Open source PS3 hack code posted
Homebrewers 1, Sony 0
Want a PlayStation 3 hacking dongle but worried Sony's legal fight with the gadget's suppliers will prevent you from buying one?
Fear not, because a build-your-own kit has appeared on the web.
Called PSGroove, it comprises software that can be downloaded and run on a specific type of USB Flash drive and used in much the same way the PSJailbreak dongle can.
Specifically, it will allow a shop-bought PS3 to operate as a developer console and run unsigned applications and games.
The real bad news for Sony is that the software is being realised under an open source licence for free.
For the moment, though, PSGroove won't play pirate copies of games - it doesn't permit apps to be run from external storage or the console's hard drive, for example - because it's being pitched toward the homebrew community.
It's only being offered in source code form, so users will have to compile the program before they can use it, and it only works with devices that use the AT90USBxxx series of controllers.
However, with the source code published, enterprising hackers may well be able to add the facility to play downloaded games. ®
COMMENTS
What man created will be ruined - Dark Tranquility: Vernal Awakening Lyrics
Guess Sony hasn't learned that when it challenged game players someone will persevere over Sony's dumb headiness. Now this crack is in the open they have lost the battle.
Now Jobs has a bed mate, both having lost the jailbreak fight.
When people buy a product it should be theirs to do with as they wish.
Re: Sony have themselves to blame
"This hack might not have appeared if Sony hadn't dropped support for running Linux on the PS3. As a result they now face the possibility of game piracy."
Oh please. The vast majority of people want to hack their console to play pirated games. People have been trying to crack the PS3 from the moment it came out and very, very few of them are doing it for altruistic reasons.
If this crack hase been downloaded 1000 times, then 999 times it will be use to play games, and the remaining one time for "homebrew" or "curiosity".
And I'm being generous with the 1 out of 1000.
The sad thing is
you actually believe this wouldn't have happened.
Hackers were responsible for getting OtherOS removed, they will be repsonsible when Sony block swathes of USB Device/Vendor ID's from the PS3 running.
Sony have themselves to blame
This hack might not have appeared if Sony hadn't dropped support for running Linux on the PS3. As a result they now face the possibility of game piracy.
Least of your worries...
"Want a PlayStation 3 hacking dongle but worried Sony's legal fight with the gadget's suppliers will prevent you from buying one?"
A permanent console and PSN ID ban would be a far more realistic prospect. Also don't think you can be clever and only use it when the PS3 is not signed into PSN, as the PS3 keeps track of what applications you have used (as part of the PS+ update service), so it will know if you have ever used the backup manager if you EVER go online after it's been used...
Bang, game over.... Time to buy a new PS3....
