PSP Software and Hacks
The PSP, like other Sony products, including the PS3, uses a version of the XrossMediaBar, or XMB. This graphical user interface allows the PSP to be controlled with the D-pad or analog stick with the least hassle and without using PSP hacks, and gives access to user photos, videos, music as well as launching games and surfing the Web.
After firmware version 2.00, Sony released the PSP Internet browser. The browser supports standard web features like javascript, cookies and CSS. Firmware version 2.70 supports Flash 6, which is old by PC standards, but still allows viewing of many Flash applications. Tabbed browsing is also supported, and further eases the web browsing experience on the PSP.
PSP Hacks For Remote Play
With the launch of the PS3, Sony pledged to bring both their living room and handheld consoles together with information sharing technologies. Because both devices support WIFI networking, the PS3 is able to use WLAN to allow the PSP to connect and access its files. Furthermore, the PSP is able to control the PS3 like an elaborate remote control, and can adjust volume and turn the PS3 on and off.
PSP Downloadable Games
Games demos can be downloaded by the PC or PS3 and transferred to the PSP on memory stick. The PSP can also play some original PlayStation titles via emulation. With PSP hacks, the PSP is also able to run backedup UMD ISO’s, with full games running off of the memory stick. In addition, PSP hacks also allow access to homebrew applications, including emulators.
PSP Homebrew Apps and Hacks
Soon after the PSP was released in North America, its firmware, file system and OS were exploited to run unsigned code. This resulted in homebrew applications running on the PSP. Currently, homebrew has brought Ogg Vorbis audio playback, emulators for many consoles, including the NES, SNES, MAME and Sega Genesis, and many other useful programs that are not authorized by Sony. To run homebrew code, a PSP hack must be employed to downgrade or alter the standard PSP firmware.
