PSP firmware 2.80 kernel access exploit found

Posted by multippt

Team C+D recently discovered a way of running homebrew applications with kernel access on firmware 2.80. Previously, there was no known way of running homebrew applications on PSP firmware 2.80, and that homebrew applications will only run on user mode on the PSP. This exploit runs on the currently available TIFF exploit on the PSP. At the moment, only a proof of concept of the new exploit is available. This “proof-of-concept” application dumps the firmware of the PSP to the memory stick

This exploit meant that it is possible that a PSP firmware downgrader for firmware 2.80 may emerge in the near future. Kernel access also meant greater support for more homebrew applications, especially those which run in kernal mode.

Via Maxconsole forums

PSP official firmware 3.03 released

Posted by multippt

Sony recently released a new firmware update for PSP users. This update updates the PSP’s firmware to 3.03.

The following feature is added:
-More Playstation titles from the PLAYSTATION Network can be played on the PSP

Note that updating this can render your PSP being unable to run homebrew (non-official) software. This firmware cannot be emulated from a homebrew application.

A PSP firmware update consist of several files within it, of which one of the files is a file with the extension *.PSAR. This special file contains the firmware files, which the update installs into the PSP. This new update features a different *.PSAR file, that consist of a different layout. This results in currently available PSP firmware dumpers being unable to dump the new update for emulation. In addition, the encryption keys for certain important files have been changed, making decrypting the entire firmware update not possible. Thus, emulation of this new firmware is not possible at the moment.

Guess what? Sony admits viral marketing ploy

Posted by multippt

Earlier, we came across a blog (”all i want for xmas is a psp”). We went on to saying that the blog seems too suspicious and later did a little research to find out more.

Now, Sony admited to the fake blog by placing a notice on the site. Quoted from the site:

“Busted. Nailed. Snagged. As many of you have figured out (maybe our speech was a little too funky fresh???), Peter isn’t a real hip-hop maven and this site was actually developed by Sony. Guess we were trying to be just a little too clever. From this point forward, we will just stick to making cool products, and use this site to give you nothing but the facts on the PSP.”

Hopefully, Sony wouldn’t come out with more similar kinds of marketing schemes, where consumers end up being coerced to buy something.

Via “all i want for xmas is a psp”

PSP now has 5 colors

Posted by multippt

Previously, there was only one color for the PSP, and that was shiny black. Then, Sony came up with the white PSP, that was sold in Japan, then Asia, and finally, the rest of the world. Late 2006, Sony proposed and finalized the pink PSP, which is known to have the new TA-86 (no known changes compared to TA-82) motherboard.

Now, add two more colors to that list, because Sony just finalized the blue and silver (or grey) color scheme.

These are the Japanese models of the 5 different PSPs:
-PSP-1000 (Black)
-PSP-1000CW (Cream White)
-PSP-1000MB (Blue)
-PSP-1000PK (Pink)
-PSP-1000SV (Silver)

Via Official PSP Japanese site (in Japanese)

Is this Sony’s attempt at viral marketing? - Creating a blog

Posted by multippt

Wow, about time Sony realized the power of blogging. Wow it is genuinely creative, no the blog (all i want for xmas is a psp) does not tell the tale of a real person.

I must say, the site does look like a real blog, with limited hints that it comes from Sony (marketing department?). The blog details on how the author have a PSP, while his friend doesn’t. His friend badly wanted a PSP for christmas (hence the domain for the blog). So, he tries to help his friend. Of course, there are “hints” of requests that you get a PSP to help his very friend of his.

The blog also consist of a youtube video (congrats again, Sony, you finally realized the power of youtube) that shows a person who says something about wanting a PSP (and he even got a PSP face plate for it too). The blog also consist of several PSP related stuff such as a card, a PSP iron on pattern sheet (for T-shirt), and an unusual “all i want for xmas is a PSP” $249 note.

While the posts have different timestamps (to make it more real), any blog can specially assign custom timestamps to their posts. In addition, how many blog owners can sustain the cost of a “.com” together with a web host that offers asp.net when there are actually lower cost alternatives? Also, wouldn’t the blog owner be alerted by Sony for copyright infringement for using the iconic symbols (that is, the circle, triangle, square and cross forund on the controller) from Sony game consoles? While it is possible that one can be trully raving for a PSP or is a fan of the PSP, how many would actually make urber professional (as if made by a marketing company or a skilled professional) (however though, the ad does not seem to do much influence though) downloadable freebies from their blog? Lastly, a check on the domain revealed it to be from Zipatoni. Zipatoni is a marketing company.

Well, its up to you to think if it is an actual blog or it is part of Sony’s effort at advertising the PSP.

Via Digg, “all i want for xmas is a psp”

PSP official firmware 3.02 released

Posted by multippt

Sony has recently released firmware version 3.02 (Japan release). This is currently available on network update through the PSP, and the Japanese official site for the PSP (link above). Currently, there are no major features added with this firmware update except for an unspecified vulnerability being addressed.

Its been only a few weeks since the previous update, 3.01 was released.

This latest firmware can be emulated on a homebrew-enabled PSP using the application, Devhook (v0.51). Also note that with this update, your PSP would lose the capabilities to run homebrew applications.

Via Qj.net