In terms of less noteworthy changes, users can also expect to see the rebranding of PSN to SEN on account sign-in pages. The firmware is due out later this week on Wednesday. We’ll let you know when it’s live.

Given the small version bump from the current official 4.0 firmware, which was released two months ago in preparation for the Vita launch, it is likely this update introduces some very minor changes or bug fixes. Time will tell if Sony rolls out an equivalent firmware for retail units. If that’s the case, we’ll likely see it later this week.

Apart from that, there appears to be no other noteworthy changes, but we’ll let you know if we stumble upon any new features.

Additionally, the firmware update is a mandatory one. Users attempting to access to the PlayStation Store will be greeted with an update prompt upon connect. This marks the third firmware update since the Vita’s December debut in Japan, and we doubt it’ll be the last we see before it launches in the US and Europe next month.

Sony has released a system software update for the PS Vita — firmware 1.51. It’s not clear what changes have been introduced, but we’ll let you know if we find anything.

Given the minor version bump, this update likely addresses some bugs that were found in the previous firmware. There have been reports of intermittent freezing and touch screen response issues, so it could be stability related. We have not experienced such issues on our import unit, however.

Besides that, nothing else appears to be added. There have been earlier reports of launch PS Vita game software shipping with a firmware update, so this is likely the same one.

With the Vita, however, Sony hopes to further address this issue. That’s according to Sony WWS boss Shuhei Yoshida:

I agree, it’s very annoying when you only have one hour in your busy life to play a game, and when you have to spend 30 minutes out of that one hour to update the hardware. So it’s not necessarily the frequency of how we update, it’s like you said – intrusiveness – of the current processes that we have on PS3 and PSP. I cannot talk about specific plans, but we are very aware of the issues, and we’d like to address those issues on PS Vita going forward.

Being able to multitask, such as playing a game while an update is downloading in the background, would be a huge plus to start.

Thanks, GameInformer.

According to Sony, the update improves system stability during use of PS3 format software and network services.

Download PS3 Firmware 3.72 (US)

Sony’s just announced that PS3 firmware 3.66 is scheduled to drop soon, likely by tonight. It’s a minor update that “improves stability during use of PS3 format software.”

Additionally, refinements have been made to PSN services. We’ll update when the firmware goes live.

Download PSP Firmware 6.38

Update: PS3 firmware 3.60 has gone live. Grab it via Network Update or manually from our download section.

Sony’s announced that PS3 firmware 3.60 will drop tomorrow, bringing with it an added incentive for PSN Plus subscribers. On a per PSN account basis, those under the pay-for loyalty program will receive the ability to store up to 150MB of game save data and a maximum of 1000 data files to Sony’s cloud infrastructure.

In addition, users can back-up “copy-prohibited save data” on the cloud. Restores of previously saved data are limited to once every 24 hours. While Sony says “most” PS3 titles will be compatible with the new online storage method right out of the gate, the company has made support mandatory in new titles going forward.

Last but not least, aside from the cloud saving highlight, “other minor features” are due for inclusion in firmware 3.60. Looks like we’ll find out what else awaits tomorrow.

A wide range of PS3 models are affected, all of them with a 16MB NAND flash, which covers all newer slimline configurations. 256MB units are seemingly unaffected.

Here’s the complete breakdown:

* FAT NAND SIZE
o CECHA = 256MB
o CECHB = 256MB
o CECHC = 256MB
o CECHE = 256MB
o CECHG = 256MB
o CECHH = 16MB
o CECHJ = 16MB
o CECHK = 16MB
o CECHL = 16MB
o CECHM = 16MB
o CECHP = 16MB
o CECHQ = 16MB
* SLIM NAND SIZE
o CECH-20..A = 16MB
o CECH-20..B = 16MB
o CECH-21..A = 16MB
o CECH-21..B = 16MB
o CECH-250.A = 16MB
o CECH-250.B = 16MB
o CECH-250.A = 16MB
o CECH-250.B = 16MB
o CECH-251.A = 16MB
o CECH-251.B = 16MB

Here’s hoping Sony pushes out a fix soon.

