Of course, Sony has since removed the tweet. I wonder if Sony will be sending their MIB team to Kevin Butler's office? Or maybe the pink slip? LOL.

Source: Engadget

DCEmu has been going through some major changes in the last couple of weeks as everyone knows, and one of those changes was a reorganization and update to the forums. They've been changed to fit the new blog style of DCEmu and to reapply a focus on key discussion areas. DCEmu covers a plethora of consoles and interests ranging from homebrew development, emulation and commercial gaming to hardware modification and general community chat.

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PlayStation Move Motion and Navigation Controller
*Imported accessories work on all consoles/regions. i.e. NTSC-J (JPN) accessories will work on NTSC-U (US) systems.

PS3 Move Controller
Manufacturer: Sony
Site: Buy from Play-Asia (JPN) / Buy from Play-Asia (US) / Buy from Play-Asia (Asia) / Buy from Amazon / Buy from Amazon (with PS3 Eye Bundle) / Buy from VolumeRate (with PS3 Eye Bundle) / Buy from LighTake (with PS3 Eye Bundle)
Price: $50.00 (Move Controller) / $99.99 (Move Controller + PS3 Eye Camera Bundle)

PS3 Move Navigation Controller
Manufacturer: Sony
Site: Buy from Play-Asia (JPN) / Buy from Play-Asia (US) / Buy from Amazon
Price: $30.00

PlayStation 3 Eye USB 2.0 Camera
Manufacturer: Sony
Site: Buy from Play-Asia (JPN) / Buy from Play-Asia (US) / Buy from Play-Asia (Asia) / Buy from Amazon
Price: $40.00


PlayStation Move Overview : PlayStation®Move redefines motion gaming with the most immersive and realistic gaming experience only possible on the PlayStation®3 system. The simple, easy-to-use controller captures a full range of motion giving you ultimate control over how you play the game. With a diverse selection of games and new ones launching all the time, you can enjoy hours of fun with friends and family.

The PlayStation®Move is a combination of the PlayStation®3 system, the PlayStation®Eye camera and the PlayStation®Move motion controller. The motion gaming technology is housed in the pairing of the motion controller and the eye camera. The sphere at the end of the motion controller allows the eye camera to pinpoint your every movement and position within the room. This tracking is translated, with absolute precision, into gameplay. So when you hit that bullseye, it won’t be a fluke.


PS3 Move Controller Overview : The cornerstone of the PlayStation Move system, the PlayStation Move motion controller combines advanced motion sensors, a dynamic color changing sphere, vibration feedback, and an easy to use button interface to provide the ultimate in motion-based gaming. Equipped with a three axis gyroscope, a three axis accelerometer and terrestrial magnetic field sensor, PlayStation Move motion controller tracks the precise movements and the angle of the controller. The PS3 system also detects the absolute position of the controller in 3D space by using PlayStation Eye camera. Highly sensitive movement tracking can be accurately traced back to the game, allowing intuitive gameplay as if the player is within the game. The PlayStation Move also features the familiar PlayStation controller button orientation, for seamless play from the very first use.

PS3 Move Controller Features :

• Works with PlayStation Eye camera to accurately track player position.
• Includes action buttons of DualShock 3 and Sixaxis wireless controller for direct input.
• Sleek and Wireless.
• Built-in rechargeable Li-ion battery.
• Advanced motion sensors in the controller precisely track both fast and subtle movements.
• Color of the sphere's light provides visual feedback during gameplay.
• Vibration feedback is felt during specific actions.
• Bluetooth technology supports wireless gaming.
• Simultaneously use up to four motion controllers with a PS3 system.
• Charge the controller and automatically pair it with the PS3 system via a USB cable (Type A - Mini-B).
  * Users will need to use the PlayStation Eye camera to enjoy PlayStation Move motion controller on PS3.

Quality/Usability : First thing to pop into everyone's mind when we first heard about the PlayStation 3 Move Controller is that it's a copy of the Wiimote. Although the concept is the same (two motion controllers), the Wii detects movement with its built-in accelerometers pointed at a sensor bar whereas the Move can be tracked precisely within real 3D space using a camera. With the Wii, its all controlled with a flick of the wrist (literally). With the Move, its more...it requires complete movement.

The Move has four familiar buttons that we are all accustomed to when it comes to PlayStation. These four buttons surround the Move button which acts as the OK/Accept command input. Below the Move button is the PS button that takes you back to the XMB (same found on normal controllers such as the Dual Shock 3). On the back is a T trigger and on the butt (bottom) are two ports: a mini-USB for charging and syncing and an additional "extension connector" as well as connectors. These connectors allows you to place the Move controller on a charging dock. The extension connector allows buttons to be placed on attachments such as Sony's PlayStation Move Sharp Shooter Attachment for easier accessibility, so you do not have to press the buttons on the Move controller itself. Out of the package, a wrist strap is already attached to the Move controller. As for the white sphere at the top, it's made of opaque rubber that lights up when you're playing a Move compatible game.

The Move Controller is comfortable to hold in the hands as its contoured. All the buttons are easily accessible and within reach. But as you can see from the picture above and what you have read so far from our review, there's no mention of directional pad. That leads us to our second part of the review...the Move Navigation Controller.


