4m ago - Following up on PS3 Firmware 4.41, today Sony has released PS3 System Software update 4.45 followed by reports of mass-bricking so currently it is advised NOT to install it.

Beware as it is causing a lot of consoles (mine included) to brick! There seems to be a glitch (pictured below) with a lot of users updating to that firmware and getting freezes after restarting.

From Sony's Twitter on the PS3 Firmware 4.45 changes: "PS3 system software update 4.45 coming soon, Trophy notification options and improved system stability are on the way"

From JadeTreeInWind on Sony's official Forums, to quote:

"When I start up the PS3 Slim today, it reported that it required to update to 4.45 (the version that allows you to disable trophy notification during game play). After the download and installation, the system reboot.

But after it display the PS3 logo, it went to the second screen (the flowing ribbon). It suppose to display XB next. but it never goes there....

8w ago - Following up on PS3 Firmware 4.40, today Sony Tweeted news of PS3 System Software update v4.41 with details below.

Download: PS3 Firmware 4.41 Update (US) / PS3 Firmware 4.41 Update (EU)

In a nutshell, PS3 Firmware 4.41 is a minor PlayStation 3 update that will improve system stability. I just got prompted to do a system update. Looks like no online until some PS3 CFW news appears, however, the encryption keys and the passphrase is still the same.

Below is what the Tweet states, to quote: "PS3 software update v4.41 is coming today, it's a minor update that will improve system stability."

As always, more details and an official changelog will be posted once they become available.

Below are some changes from eussNL as well:

Kiosk/Shop/SEX was also changed – same deal as retail of course. Still downgradeable...

13w ago - Following up on the PS3 Firmware v4.31 update, today Sony has officially released PlayStation 3 System Software update v4.40 with details below.

Download: PS3 Firmware 4.40 Update (US) / PS3 Firmware 4.40 Update (EU) / Extracted PUP by MorozzNL / PS3 4.40 CoreOS.rar by hellsing9

While there is no official changelog available yet, it is a required (mandatory) update although nothing appears to be different from the previous firmware revision on the surface.

However, Sony's Japanese site notes new support for a particular NFC reader, the Sony RC-S380 card reader device, has been added alongside improved...

13w ago - Following up on their Rebug 4.30.2 REX Edition / Toolbox 02.01.02 and the XMB Mod v02.01.00 Ice Edition, today Sony PlayStation 3 hackers Cyberskunk and evilsperm of Team Rebug have released Rebug Update Package v0.1 (4.30.x and 4.21.x) which allows Custom Firmware (CFW) users to connect to PSN.

Download: Rebug_Update_Package_0.1_4.30.x.pkg / Rebug_Update_Package_0.1_4.30.x.pkg (Mirror) / Rebug_Update_Package_0.1_4.21.x.pkg / Rebug_Update_Package_0.1_4.21.x.pkg (Mirror)

To quote: Rebug Update Package 0.1 (4.30.x and 4.21.x)

THIS ALLOWS PSN ACCESS - USE AT YOUR OWN RISK - FOR REBUG 4.30.x / 4.21.x ONLY - FOR REBUG 4.30.x / 4.21.x ONLY - YOU MUST BE IN REBUG MODE TO ACCESS PSN

This will update...

18w ago - Following up on the previous Sony PS3 Debug / Test leak, today the PlayStation 3 DEX Firmware 4.30 PUP has surfaced with details below.

Download: Sony PS3 Debug / Test (DEX) Firmware 4.30 Update / Sony PS3 Debug / Test (DEX) Firmware 4.30 Update (Mirror) / Sony PS3 Debug / Test (DEX) Firmware 4.30 Update (Mirror #2) / Sony PS3 Debug / Test (DEX) Firmware 4.30 Update (Mirror #3) / dex 4.30 xmb_plugin.30.rar by DANNY G

Warning: According to PlayStation 3 developer soniciso as posted HERE, PS3 CEX to DEX converted units will brick when the OFW 4.30 DEX update is installed so be cautious!

PUP Hashes

MD5: 2B8F823526634F1D04A7F61261EEE850
SHA1: DD96D7D4DA85F0AAB41F7B82D348572B889A39C1
CRC32: BDCAD908
CRC16: 04A1
HMAC_SHA1: 0xF1CA59DB50C7D9B86175B95EBBF1A39D0F1AB3AE