Suffice to say, those who value homebrew access are advised not to update at this time. It likely won’t be long before modified 3.56 PUPs hit the scene, though, given that developers have already succeeded in extracting LV1 and LV2 keys from the firmware libraries.

As usual, the firmware can be downloaded from Network Update or manually via our download section below.

Download PS3 Firmware 3.56

It looks like Davee has maintained his word of a new downgrader even though the PSP’s signing keys were released. The new downgrader will take your PSP running 6.31 or 6.35 firmware to the earlier 6.20 firmware, which is HEN-capable. The downgrade process is relatively simple: copy the PSP folder from the downgrader to your PSP and then put the 6.20 firmware update in the “PSP/GAME/UPDATE” folder with the file name “EBOOT.PBP”.

How was this accomplished? Davee says the new downgrader uses the utility/power exploit to run the official PSP updater with a custom PRX running. It then loads up the earlier 6.20 firmware and installs it just like any other firmware update.

Download: [Downgrader 6.31/6.35]

Download [PSP Firmware 6.20]

lolhax (Davee): [6.35 and 6.31 Downgrader]

Update: It’s out.

Ahead of the PSP2′s unveiling next week, Sony is giving the original PSP a dose of firmware lovin’. According to a recent PlayStation Blog post, PSP firmware 6.37 is due out ‘soon.’ It aims to “improve system software stability during use of some features.”

Nothing terribly exciting here, really, but we’ll let you know when the update goes live.

Download PSP Firmware 6.37

The suit contests that said defendants are in violation of DMCA under U.S. law, pointing to the recent publication of the PS3′s encryption routines and subsequent release of Hotz’s firmware 3.55 jailbreak.

It seems Sony isn’t letting this slide, not without a fight. More as it breaks. For those unable to access Geohot’s site, we’ve mirrored the relevant court orders in PDF format below.

Download Motion For TRO.pdf
Download Proposed Order.pdf

Sony would not spare details on the upcoming firmware, declining to provide further information due to the sensitive nature of security issues.

It’ll be interesting to see how this pans out, but we reckon the odds won’t be in favor of Sony this time. With the root key out in the open, the only remedy is a hardware change.

In fact, well-known hackers are already downplaying Sony’s claims. In a BBC interview, fail0verflow member pytey noted that “The complete console is compromised – there is no way back. The only way to fix this is to issue new hardware. Sony will have to accept this.”

We interrupt your holiday celebrations to give you something else to celebrate about. Davee, famous for his work on ChickHEN, just tweeted that he has successfully downgraded his PSPgo from firmware 6.31 to 6.20. When asked the share more details about the new development Davee replied saying “Just wait a while ;)”.

Glad to see the PSP is still getting some love from Davee; just wish the same could be said about those poor bodies…

Perhaps more importantly for end-users, the exploit brings with it the arrival of a firmware 6.35 compatible Homebrew Loader (HBL for short), which comes courtesy of developer ‘some1.’ As usual with releases of this magnitude, drama is ensuing over Jeerum’s decision to go public with the exploit files — as wololo points out on his blog:

I had written a long explanation on how stupid this leak release was, but then realized that such drama is mostly useless. Let’s just say that Sony will patch both the Hen and this exploit in their next firmware, while everybody already knew that TN had been working on “something” on 6.35 involving a VSH exploit. Well, at least he won’t have to waste this one…

Thumbs down to Jeerum for releasing this now. Man, had you waited a few weeks after Sony’s next firmware, you’d have been in a much better position.

It’s unfortunate, for sure, but what’s done is done. Those still on firmware 6.20 may want to hold off on upgrading as Total_Noob’s TN is due out soon and will supposedly feature kernel-level access. In the meantime, those on 6.35 can grab the associated demo and exploit files below.

