PS3 backup manager via USB dongle -- Rumor w/video

[Hoagie_one]

If your interested in such things

http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/19/ps3-modchip-claims-to-finally-allow-backing-up-games-without-inv/

[lilshawn]

it appears that the software spoofs the drive so the PS3 thinks the code running is the drive.

[ark_ader]

What is the point?

You still have to pay for the game, otherwise you are just a scumbag thief. 

[newmanfamilyvlogs]

Well there's always the justification that when this you can replace the recently removed "Other OS" option so that you can run Linux, and likely in a less locked-down manner no less.

[shmokes]

$140

Not that it isn't a bargain for someone previously buying games who will start stealing them, but for anyone it's a hefty up-front cost.  If it's real at least they will probably only have a short-lived monopoly.  Also, this will surely mean a (somewhat ironic) port of XBMC to the PS3.  That would be incredible.  $140 on top of the cost of a PS3 is a bit steep for a great XBMC box, but when prices come down on the modchips it will become a fantastic media center option.

[shmokes]

What is the point?

You still have to pay for the game, otherwise you are just a scumbag thief.  

Oh . . . I didn't notice this.  My last post largely answers this question.  Opening up the PS3 to homebrew presents some really exciting possibilities.  The PS3's built-in media center capabilities are a joke.  I don't think I've ever seen a worse interface anywhere ever.  Then there's emulators, backing up discs so they aren't destroyed by your children, not to mention to preserve the lasers on your drive which is likely doubling as a Bluray movie player.

And, of course, many people are scumbag thieves so . . . um . . . yeah . . . kind of a pretty big "point" there, isn't it?

[ark_ader]

The PS3's built-in media center capabilities are a joke.

My favorite answer this week:

Just get a xbox. 

[shmokes]

If you're talking about Xbox 360 it also pales in comparison to XBMC.  If you're talking about the original Xbox, it chokes on high def media and it can't run the newest builds or the latest skins.

I suspect that you simply have no idea what's been going on in the world of XBMC:

[shmokes]

PS3 can also play Divx files.  But it's not a nice player by any stretch of the imagination.  I'm not familiar with the 360's interface.  It's better than the PS3's by default, because the PS3's was designed as poorly as is humanly possible.  But I can say with confidence, having never seen it, that it pales in comparison to what XBMC can do (as you can see in the video above).

[Frigo]

It was also touched on in an earlier post, but there's also the possibility of someone either dumping a PS2 emulator from an earlier model PS3, or creating their own PS2 emulator for the PS3, letting everyone have PS2 playback again.

[newmanfamilyvlogs]

I thought the PS2 emulation was done via hardware and thus was unavailable after a hardware revision? I haven't kept up with them as I do not own one.

[Frigo]

I thought the PS2 emulation was done via hardware and thus was unavailable after a hardware revision? I haven't kept up with them as I do not own one.

The first generation had the emotion engine, and subsequent revisions used software emulation. The latest versions have removed PS2 compatibility completely.

[shmokes]

I thought the PS2 emulation was done via hardware and thus was unavailable after a hardware revision? I haven't kept up with them as I do not own one.

That's right, but I think it was the quickest and bar far the most complete route to include the hardware.  a software emulator has to be optimized for each game and even then some games will probably have issues (see Xbox 360's Xbox emulation).  But as a layperson I would tend to think that the PS3 is powerful enough to do PS2 emulation entirely in software.  Again, see Xbox 360.  It's emulating the Xbox entirely in software and the Xbox is a more powerful console than the PS2.  And it's not like the Xbox and Xbox 360 share similar architectures. the former is Intel X86 based and the latter uses a multicore Power PC processor (I think).  also one uses an ATI chip while the other Nvidia. 

So I would tend to think that an all-software solution would be possible.  But at the same time I seem to remember saying all this stuff here once before and someone described some technical thing i was missing that makes my assumptions suspect.  Of course, even if technically possible it still my very well never happen if only because developing such a complex program for a seven core processor is too difficult for a couple of people coding in their spare time.

[newmanfamilyvlogs]

Of course, even if technically possible it still my very well never happen if only because developing such a complex program for a seven core processor is too difficult for a couple of people coding in their spare time.

probably the same reason we never saw exploitation of this (that and low sales):
http://games.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=03/04/14/1925250

It was essentially a Media (DivX/Mp3/Jpeg) viewer for PS2 that used the network adapter. The really curious part was how it stayed up to date-- a java client ran on a PC, got updated executable from the web, and then the PS2 pulled them from the client PC and stored them on the memory card for execution at boot time from the CD.

