1.1.XXXX, where XXXX is the subversion revision at the time of the build.
• Core: Modified Makefile targets. No more static/dynamic versions. Only Dynamic, for f/w 2.0+ (OE F/W).

Bug Fixes

• Core: Modules can be loaded, but unloading causes a crash
• Core: USB is not working (help is appreciated)

Raf added that if a plugin stops responding, try pressing L+R+START. This should take you to PSP Radio. Also, the coder would like to remind users that the PSP could lock up whenever a plugin stops loading. This includes switching the UI, as the old plugin is unloaded before the new one is loaded.

Sounds like a lot of problems? Don't fret because Raf knows this perfectly well and this version is actually a WIP. In case you are still interested and wants to be one of the firsts to try PSPRadio anew, the download link is provided below.

Download: [PSPRadio v1.1.1258]