Download HBL Revision 109 for Minna no Sukkiri
Download Minna no Sukkiri Demo

It seems that early adopters of the PS3 downgrader are experiencing issues with Blu-ray playback on their consoles. According to Mathieulh, the reason this happens is because some files are replaced with those from a debug unit which do not support blu-ray movie playback. It is unclear at this time whether this broken functionality could be fixed in the future or not. Looks like you’ll have to determine which is more important to you right now, blu-ray movies or homebrew.

Blu-ray Playback Issues [@Mathieulh]

It’s a mandatory update, of course, meaning you’ll have to install it to continue using PSN. Grab it via or Network Update or from our download section below.

Download PS3 Firmware 3.55

Mad Catz would like to take this opportunity to put gamers’ minds at ease. With the exception of a small quantity of controllers sold before 2008, we believe that all Mad Catz products will continue to function as they did prior to the 3.50 Firmware update including high profile products such as our range of Street Fighter IV™ FightSticks and Wireless FightPads; our range of controllers and accessories for Call of Duty®; our Cyborg F.L.Y. 9 Wireless FlightStick; our wired and wireless control pads; and our range of Rock Band™ accessories.

Furthermore, MadCatz is offering a free replacement to anyone experiencing issues with their product, provided it is still under warranty that is. Not to knock a nice gesture, but we’d honestly be surprised if any product from pre-2008 is covered.

SCEA advises consumers to be cautious when buying PlayStation®3 Wireless Controllers from uncertain sources as the quality, reliability and safety of counterfeit products is uncertain, and in some cases, may be dangerous. It is possible that some counterfeit product may ignite or explode, resulting in injury or damage to the user, your PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, or other property.

Further to this, a group of users over at the official PlayStation forums report that a range of external USB devices have been rendered inoperable with the advent of firmware 3.50. The bulk of third-party devices from mass market manufactures remain compatible, it seems. Whether this was intentional is currently unknown. The compatibility issues could be a casualty of Sony’s recent efforts to block the USB-activated PSJailbreak hack, but that’s pure conjecture for now.

News : Consumer Alerts [SCEA]

Update: As promised, firmware 3.50 has gone live! Grab it from our download section or via Network Update. Take caution, however: like 3.42 before it, this update renders all PSJailbreak variants inoperable.

Additionally, to complement its release, the US PS Blog sends along more details on enhanced Facebook integration and the “Grief Reporting” feature, which makes its debut in 3.50. We’ve also received reports that this update does not include Move navigation support within the internet browser as originally stated. Bummer.

Facebook Integration: Developers will be able to create PS3 games that have more interaction with Facebook. Once compatible PS3 titles are available, PS3 users can choose to access public information on Facebook – including user name, profile, uploaded photos and friends list – to enhance their gameplay experience.

Grief Reporting Function: Users can send claim reports directly from the XMB for any inappropriate messages they receive from other PlayStation Network users. This feature is accessible from the option menu of the messages list in the FRIENDS category

Beyond ushering in 3D support for select Blu-ray format movies, tomorrow’s planned PS3 firmware 3.50 release brings a wealth of perks that may interest you. Or not.

According to a detailed changelog posted on Sony’s official Spanish forums, the update adds Move navigation support to the PS3′s internet browser and an icon for Sony’s cloud-based iTunes-like Qriocity service. Unfortunately, we’re told that said service will not be immediately accessible in lieu of the firmware launch. Additionally, in case you thought the current crop of error messages weren’t clear enough, Sony is updating several of them with more descriptive messages.

That about wraps up what’s notable in this update. Look past the break for the complete run-down.

-3D BluRay Support
-Move can be used as web browser cursor.
-Users reports can be sent from PS3 through the ‘Friends’ tab.
-3D notice screen for 3D enabled games.
-You can access to your Facebook profile
-Better description of the 14 most common errors.
-PSN+ Store updated.
-New Qriocity icon in the Music section. Service still unavailable.

Thanks, Fersis at NeoGAF.

