128w ago - Update: CodeTwink has confirmed that PS3 Firmware update version 3.55 blocked access to lv2 kernel "execute" access, however, if you can patch back in a method to lv1_write_htab_entry, you can re-enable this area.

Today Sony Network Operations Americas VP Eric Lempel has announced that PS3 Firmware update v3.55 has arrived and simply adds a security patch.

Download: PS3 Firmware Update v3.55 (US) / PS3 Firmware Update v3.55 (EU)

More details are posted below, and to quote: "A new PS3 system software update, v3.55, will be released soon. This is a minor update that adds a security patch."

As expected, the PS3 Firmware 3.55 update works with the E3...

139w ago - A few days ago the PS3 Firmware 3.50 update was released, and since then many users have reported that their PlayStation 3 controller third-party USB adapters no longer function.

To quote from VG247.com (linked above): "According to a consumer alert posted by Sony on September 21, the same day the newest firmware update went live:

"SCEA does not support continued functionality of counterfeit or unlicensed controllers in system software updates and these devices may cease to function in the future because of system software updates.

SCE and its affiliated companies disclaim all liability for any loss or damage suffered by you or any third party through the use of counterfeit or unlicensed products."

There's been no official response from Sony just yet, but we'll send a mail and see if it's working on the issue or if it has a response."

140w ago - Update: According to ConnectedConsoles.com, Sony's Japanese Web site reveals the additional PS3 Firmware 3.50 features as follows, to quote:

"Facebook connectivity will increase and will allow users (at least from what we can gather from the translation) to post what game they're playing on the social networking site.

Moreover, you can now report messages from the XMB which will be a much-welcomed feature for those of you who recieved spam over PSN."

Additionally, Made2Game.com now lists the rest, as follows:

• Support for Blu-ray 3D
• 'Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity' - New icon [Music]. Although this service is not yet available, the icon will be shown in this section.
• Control 'Direct Pointer' in the browser via PlayStation Move.
• PlayStation Plus User Interface in the PlayStation Store updated.
• 3D Display to warn of 3D content.
• Calibration of PlayStation Move motion control will be possible the menu [Game]
• Reports about users may...

141w ago - Update: Several users who updated to PS3 Firmware 3.42 have now confirmed (along with Sony directly) that Sony has indeed added 'additional security features' and patched the PS3 exploit used for PS JailBreak, PSGroove and PSFreedom as expected so it is advised you do NOT update if you plan to use them.

For those who just signed in to PlayStation Network, PS3 Firmware update 3.42 is now available to download.

Download: PS3 Firmware 3.42 Update (US) / PS3 Firmware 3.42 Update (EU)

While we can speculate on whether Sony blocked PS JailBreak with it, etc feel free to grab it below and report in the comments any changes you notice and we will update the news accordingly.

146w ago - Last week Sony released PS3 Firmware 3.41 which caused issues for PlayStation 3 HDD upgraders, followed by debunking the 3.41 problems only to quietly re-release a 'fixed' PS3 Firmware 3.41 update.

Download: PS3 Firmware 3.41 Update (Fixed - US) / PS3 Firmware 3.41 Update (Fixed - EU)

To quote from PSGamer24 and CJPC HERE: "They fixed it and re-uploaded the firmware without telling anybody. The link is the same but the MD5 hash is different.

[CJ@localhost Download]$ md5sum PS3UPDAT-341*
00c835be718fc3d5f793e130a2b74217 PS3UPDAT-341-ORIGINAL.PUP
e07d2b84c9e9691c261b73e5f1aada20 PS3UPDAT-341-NEW.PUP...