It's like they did all the hardwork for us and all we needed to do was spoof the checksum on the update. I just didn't have the time to explore it and reverse engineer it myself.. but this would have essentially been a gateway to network bootable arbitrary software on the PS2 with no modding.

[lilshawn]

But as a layperson I would tend to think that the PS3 is powerful enough to do PS2 emulation entirely in software.

the original release date units where replaced (if you wanted) that disabled the hardware emulation and performed it via software since the hardware emulation was less than great and buggy.

the later release units performed the PS2 emulation via software only. and even later still, not supported at all.

[Frigo]

But as a layperson I would tend to think that the PS3 is powerful enough to do PS2 emulation entirely in software.

the original release date units where replaced (if you wanted) that disabled the hardware emulation and performed it via software since the hardware emulation was less than great and buggy.

the later release units performed the PS2 emulation via software only. and even later still, not supported at all.

Um...

I thought the PS2 emulation was done via hardware and thus was unavailable after a hardware revision? I haven't kept up with them as I do not own one.

The first generation had the emotion engine, and subsequent revisions used software emulation. The latest versions have removed PS2 compatibility completely.

[shmokes]

No.  That's incorrect.  I used to think the same.  The earlier models included both the CPU and the GPU hfardware.  the later ones ditched the CPU and did that in software, but still relied on the PS2 graphics hardware being onboard.  The PS3 has never been capable of software-only PS2 emulation.

[Necroticart]

Hence the reason for the GOW collection and Sly Collection which look great remastered.

[ark_ader]

If you're talking about Xbox 360 it also pales in comparison to XBMC.  If you're talking about the original Xbox, it chokes on high def media and it can't run the newest builds or the latest skins.

I suspect that you simply have no idea what's been going on in the world of XBMC:

Since the XBMC devs have discarded the Xbox platform for several years now, your point is rather moot.

There again my Xbox runs hi def 720, and plays it quite well, except maybe Mp4 files. 

Again an ample media player which cost $20, so what do you expect?

[shmokes]

Since the XBMC devs have discarded the Xbox platform for several years now, your point is rather moot.

How can that make my point moot when I specifically said:

the original Xbox . . . chokes on high def media and it can't run the newest builds or the latest skins.

Moreover, they abandoned the original Xbox because their software outgrew the hardware, which is now too weak to run newer builds and skins acceptably.  The PS3 is more than capable of running XBMC and any current skin full speed at 1080p.  Seeing as that is my point, I fail to see how it has been rendered moot.

[Hoagie_one]

I tell you, all piracy talk aside, I would pay money for the ability to run a new build of XBMC on my PS3, especially if I can get it to boot directly.  I use my ps3 in lieu of my xbox as a media player, but it lacks in almost every category except Hi-def.

Waiting patiently for more info. 

I'll assume that this wont be the only mod coming out.  Clones and other alternatives will hit soon, some of which will probably be internal solutions so you dont even need to see a usb stick.

I'm stoked.

[shmokes]

The USB stick is sort of a shame.  I have a PS3 slim, which means no USB ports on the back.  Come to think of it, I guess I just assume the fat model has ports on the back.  I don't know if this is true.  But . . . beggers can't be choosers.  I'll take the dongle if that's what they're selling (but only when they manage to half the price, lol).

[ark_ader]

Since the XBMC devs have discarded the Xbox platform for several years now, your point is rather moot.

How can that make my point moot when I specifically said:

the original Xbox . . . chokes on high def media and it can't run the newest builds or the latest skins.

Moreover, they abandoned the original Xbox because their software outgrew the hardware, which is now too weak to run newer builds and skins acceptably.  The PS3 is more than capable of running XBMC and any current skin full speed at 1080p.  Seeing as that is my point, I fail to see how it has been rendered moot.

Because it is not being run on a $20 xbox, but a $299 PS3. 

There is still a small community pushing the envelope for the Xbox, and some skins out there are good enough for Hi Def which my xbox runs in.

[Edgedamage]

These are all you need:
http://www.wdc.com/en/products/products.asp?driveid=735
http://gizmodo.com/5415699/asus-oplay-review-best+priced-hd-video-player-is-the-new-champ
http://www.popcornhour.com/onlinestore/

With these new players no need to have a energy sucking / loud ass fan console running to play 8Gb MKV's.

[SNAAKE]

whats wrong with ps3 media player I just convert all mkv files with mkv2vob software. all HD movies look great and dolby/DTS surround sound too. regular blurays work fine too.


xbox360 media player is a joke tho. the so called "media playback support" is terrible and still doesnt play all files/formats. you cant even save movies on the xbox360 hard drive. no blu ray(lool). etc etc...

