It seems as Geohots is not all talk and no action as he has recently released some custom themes for the PlayStation 3. He claims this was accomplished in almost the same way the PSP customs themes were modified, via RCO edits. Now all we are waiting for is the real PS3 Hack.

Quote:

“As some people in the comments called, it’s an RCO file edit, just like RCO edits on the PSP(almost same format too). RCO files are resource files for VSH plugins, live in the dev_flash, and aren’t signed. To edit them on your system, patch your hypervisor to allow encrypted access to the partition(flash on old systems, hd on new), and mod ps3pf_storage. dev_flash is just a FAT partition, mount it in Linux and change what you’d like.”

Sony announces Firmware Update 3.2 to be released on the 1st of April!

ADDED features – None

REMOVED features – 1 – Other OS support REMOVED  - PS3 LINUX my fellow hackers has been removed!

Instead of adding functionality of the PS3 console Sony has decided to do the exact opposite and remove functionality from the console. Sony has announced a new firmware update “3.2″ which will be available from the 1st April. This update will put a halt to other OS support on the console. This was a cool feature especially enjoyed by the ModsandHacks team although many may not have even heard of it. It allowed users to turn their PS3 into a computer running an OS such as Ubuntu or Yellow dog lunux allowing it to run Linux based applications. Linux Support was also dropped with the Slim model, so this was a planned move on behalf of Sony.

Along with what was first announced this is not the first thing to be dropped since the release of the console. Sony has also dropped the SD/MMC card support shortly after the console was released, and reduced the speed of the cell processor, now we loose Linux support what will be next Blu-ray support? It seems as each firmware update or revision of the PS3 comes out the less features the console has. Many features which stood as a unique selling point for the PlayStation 3 has been removed and we here at Mods and Hacks think that this is unacceptable.

SCEA’s Patrick Seybold explains that the removal of said functionality is necessary “due to security concerns … [and] will help ensure that PS3 owners will continue to have access to the broad range of gaming and entertainment content from SCE and its content partners on a more secure system.”

We believe that this is a direct response to Geohots PS3 exploit and although it is a precautions measure by Sony to protect there console, personally we think that Sony is too greedy in this game and will leave many fans with a rather negative opinion, especially the fact  that no new features were added, just removed it seems as a punch in the arm to all us loyal fans.  Sony has made many promises and the mere fact that Sony keeps taken away features which were promised to us at the console release at E3. To keep taking out features out through-out the consoles life cycle is ridiculous and may affect Sony’s reputation.

We here at Mods and Hacks will not be updating our console to the new firmware and suggest you do the same if you don’t use there online features. We would rather wait for the PS3 Hack.

Microsoft has recently closed and taken legal action on a website which specialised in selling modified (jtagged) Xbox 360 consoles and cables in order to perform the hack itself and get homebrew up and running. The site was 360jtag.com, im sure most of you guys have heard of them if not actually brought something of them.

Below is the full letter Microsoft sent to 360jtag.com

Closed until further notice, thanks to Microsoft. VIA Federal Express & Electronic Delivery Brute ***

Re: Cease and Desist Offers – Modification of Microsoft Xbox 360 Consoles

Dear Brute ***: It has come to Microsoft Corporations attention that you are distributing Microsoft Xbox 360 consoles that have been modified to circumvent the built-in hardware and software security mechanisms Microsoft demands that you immediately cease and desist from distributing all unauthorized Xbox consoles and from engaging in any activity that infringes Microsoft’s copyrights and trademarks. Microsoft reserves the right to seek all viable legal remedies without further notice. By marketing or distributing Xbox consoles that are modified to circumvent the technological measures used to protect Microsoft.s copyrighted programs, you help to provide unauthorized access to Microsoft.s programs. This activity violates federal law and may subject you to substantial liability. Under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, distributors of such unauthorized Xbox consoles may be liable for $2,500 for each violation, and repeat offenders face triple damages. Infringing Microsoft.s copyrights and trademarks can subject you and your company to civil and criminal liability. Even an unintentional infringement of Xbox games in violation of federal copyright and trademarks laws could subject you and your company to civil liability. Further, for willful infringement, federal law authorizes statutory damages of up to $150,000 per copyrighted work and up to $2,000,000 per counterfeit trademark. Intentional violators may also be subject to criminal penalties. If you want to be sure you are distributing genuine and lawful Microsoft Xbox games, acquire your games from an authorized Microsoft distributor. You can find a list of authorized distributors at http://www.xbox.com/en-US/retail/distributors.htm.If you have questions regarding how to identify counterfeit Xbox games, please go to our .How to Tell. website at http://www.howtotell.com or call the Microsoft Anti-Piracy Hotline at 1-800-RULEGIT (1-800-785-3448). In addition, for more information regarding Microsoft.s efforts to combat software piracy, please visit the Microsoft Piracy homepage at http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/. We will contact you within a few days to discuss this distribution and to answer any questions you may have. If you would prefer to contact us to discuss this letter, please call 1-888-760-5877. Sincerely, Microsoft Compliance Support Program

This Steampunk themed PS3 mod is a fresh style that we here at Modsandhacks love. This mod wa created by Maduncle who created this ps3 mod as part of a Steampunk themed competition. This particular PS3 mod is purely cosmetic and external, meaning that the warranty is still valid. Maduncle wrote on his blog

I went with a wood veneer finish trimmed with brass, as this was something I could fit to the curved outside of the PS3 without too much trouble. One thing about modding the PS3, it all had to be done from the outside with no internal access – otherwise all warrantees are voided

This PS3 mod has a wooden veneer finish complete with Pipes, valves and a pressure gauge. This is one of the more stylistic mods we have seen recently, it reminds of of something that could have come out of the Bioshock universe. Maduncle went to particular lengths to pull of this authentic look, we love how this guy has paid so much attention to detail, even using fake rust to add an authentic look.

