Homebrew developer Roe-ur-boat has released an update to AutoStart PRX, a custom firmware plugin that allows users to launch any application or game by binding it to a button combination of their choosing. The included configuration file supports to up 10 entries. Additionally, an optional configuration parameter enables users to specify a auto launch entry when no buttons are pressed.

This build features a redesigned graphical interface courtesy of aspheric and several bug fixes. A full recap is provided in the changelog past the break.

* Fixed a bug I added when I added support for Bubbletunes Game Categories.
* Fixed a bug where the configurator would crash if an ISO had no name…
* New GUI courtesy of aspheric.

Download AutoStart v5.3

AutoStart v5.3 - [eXophase.com]

Homebrew developer Bubbletune has rolled out an update to custom firmware plugin Game Categories. Featuring three separate modes to display content, which can be toggled on-the-fly, it allows users to tidy up their PSP’s GAME folder through means of organization by easily categorizing applications and games.

Version 9.0 adds an additional display mode, dubbed “Content Browser.” When selected, this mode displays only the ICON0.PNG when scrolling through files.

Download Game Categories v9.0

Game Categories v9.0: Organize Homebrew On PSP - [eXophase.com]

Homebrew developer Torch has released an update to Hold+, a custom firmware plugin for PSP engineered to save on battery life. It does this by performing a variety of tasks when activated, including downclocking the CPU speed to 60 MHz and switching off the LCD screen and backlight. Perfect for squeezing the most from your PSP battery when listening to music on the go.

Version 3.7 features an optimized code base and includes several bug fixes, all of which are outlined in the changelog after the break.

Download Hold+ 3.7
Release Thread

Homebrew developer Torch has released a new plugin designed to hide folders essential to custom firmware on the Memory Stick.  When enabled, Folder Blocker hides the directories “seplugins” and “ISO” while in GAME mode to prevent certain applications or recent UMD disc games (e.g. DJ Max) from modifying them.

As always, for installation and usage instructions, refer to the included readme file.

Download PSP CFW Folder Blocker

Not long after informing M for Mature of an upcoming release to his Game Categories plugin, Bubbletune has released his plugin for the PSP, called Game Categories Revised, to the public in our forums. For anyone who missed the previous news article on this fantastic piece of homebrew, here is what it does:

Unlike the previous releases where the user had to enter the VSHMenu to switch between categories, Bubbletune’s fourth revision of his Game Categories plugin for the PSP will now enable the user to choose between two modes; a multiple memory stick icon mode where the XMB displays a memory stick icon for every category, or a selection mode where the user is prompted to choose their category when selecting the memory stick icon in the Game menu.

For more information on the release and a changelog, check out Bubbletune's forum post below.

Release Thread: [M for Mature Forums]

Previous News Article: [M for Mature]

After a lengthy wait of one month, Bubbletune has adhered to his promise and notified M for Mature of an upcoming release to his Game Categories plugin for the PSP, named Game Categories Revised.

Unlike the previous releases where the user had to enter the VSHMenu to switch between categories, Bubbletune's fourth revision of his Game Categories plugin for the PSP will now enable the user to choose between two modes; a multiple memory stick icon mode where the XMB displays a memory stick icon for every category, or a selection mode where the user is prompted to choose their category when selecting the memory stick icon in the Game menu.

If you haven't used Bubbletune's Game Category plugin before and find yourself in the position where you have to scroll through over 50 homebrew applications in the Game > Memory Stick menu (oh, the pain), then this is for you.  Bubbletune's Game Categories plugin is an effective alternative to using some of the computer-based organisation programs out there for the PSP.

To start, simply create a sub-folder in PSP/GAME and drag and drop your homebrew files into it to create a category!  What's better yet is that Game Categories doesn't affect your PSP themes, so you can keep themeing without any trouble.

Discuss: [M for Mature Forum]

Keep your eyes open for updates and expect a release very soon on M for Mature!

Homebrew developer Torch has issued an update to Hold+, a custom firmware plugin for PSP designed to save on battery life. When enabled, it turns off the LCD backlight and reduces CPU clock whenever the Hold switch is engaged, while still allowing critical keys to be pressed for music playback and XMB navigation. As soon as the switch is flipped back up, all settings are returned to their previous state. Think of it as an enhanced sleep mode.

Version 3.6 introduces a fast scroll mode, which allows users to browse through music playlists on their PSP at nearly double the speed. The author notes it is  possible to scroll past 300 songs in 10 seconds.

Changelog

* Incorporated Fast Scroll Music functionality into Hold+. Increases the vertical scrolling speed of Music player by around 50% (scroll 300 songs in 10 seconds).

Download Hold+ v3.6

Release Thread [eXophase]
Release Thread [MforMature]

Let's face it, not all plugins are created equal. Some plugins seem cool when you first install it but then you realize it doesn't live up to what it promises to deliver and/or it simply isn't updated beyond the initial release. Then there are plugins that don't seem cool at all but you try it out anyway to find out it's a godsend; that's how I would describe Torch's Hold+ power saving plugin. Now updated to version 3.42, this bugfix release carries the following changelog:

Changelog v3.42
----------------------------------
Fixed a bug in the faulty Hold switch detection method. It should now be very resistant to problems such as CPU remaining underclocked due to faulty Hold switch.

Without further ado, please follow this link to download and leave Torch your comments. More details from Torch are available after the break.

Download and Discuss

Right on the heels of Dark_AleX's 5.00M33-4 release developer Bubbletune has released an update to the Game Categories plugin bringing the version count to 3 and support for the updated vshmenu. If this is your first time reading about this homebrew, this plugin allows you to easily categorize the contents of your memorystick; specifically, content that displays under the GAME menu. More details from the readme after the break.

Discussion thread

Bubbletune's download site