[shmokes]

Because it is not being run on a $20 xbox, but a $299 PS3. 

There is still a small community pushing the envelope for the Xbox, and some skins out there are good enough for Hi Def which my xbox runs in.

Lord help me through this day . . .

Millions of people already own PS3s.  And upscaling SD media to 720p is not the same as playing HD media. 

[lilshawn]

sorry, but i don't own a ps3 nor an xbox360, and i only just bought an xbox for $20 at a garage sale 

spinach green gameboy FTW!

[shmokes]

Which is great.  I have been running XBMC on a modded Xbox for years and continue to do so.  I love it.  But it is much better on more powerful hardware.

[northerngames]

if it does check out there will be a handfull more from other teams that do more for less.

Wii chips were expensive when they first came out and now there not even worth free becuase of the manual work  work still needed.

do you need a ps3 debugging unit in order for it to work though as that part was unclear and if so I dont think your going to find one for $299.99 anytime soon.

[shmokes]

I have the impression that this thing tricks your PS3 into acting like a debugging unit.

[Frigo]

Not to mention the possibility of using the hard hack to soft mod the system. It'll be interesting to see how this all plays out.

[SNAAKE]

this seems real. dude I get my tools from emailed me saying he'll have it very soon. offered me a sample for 100 but I dunno if I care enough yet. if it has any risk of getting banned from psn(is there such thing?) then I wont bother.


I cant risk not being able to play metal gear online. that game too so godlike

[Necroticart]

From what I understand this hack sends a low electrical pulse for 40ns. basically it tricks the PS3 into becoming a debug unit allowing you to override the hypervisor and execute unauthorized code. The crazy thing is as much as people discounted geoshot's method it did lead the way to a usable exploit one that sony might not be able to patch without bring out a new hardware revision.

[SNAAKE]

means homebrew?

yeah I just want xmbc for ps3 already. dont care about emulators(own a jtagged xbox) but I am sure ps3 owners would be happy to get some emulators going

[Necroticart]

unauthorized code as in homebrew/ XBMC. I just hope that most homebrew developers can write code for the cell processor

[Rick]

Which is great.  I have been running XBMC on a modded Xbox for years and continue to do so.  I love it.  But it is much better on more powerful hardware.

I am a long time fan of XBMC, and will vid my setup one of these days.  (Likely when I get my cab built up, I'll make a "Ricks Media Land" video.  Heh.)  I just finished building a fireplace with a hidden media bay (hid it behind two layers of white speaker cloth, so it's mostly invisible, yet the IR signals make it through) and it's getting a final coat of paint this week.

/threadjack

[Red]

Didn't Sony stop this hack from working with their latest update?

[Samstag]

Didn't Sony stop this hack from working with their latest update?

Only if you apply the update.

[SNAAKE]

Didn't Sony stop this hack from working with their latest update?

and the cat and mouse game begins. score is 1 - 1

I am sure there will be updates/fix for the dongle. you can even make your own dongle. I am gonna look into that when I get my hands on a ps3. cant mess with my own I play online all the time lol..

[Hoagie_one]

In related news, someone programmed an FTP client so you can view\read\write most files on your PS3's HDD from your PC.  Whats interesting is they can now view all these forbidden fruit files which may lead to custom Firmware in the future.

Interesting stuff.

[newmanfamilyvlogs]

Wouldn't that be an FTP server then? Not a client?

[Hoagie_one]

Wouldn't that be an FTP server then? Not a client?

Er...Yes

[Hoagie_one]

BTW,


NOTICE: To all the PSFreedom, PSGroove, PSJailbreak owners out there!

Sony has finally released the Dongle-Blocking v3.42 firmware to all the PS3's around the world!

FOR NOW PLEASE DON'T UPDATE YOUR PS3, IF YOU WISH TO FULLY ENJOY IT!

[SNAAKE]

oop too late

I didnt plan on messing with my ps3 anyway. only CLEAN system I have for online play..

[northerngames]

sooner then thought as stated prior the $30.00 attack of the clone's has arrived so no more silly over priced usb drive needed anymore.

Teensy board or USBAT board flashed with the software

[SNAAKE]

snes emulator is already out. guess mame/arcade/naomi stuff is on the way too

[Dazz]

I got my Maximus AVRUSB on Saturday and flashed it with PSGroove with boot loader enabled.  I haven't had the courage to put boot my PS3 with it yet.  Thankfully I'm still on 3.41.