As a result, this allows users to modify firmware resource files such as RCOs without any risk of bricking the unit. This could very well open the floodgates to a full-blown custom firmware in time. However, do take caution, as updating to a new firmware under the USB environment still affects the main dev_flash partition — not all routines are redirected, yet.

Further details are available in the provided readme file, which we’ve ran through Google Translate below:

This program allows to simulate the dev_flash from USB. Allowing a Custom Firmware. We may modify the files of our new dev_flash (USB) as we please, without running the risk of throwing away the PS3. It is a beta version, probably find bugs. I will continue working on it when time permits me. Remember that suffers no risk to the console. All that is changed the new dev_flash’ll be doing really USB.

Requirements:
1: Syscall PEEK and POKE. <— PSGroove v1.1

Installation:
1: Copy the “FTP server” the entire contents of the / dev_flash the USB (the root).
2: Copy the JaiC_USB_FIRM_LOADER.pkg also the root of the USB.
3: Install the package.

Use:
1: Insert the USB into the PS3.
2: Run USB LOADER FIRM.
3: After a few seconds will return to the XMB.
4: The new firmare is loaded.

You will see that whatever you do the USB will be launched. Ideal for amending RCO, exchange modules, as you imagine.

USB Firm Loader [JaiCraB's Blog]

Stereoscopic 3D support for games went live in firmware 3.30. This update brings the PS3 up to speed with the latest in 3D ready standalone Blu-ray players, reinforcing Sony’s commitment towards longevity.

Also promised are “a few additional features.” There’s no word on what those might be yet. At the very least, this update is shaping to be more exciting than the jailbreak-killing security patch that was 3.42 for the select few that already dropped over a grand on a 3D-capable HDTV.

A schematic, shown above, gives a detailed run-down of the hardware involved. It’s essentially a mini-PS2 designed to interface with the PS3. The device has its own dedicated CPU, sound processor, and graphics processor.

Of course, as this is only a patent, it in no way means the idea will eventually materialize. Still, it’s evident that Sony is still exploring ways to bring back PS2 compatibility. Good news for those who weren’t fortunate enough to snag a PS3 early on and want to play their old PS2 titles on the new platform.

Under that thinly veiled guise is another attempt at cutting off access to third-party applications, a move no doubt prompted by growing piracy concerns. Unfortunately, like usual, legal homebrew efforts take the brunt of the hit as a result.

Several reports have indicated that popular flashcarts have suffered a casualty due to this update. Models not working include, but are not limited to, the Acekard 2i, Supercard DSTwo, M3i Zero, iPlayer and DSTTi. Further, a GBATemp report claims EZ-Flash Vi, iSmart DS, Hyper R4i remain functional. At any rate, bearers of any of the previously mentioned carts will want to wait this one out until a solution is – likely inevitably – found.

Update: We can confirm that all variants of the USB-hub emulating exploit (PSFreedom, PSGroove, PSJailbreak) are no longer functional in firmware 3.42.

We’ve just been informed that PS3 firmware 3.42 has hit Network Update. Although Sony usually updates its blog ahead of time with information on new firmware releases, that is not the case this time — presumably as today is a holiday in the states.

Judging by the incremental version bump, chances are this is a relatively small update. Chances are also high that it blocks the recently PS3 exploit that has been making waves across the net since the PS Jailbreak code was reversed earlier last week.

That said, we’d strongly urge that anyone who wishes to retain the ability to run homebrew should refrain from updating. Unfortunately, staying on 3.41 translates to no PSN access, as Sony has flagged 3.42 as a mandatory update.

Until the legal mumbo-jumbo clears up, Aussie retailers have been forced to issue refunds on pre-orders, as all stock has been surrendered to Sony’s legal team for further review. A hearing is scheduled to take place on August 31 to determine whether the injunction becomes permanent or not.

