128w ago - Recently we reported on a 3.50 Firmware JailBroken PS3 x3Max video, and today PS3 developer xorloser has commented on the hack, as well as explaining why obtaining the hmac key for PlayStation 3 PUP files will not lead to PS3 Custom Firmware.

To quote from his blog, linked above:

"the hmac key for PUPs doesnt magically allow custom firmware. this is because all of the files that make up the PUP are signed anyway, so you cannot make custom versions of any of those files because you cannot sign them.

as for x3max supposedly working on v3.50, i call fake."

128w ago - Here is a guide I wrote on how to convert your Demo / Kiosk PS3 into a fully functional Retail PlayStation 3 console via JailBreak using PSGrade (or similar) so that so you no longer need to enter PS3 Demo Unlock Codes in.

Also, those interested may wish to read this guide on How to Turn a Kiosk into Retail PS3 Without Downgrade via Acid CFW or Convert PS3 Demo / Kiosk to Retail - No Downgrades or Reinstalls.

How to Turn PS3 Demo / Kiosk Consoles Into Retail with JailBreak

Requirements: You will need the typical DGF (downgrade files) and a USB board with PSGrade loaded, as well as a standard USB stick.

First, we need to be able to use the jig and to do so, we need the kiosk to not auto start...

129w ago - Since the release of PS3 Firmware v3.55 there is no sense in keeping the master key a secret any more - it has been released, along with unencrypted payloads, and a promise to release the source-code by PS3YES for a free PSGrade PS3 downgrader.

Download: PSGrade / PSGrade PS3 Hex Codes

Of note, the downgrade hex will only work on PS3's with a firmware of 3.50 or below.

The same team which brought the PSN spoof for online support of jailbreaks now has also brought us a Free Downgrade HEX for the PS3! PS3YES has released un-encrypted HEX files for downloading.

They promise open-source code to be release soon, but find below pre-compiled HEX files:

PSGRADE AT90USB646-16Mhz Teensy++ 1.0
PSGRADE AT90USB1286-16Mhz Teensy++...

129w ago - Today facanferff has released a PS3 homebrew TXT Reader PKG application for JailBreak users followed by a SuiteApp Beta update alongside a video of it in action and some updates below.

Download: PS3 Homebrew TXT Reader Beta 1 / SuiteApp Beta / SuiteApp Beta (3.55 FW) / SuiteApp v0.2 Multi Text Reader for PS3

To quote from PSGroove: "It is currently in beta, and it does exactly as the name implies, reads text (txt) files.

In addition to txt files it also reads .cpp .c and .h files right off your PS3's hard drive.

It has a built in file browser and the ability to increase/decrease font size."

Those interested can check out the video below!

129w ago - Over the weekend Treyarch developer JD_2020 has shared details on their official site (linked above) of the upcoming Call of Duty: Black Ops PS3 v1.04 patch.

To quote: Hey PS3 gamers,

We are listening to you and we’ve been busy working on updates based on feedback from the community. We have already deployed a number of updates, and there will be many more to come. Stay tuned right here for all the latest info.

IN PROGRESS

Patch 1.04 is nearing the end of Phase 2 testing. Going into Phase 3 submissions on 12/6.

Issues Addressed:

• Resolved several issues with parties getting disbanded unexpectedly.
  
• Additional measures to prevent the “Transmission error” and other disconnects. This was most likely to occur with large parties where party members had mixed NAT types.
  
• Updated handling for UPnP-enabled routers to improve matchmaking conditions where users had strict or moderate NAT types. Also added in-game communications so that all players are aware of their NAT type in the Player Match party lobby.
  
• Addressed an issue with VOIP icons not appearing when USB headsets were plugged in prior to game launch.
  
• Prevention of exploit that allowed players to keep custom classes and killstreaks...