[patrickl]

Can you remove this hack again when it turns out that you will have to be stuck on 3.41 forever (ie that you won't be able to go online or play new games anymore)

[newmanfamilyvlogs]

There's no telling if the PS3 can keep track of if this hack has ever been used before or not. At face value it only works when you boot with the USB device plugged in and tap 'eject' during the boot up process.

But for all we know there's a counter somewhere in the system for the number of times that the system has been brought up in debug mode, and some future Sony decision will lock out people who have booted into this mode when they weren't suppose to.

[Hoagie_one]

There is a log of what programs you run on your PS3, so if you run the backup manager, it will be logged.  With that said, the log file can be edited, so I'm sure the hackers that be will make a tool to correct this hole.

[northerngames]

its now a never ending back and forth battle of coarse patch's will fly from both side's more then likely.

[shmokes]

I'm curious just how punitive Sony will be with modded consoles.  Will they just block multiplayer on PSN, or will they block the whole things, including the PSN store and demos and movie rentals, etc?  I wouldn't be surprised if they still let modded consoles download demos (an incredibly effective method of advertising) and purchase games and movies and stuff, since those things generate a ton of revenue.  Blocking that stuff seems in one sense to cut off your nose to spite your face.  On the other hand, maybe they figure that the threat of blocking PSN entirely will be enough to discourage some people from modding their consoles and in the long run they stand to lose more money through software piracy on a modded console than they might make through PSN sales.

As for me, I never play online multiplayer so the only thing I wouldn't want to lose PSN for would be demos and game purchases (and Rock Band song purchases).

[newmanfamilyvlogs]

Never doubt the unending shortsightedness and seemingly maliciousness of Sony. (: I bet if they could nuke them from orbit, they would.

[shmokes]

I'm actually not sure it is shortsighted.  At least if you use me as an example, I don't care about online multiplayer.  At all.  But I do periodically buy PSN games, and I like being able to download demos, and I like Rockband and would be pretty damn bummed if I couldn't buy songs for it.  So the prospect of being cut off entirely actually acts as a fairly strong deterrent to modding my PS3.

Of course, Sony loses money by cutting me off from PSN, but if this policy deters me from modding my PS3, I will have to continue paying for software instead of pirating it.  It could be that a lax policy that banned multiplayer, but not other PSN benefits, would encourage modding and pirating and in the long run they would lose more money than they lose by banning a few people from purchasing stuff through PSN.

[lilshawn]

It could be that a lax policy that banned multiplayer, but not other PSN benefits, would encourage modding and pirating and in the long run they would lose more money than they lose by banning a few people from purchasing stuff through PSN.

or is it the fact that the system is(was) unmodifiable, and that other more easily modifiable systems are available, thus making the PS3 system (slightly) less desirable as a system? would Sony be #1 in sales if their system was as easily modifiable instead of #2?

also, does the price point of the PS3 mean less consoles where sold to get that number? less market share anyways right?

[shmokes]

I dunno.  The Xbox was a million kajillion times more modifiable than the PS2, but the PS2 sold about a million kajillion more systems.  I don't think ease of modification accounts for that much market share.

[lilshawn]

fair enough.

still don't like the whole ps3 motion lollipop. sounds/looks/smells like a cop-out to me.

[shmokes]

I suspect that the Playstation Move and the Xbox Kinect are both deliberately designed to be cop-outs.  I don't think either company truly expects either device to be a major success coming this late in the console cycle as add-on peripherals.  The market will be split and few developers will be inclined to make games that can't be enjoyed (read: purchased) by the vast majority of Xbox and PS3 owners respectively.  My sense is that both these devices were made in anticipation of the PS4 and Xbox 720 (or whatever it'll be called).  Nintendo has dramatically changed the landscape of the videogame market with the Wii, and Sony/Microsoft don't want to go into the next cycle competing with Nintendo's next product with 1st generation technology.  I really think the point of Kindect and Move is to establish credibility with motion controls, and get the company's engineer's up-to-speed and thinking along those lines so they can make something great next time.

[TheButcherJB]

Got the minimus and it works pretty good. I couldn't tell it was on Debug mode though. The little LEDs on the dongle didn't tell me crap. The Ftp app is fast!

[Samstag]

Got the minimus and it works pretty good. I couldn't tell it was on Debug mode though. The little LEDs on the dongle didn't tell me crap. The Ftp app is fast!

If you get the package installer menu option under games that's the easiest way to tell you're good to go.

[quadrider1]

3.42 and 3.50 people there is Hope for us now. They have hacked into service mode witch they say can allow private payloads aka firmware downgrades. read more here
http://psgroove.com/?p=1124