128w 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++...

128w 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!

128w 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...

129w ago - As a follow-up to my PS3 Acid CFW XMB XML Hack Pack, today we are happy to announce that we have enabled more PlayStation 3 Debug options in our ongoing PS3 Acid CFW WIP project and posted a video below.

Here are the details from DeViL303 at kbx.org (linked above): As you may know, the Acid CFW project was first released on PS3News.com over a month ago by Cfwprophet, and since then its progress is going like a snowball on a big hill !!

We are working on this continously and even in last few hours Cfwprophet and myself have made some great discoveries with regard to Debug options! More news to come so watch this space for more great info about this Custom Firmware for PlayStation 3!

This is a work in progress so any help or ideas you can offer will be gratefully accepted. Big thanks to PSJailBreak team for making all this possible, Hermes and KaKaRaTo for all the payloads, Grimso (you know why!), JaicraB for the Firmloader which is vital at this point, Nev for all the work on this site, PS3 News, CJ and all the other great people over at PS3News.com plus many more.

If we all get together and hack this brilliant piece of technology it will keep getting...

129w ago - As a follow-up to the Infectus and E3 Card Reader PS3 Downgrader news, today the PS3 Break Team (and the PS3Key/EcliPS3 Teams) have also confirmed they have a PlayStation 3 Downgrader for 3.50 Firmware consoles incoming.

Below is a picture, and the announcement from their site, linked above:

Currently, news spreads on Internet regarding some brand dongle companies have capable of downgrading PS3 firmware from v3.50 to v3.41.

PS3Break dongle is ultimate testing. It will be officially launched in the next few days! please expect together !

So it appears all of the PS JailBreak PS3 modchip clone devices will utilize the PS3 downgrader functionality, and here is to hoping a free version also surfaces soon.