The plug-and-play dongle is an intellectual property nightmare for Sony, with its touted ability to run backups of Blu-ray discs without an original copy. Beyond that, however, it also allows the execution of homebrew code — a welcomed feature among hobbyist developers as Sony removed OtherOS from a recent firmware update last March.

Sony Gets Federal Court to Temporarily Block Sale Of PS3 Modchips [Kotaku]

Update: Time to head on over to Network Update once again folks. PSP firmware 6.30 has gone live.

It’s a firmware bonanza: as Sony promised, PS3 firmware 3.40 is now live. The availability of 6.30 for PSP will follow shortly.

Both introduce PlayStation Plus, a premium tier of offerings geared towards PSN’s most loyal. You’ll pay $50 annual for the privledge of accessing “exclusive” content such as early demos and betas. Worth your green? Well, you be the judge.

To further emphasize Sony’s commitment and focus on community, PS3 firmware 3.40 brings about a myraid of social networking features, including the ability to share photos and videos straight from built-in XMB widgets over sites such as Facebook and YouTube.

Grab both firmwares via Network Update on their respective platform or hit up our download links below if you wish to go the manual route.

Download PS3 Firmware 3.40

Download PSP Firmware 6.30 / PSP Firmware 6.30 for PSPgo

Update: The (short) wait is over.

Sony just announced that PS3 firmware 3.40 will hit Network Update tonight, bringing with it PlayStation Plus support, in addition to social networking enhancements that strengthen integration between PSN services and Facebook.

Other enhancements include the ability to rate purchased content on the PlayStation Store under a five-star scale system and additional power save options. PlayStation Plus, if you haven’t already heard, is a optional premium tier for PSN users. It adds several incentives on top of the base PSN offering, including early access to betas, bonus content, and free access to select PSN Plus sponsored titles. More deets can be found here.

Due out alongside the aforementioned PS3 firmware update is PSP firmware 6.30, which also adds PlayStation Plus compatibility. There’s also a vague mention of “other minor features” thrown into the mix. Looks like we’ll have to wait and see what surprises await.

PS3 firmware 3.30 is due out “shortly,” Sony announced today. In addition to bringing preliminary stereo 3D support to the table, it features several enhancements that streamline accessibility when browsing through your collection of Trophies. These additions mark the inclusion of a trio of all-new sorting options, as detailed below:

* Trophy enhancements –- Now you can more easily sort trophies in the [Trophy Collection] and [Comparing Trophy] sections. Sorting can be done with [Trophy Collection] in the [Game Category] and also when comparing trophies with your friends in the [Friend Category]
* Trophy Folder (Title List) can be sorted by game name/ by title according to the date in which you earned your last trophy (ascending/descending)
* Add-on list (Group list) can be sorted by original/the date in which you earned your last trophy (ascending/descending)
* Trophy list can be sorted by original/trophy name/grade/date of obtaining the trophy (ascending/descending)

Nothing too noteworthy but certainly an improvement over the last firmware update, which to the dismay of many, took the controversial liberty of removing OtherOS. Sony was keen to note that firmware 3.30 only “preps” the system for 3D support. Meaning, it’s there, but not quite activated yet.  The true 3D enabling update isn’t due out till June.

Download PS3 Firmware 3.30

Meet 3.21 OO — true to his word, famed hacker George “GeoHot” Hotz has delivered on his promise to devise a “custom firmware” based on the PS3 3.21 update that retains access to OtherOS. See video proof above. Jokingly, he adds “I would have added something showing off the new features of 3.21, but oh wait, there aren’t any.”

According to Hotz himself, the feat can be pulled off without having to crack open your PS3 — that means no need for hardware modification, folks. Of course, running firmware 3.15 or prior is a prerequisite for taking advantage of this. Additionally, the same workaround may bring OtherOS support to Slim units, however this belief has yet to be tested.

Update: George Hotz responds.

Sony has announced that the next PS3 system software update — firmware 3.21 — is  slated to hit the PlayStation Network on April 1 and will remove the OtherOS feature present on units prior to the slimline revision, due to “security concerns.”

