PS3 Hacks - News, PS3 Hacks, Cracks, Mods.

Not sure if anyone else missed this or if I’m the only one… Nonetheless, it’s mighty cool and deserves a spot here on PS3 Hacks.

Lili-Chan Software has released (in December) an updated version of their PS3 Theme Builder with support for added sound effects. Version 2.1 is the latest and no doubt the best tool for creating/managing your PS3 themes.

PS3 Theme Builder v2.1 changes:

• Added Support for including Sound effects into your theme.
• Added XMB background to the previews.
• Added color to the previews.
• Fixed German / Spanish bug causing the update dialog to always display.
• Fixed Pointer Icon Delete button.
• Fixed Background Set Add button (it’s now consistent).
• Fixed assembly version. The application was reporting it was version 1.6.0.1 in the about box when it was actually 2.0.0.0, now it’s 2.1.0.0
• Some error messages were showing a \r\n in the middle…. I fixed that.
• Moved the “Test Drive” button so it can be used easily on any tab.
• Added support to upload to themes to PS3Files.net - this returns BB / HTML code you can use to post your theme out on the tubes.

Download: PS3 Theme Builder v2.1

- source: lili-chan.com

My friend Alessandro brought this link (see source) to my attention late last night some time. I refrained from posting because, well, to be honest, I’m skeptic. There’s only video proof and we all know what Hollywood is capable of. Even then, the video doesn’t actually prove much. And not to mention similar hoaxes surrounding the community which never materialized into anything. It goes on and on… I’ve decided to post now after a number of people emailed in the same news. So, you decide. Here’s the low-down so far…

Team ICE and StreetskaterFU claim to have discovered an exploit allowing the execution of unsigned code on the latest 2.10 firmware. They’ve already got an application converting ELF binaries to SELF — no release for that yet. The SELF code apparently runs but does not initialize video output. Development continues and once the video initialization issue is corrected, “Hello World” will be concrete proof.

Again, take this news with a grain of salt. Watch the video, decide for yourself, and leave your opinion below. Keep those fingers crossed!

- source: dev-ice.eu

Do this, now:

1. Install Petitboot (download below) See project page.
   • copy or burn “otheros.bld” (the boot loader image) to a USB stick or DVD-R/CD-R, etc… under the /PS3/otheros directory; i.e.) F:\PS3\otheros\otheros.bld
   • insert whatever media used from above into the PS3, navigate to System -> System Settings -> Install Other OS
   • set your default operating system to “Other OS” — System -> System Settings -> Set Default OS, and reboot
2. Burn the PS3 Megabox ISO image (k3b_0.iso) to a DVD or CD
3. Ensure you’re booting with petitboot (Other OS) and insert the PS3 Megabox disc
4. Select the disc icon from the petitboot menu
5. Enjoy!

The result: an awesome PS3 experience. At least that’s the plan. The software is beta so you may encounter strange behaviour or non-working functions. I’ll report back later with an update.

Megabox acts as a full-fledged media server with plenty of extra goodies. Software, including Firefox, emulators, P2P, VoIP, games, etc… Launch PS3 games (blu-rays, not ISOs) directly from the menu. Megabox is also compatible with a variety of TV USB devices. Radio/TV Internet streaming is supported, recording shows, etc… You name it. It’s quite impressive. Unfortunately HDMI out is not [yet] functional.

Download: PS3 Megabox | petitboot loader

- source: allgaming.de

PS3 Megabox features: (more…)

Those with $20 burning a hole in your pocket may be interested in Nullriver’s latest for the PS3 & Mac. Seamlessly stream your iTunes library to the PS3 with ease. Not only that — view photos & videos stored on your Mac too. Wired or wireless, MediaLink will automatically detect your PlayStation 3 and vice versa. Essentially it’s a DLNA-compliant media server for the Mac.

MediaLink supports all the formats that the PlayStation 3 supports, excluding DRM protected content, including: MP3, AAC*, WMA, WAV, MPEG1, MPEG2, MPEG4, H.264, AVI, WMV & ASF, DIVX, JPEG, GIF, PNG, TIFF, BMP and more.

Free trial available via the source link.

- source: nullriver.com

Details concerning Blu-ray PS3 to PSP emerge from Sony’s booth at CES 2008. Unfortunately there are no videos demonstrating the process (yet); however, some pictures and details have been released:

• the PSP transfer or transcoded version of the film is encoded using H.264/MPEG-4 AVC
• certain Blu-ray 2.0 discs, on the disc itself, may include the lower-resolution version; that’s the one ready for transfer
• copies from PS3 to PSP over USB

So I’m wondering, you think Wi-Fi speed limitations create difficulty for Remote Play playback, or what’s the deal? There is no mention whether or not that will be possible. Also — on-the-fly transcoding using our current Blu-ray discs — that’s unlikely, by the sounds of it.

Finally some news concerning in-game XMB access… It’s confirmed for 2008, but when in 2008? No clue…

Sony’s gaming division might have a small showing at this year’s CES, but that isn’t keep Paul Purdy from dropping some big PS3 news: in-game Xross Media Bar (XMB) access is confirmed for 2008. When pressed for a specific timeframe, the Sony rep simply relayed that Sony’s focus at CES is on hardware.

For those not aware, the PS3’s operating system is unavailable while in games. This prevents the use of custom soundtracks or messenging while a game is active, and since the Xbox 360 offers its users both while in-game, PS3 owners have been justifiably frustrated.

Justifiably frustrated indeed! C’mon Sony, like wtf?!

- source: thegamereviews.com

Homebrew developers and PS3 hackers who own the InFeCtuS modchip may find interest in mainman’s PS3 NAND Dump Extractor tool. Or for those without InFeCtuS and still have the desire to experiment, you can find the already-dumped NAND dumps online.

This tool is used to interleave, then byteswaps both dumps of the PS3 NAND. Upon completion, it creates a ‘user readable’ file.

This file is then scanned by the tool, and the flash files are extracted to a folder. This folder is named PS3Nand-XXX.XXXX, where XXX.XXXX is the SDK Version magic in the flash (usually the version number of the firmware)

.B .A usually works, however in some cases .A .B order is required. The tool was made by mainman, assisted by the PS3News.com Developers!

The resulting files are used for analysis & experimental purposes only; hopefully opening the PS3 up to much more. Not a bad way to start off the year.

Download: PS3 NAND Dump Extractor (includes Windows & Linux binaries)

- source: ps3hax

Thanks Fadil