Check out some pictures of this great PS3 mod

source

I found this great Ds hack on instructables. This user has submitted a 10 step full guide on how to recreate this cool DS Hack. You will need some time and ofcourse a little patience. This DS modification will require you to open the case for your nintendo DS and we thinks its an advantage if you are comfortable using a soldering iron. This DS Hack makes the Nintendo DS a truly portable and self reliant system. The Solar cell attached allows  for the DS to be charged on the go, providing it is supplied with enough sunlight.

some of the features are

We hope you enjoy this cool DS hack, We can wait to see the solar powered PSP. But for now check out some Pics of the solar powered DS

The infamous Freestyle Dashboard for Homebrew enabled Xbox 360’s has been updated. Now released as a release candidate however is still in “beta” process. This dashboard allows you to boot various homebrew applications for the Xbox 360 and it able to run unsigned code.

Below is a number of fixes which has been made in the v1.10 release.

• Added Display Options
  • GamerTag
  • GamerScore
  • Temperature
  • Free Disk Space
  • System Info
• Added launching of God Games
• FTP Active mode
• FTP speed increases
• Can move Titles to different menus
• Fixed Status code crashes
• Semi Transparant Menus
• Fan Speed Controls
• LED Light Settings

Know Issues with v1.10 Final :

Can’t cancel file operation (delete or copy).

Additional Information

This is an offshoot of the Original FreeStyle Dash for a HomeBrew Enabled Xbox 360.

FEATURES:

• List Xbox 360 games, XBLA games, GOD Packages, applications, emulators, and launch them.
• Can move items between menus.
• Browse games by genre.
• Favourite games support.
• View recently played games.
• Game details including no of players, resolution, sound etc.
• Full screenshot viewer.
• Preview video for each game.
• Support for background artwork for each title, including boxart, screenshots and icon.
• Use FSD indexer to download artwork (or add manually) and edit the metadata with each game and upload to Xbox 360 either via USB drive or FTP.
• FTP Passive and Active Support.
• FTP speeds now support 10Mb+ to internal HDD.
• FTP working in many more clients.
• File Browser including copying, moving, renaming and deleting files.
• Copy DVD to USB drive or HDD.
• Sounds within user interface.
• Semi-Transparent menus.
• Shows Gamertag on main screen.
• Shows Date and Time in dashboard.
• Shows free disk space on all drives.
• Shows temperatures.
• Show IP address.
• Parental controls which lock down to only showing XBLA games.
• Fully skinable.
• Customizable overscan.
• Source code released too.

Sony Releases Anti Geohot Patent.

anti-ps3-hack

Sony have recently registered a Patent that could render the likes of exploits like Geohot’s recently released PS3 hack useless. The technology was developed by a Sony employee by the name of  Kanna Shimizu, who is a security Architect for cell Based Security Achchitectures.

We here at Modsandhacks think that this is a direct stab to to Mr Geohot. Sony are obviously trying to make a statement by trying to stay one step ahead.

Here is Qoute from the Abstract of the Patent

A method, system, and computer-usable medium are disclosed for controlling unauthorized access to encrypted application program code. Predetermined program code is encrypted with a first key. The hash value of an application verification certificate associated with a second key is calculated by performing a one-way hash function. Binding operations are then performed with the first key and the calculated hash value to generate a third key, which is a binding key. The binding key is encrypted with a fourth key to generate an encrypted binding key, which is then embedded in the application. The application is digitally signed with a fifth key to generate an encrypted and signed program code image. To decrypt the encrypted program code, the application verification key certificate is verified and in turn is used to verify the authenticity of the encrypted and signed program code image. The encrypted binding key is then decrypted with a sixth key to extract the binding key. The hash value of the application verification certificate associated with the second key is then calculated and used with the extracted binding key to extract the first key. The extracted first key is then used to decrypt the encrypted application code.

Read full patent here

A user by the name of “LoveMHz” from Team XeLove released the first official release of XeBoyAdvance, A GBA Emulator for homebrew Xbox360 consoles:

“Team XeLove Presents: XeBoyAdvance – VBA based GBA Emulator for the Xbox 360. Information: Hey, it’s LoveMHz here again from Team XeLove to present are fantastic emulator XeBoyAdvance. A lot of work has went into this port. The 360 is a wonderful platform, sometimes it’s a pain, but none the less, we have achieved high goals for GBA emulation on it. So far we’ve spent about 2 months on this port. Work so far has been done on a retail console, therefore it has really slowed down the process. Soon we will release the payment details for people that want to donate. So if you enjoy GBA, or simple want to see more ports (NES, N64, and PSX to just name a few) then please donate. And ofcourse none of this would possible without the support of all of you. Features: [+] Full speed GBA Emulation [+] Screenshot output [+] Save/Load States [+] Ingame Menu via L+R Stick Click [+] Spanish and Italian Lanague Support Todo: [-] Add Cheat Code Support [-] Software Filters [-] Display Settings [-] GB ROM Support [-] And alot more. “

Team XeDev has been busy lately developing homebrew for the Xbox 360. They have recently released this first version of Dash Launch, which will allow you to boot your Xbox 360 directly into homebrew software.
ReadMe
“what it does:
waits for bootanim to finish, then launches a con (you don’t see NXE dash)
currently launch.xex is built to launch xexmenu con at
Hdd:\\Content\\0000000000000000\\C0DE9999\\00080000\\C0DE99990F586558

How to install:
-put launch.xex in the root of your hard drive’s content partition
-add the included patches to freeboot/xbr patchset (there is a bonus in there for those who don’t have it)”

xex source is included, in it’s current form it does the minimal amount of work to launch the con if it’s not present it should fail to dash with “could not load” error message