While Sony neglected to delve into further detail, these “security concerns” likely stem from the discovery of an exploit credited to famed iPhone hacker George “geohot” Hotz. Nothing usable to the average end-user has materialized yet, however, it’s clear that the looming threat of piracy has led Sony to take precautionary measures.

While the update itself is an optional one, by opting out you will no longer be able to sign into PSN nor play PS3 titles that require firmware 3.21 or later.

We’re filing this under rumor for now, as quite frankly, it is rare to see dates for firmware stem from a source other than Sony itself.

Given that 3D-capable TV sets are just beginning to sweep into the market and that Sony has repeatedly voiced its intent to support 3D gaming on PS3, however, we couldn’t imagine the release of this update being far off. Introducing this feature in June certainly sounds probable.

ソニー、“本物の3Dへ”。3D BRAVIA 3シリーズを発売 －2D-3D変換も。メガネ×2「LX900」、最高画質「HX900」 [AV Watch]

I have read/write access to the entire system memory, and HV level access to the processor. In other words, I have hacked the PS3. The rest is just software. And reversing. I have a lot of reversing ahead of me, as I now have dumps of LV0 and LV1.

3 years, 2 months, 11 days…that’s a pretty secure system

Took 5 weeks, 3 in Boston, 2 here, very simple hardware cleverly applied, and some not so simple software.

Coy on details, he further notes that idea behind this purported exploit is “not really patchable,” admitting that implementation of the logic behind it all may prove to be more challenging in future firmware releases if Sony decides to respond. And inevitably, they will. As of now Geohot has chosen to keep his findings under wraps but in all likelihood, it looks like we’ll be hearing more soon. Interesting times ahead, that’s for sure.

The full changelog is after the jump.

* Bluetooth sync issues fixed
* Trophy syncing issue resolved
* PSP Minis now playable on the PS3 (starting December 17th all PSP minis will be playable on the PS3, for now you must go to your download list and re-download any previously purchased PSP minis for them to function on the PS3)
* XBM Icon Added – Minis Save Data Icon
* LAN Data Transfer Utility

1. Turn both the current PS3 (A) and new PS3 (B) on and connect them with a LAN cable; PS3 (A) should be connected to the TV. Please note, firmware (v3.15) must be installed on both systems.
2. On the XMB of PS3 (A), scroll to the Settings category and select [System Settings] and then [Data Transfer Utility]
3. Follow the instructions on-screen and transfer data
4. After transferring the data, follow the instructions on-screen, and then connect PS3 (B) to the TV to view the XMB
5. If content that was downloaded from PlayStation Store was transferred as part of this operation, you must activate PS3 (B) before you can use the data. Log in to the PS3 system as the user who owns the content, and then select (PlayStation Network) > (Account Management) > (System Activation) to activate the system.

Download PS3 Firmware 3.15

Another addition is the ability to play PSN bought Minis on the PS3, confirming recent rumors. Going forward, all Minis will be cross-compatible with both PSP and PS3, providing an ample amount of value. The best part? You won’t be paying extra for the privilege. This also opens the gateway to a larger potential audience for Minis, a change that will certainly be welcomed by developers involved in creating these bite-sized efforts.

PS3 3.15 System Software Update [PS Blog]

Download PSP Firmware 6.20

Sony isn’t one to sit idle in midst of Microsoft’s social networking efforts, as the company has went ahead and announced that firmware 3.1 for PS3 will include Facebook integration. By linking up a PSN profile to a Facebook account, PS3 owners will able to automatically update their news feed with Trophy and PlayStation Store activity. You’ll never miss a beat. The initiative will also give developers the ability to publish game information to news feeds through Facebook’s API.

While Facebook integration is the main highlight of this update, Sony is squeezing in other noteworthy changes as well, including a revamped photo browser and the ability to change the font color of your PSN ID. Check out a video walkthrough of the soon to be released firmware above, courtesy of PSN director Eric Lempel.