PS3 Move Navigation Controller Overview : The PlayStation Move Navigation Controller is a supplementary controller developed to further expand the experience that PlayStation Move games can offer. It can be used in most PlayStation Move games that require navigating an in-game character as it replicates the control features of the left side of DualShock 3 or Sixaxis wireless controllers into one's PlayStation Move experience.** The PlayStation Move Navigation Controller adds an analog stick, directional buttons and two face buttons into the PlayStation Move's control scheme. In addition, the Move Navigation Controller contains the L1 button, L2 button and L3 button for actions and commands common in advanced gaming.

PS3 Move Navigation Controller Features :

• Wireless control adding to, but completely untethered from PlayStation Move motion controller.
• Intuitive navigation of in-game characters.
• Easy and intuitive XMB menu navigation.
• Built-in rechargeable Li-ion battery.
• Charge the controller and automatically pair it with the PS3 system via a USB cable (Type A - Mini-B).
• Sleek curved body design that easily pairs with the Move motion controller.
  * Users will need to use the PlayStation Eye camera to enjoy PlayStation Move motion controller on PS3.
  ** DualShock 3 and Sixaxis wireless controllers can be used in place of the Navigation controller for all games that are compatible with the Navigation Controller.

Quality/Usability : So the Move is about motion but what about if you're playing a game and need to navigate/move? In comes the Move Navigation Controller. The Nav controller has all your traditional analog controls such as the joystick and directional pad underneath. Right in-between the joystick and d-pad are usually the main buttons X and O. These two buttons are usually used for ACCEPT and CANCEL in games, respectively. Below the directional pad is the same PS button found on the Move controller that takes you to the XMB. On the underside near the top are two buttons; L1 and L2. The butt (bottom) also has a mini-USB to charge the Navigation controller if you prefer to use a mini-USB cable. There are also connectors on the bottom that allows you to place the Nav controller on a charging dock.

Like the Move controller, the Navigation controller also has a slight contour design to it that makes it fit into your hand comfortably. Buttons are also easily accessible.


Why didn't Sony include the Navigation controller? Well, its technically not required. Why you ask? Well, you can actually use your Dual Shock 3 controller as a Navigation controller. If you look at majority of the buttons on the Nav controller, its found on the left half of the DS3 controller; joystick, directional pad, L1 and L2. But with the Navigation controller ($30), it makes playing a bit more convenient and more comfortable.

Conclusion : Overall, the PlayStation Move Motion and Navigation Controller is a must own accessory. As newer games are released, they will support the Move and Navigation controllers. With these two controllers or even just the Move controller, it gives gaming a new experience instead of the typical controller. The Move controller comes in a different variety. You can purchase just the Move controller for $50, purchase a bundle which includes the Move controller, PS3 Eye Camera and a game (depends on your region) or if don't own a PS3 yet and plan on picking one up, they have a PS3 bundle that includes the console, Dual Shock 3 controller, PS3 Eye Camera and Move controller.

Some games require two..yes, TWO Move controllers. That's $100 worth of Move controllers alone. If you have friends/family to play with, you'll need to pick up an extra Move controller regardless. But if you don't and you usually play alone, this is something you'll have to factor in plus the cost of one or two Navigation controllers.

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AVRKey AVR Key USB PSGroove Dongle
Manufacturer: AVRKey (by PS3Key)
Site: Buy from AVRKey Distributors
Price: $49.99


Overview : The AVRKey is PS3Key's open source solution similar to that of Teensy's and AT90USB's. It will not break your warranty seal and is compatible with all PS3 models, both Fat and Slim. Easy-to-use software for backing up, managing, and playing games from external USB Hard Drive. The AVRKey will supports installing homebrew application on PS3 and external USB media. AVRKey supports PSGroove .hex files. THIS DOES NOT WORK ON FIRMWARES 3.42 OR ABOVE UNTIL A NEW EXPLOIT/METHOD IS FOUND!

Requirements :

• PS3 Console (fat or slim)
• Console (firmware) version 3.41 only
• Remove all discs from the drive
• Do not connect any devices to the console via USB
• IMPORTANT: The console must be completely switched off before using AVRKey. For fat versions, use the switch at the rear. For slim versions, simply remove the power cable. This is extremely important for the process to work correctly when you start the console.

Features :

• USB Plug and Play solution that installs in seconds without any need to open up the PS3.
• Does not break your warranty seal.
• Compatible with all PS3 models*, both Fat and Slim.
• Supports all regions: USA, JAP, PAL and KOREA.
• Fully updatable via USB on your PC using an encrypted bootloader
• 32KB onboard flash (most competing products only have 16KB flash)
• Disables forced software updates and will never brick your console.
• Supports most games and homebrew applications.
• Easy-to-use software for backing up, managing, and playing games from external USB Hard Drive.
• Playing games from HDD is much more enjoyable, benefiting from greatly enhanced seek and loading times.
• Supports installing homebrew application on PS3 and external USB media.
• AVRKey are shipped blank allowing you to install your own .hex files.
  * Currently not compatible with 3.42 firmware

Quality/Usability : Also read our PS3Key review.

There has been a lot of confusion between consumers and retailers since retailers are naming it AVR PS3Key or something along those lines. So lets start off by clearing the confusion. AVRKey and PS3Key are made by the same people, both look identical and both use the same hardware but are BOTH different products. The BIG difference between the two is that PS3Key comes shipped with their own proprietary firmware (.upd) file, own software that reads/loads .upd files. AVRKey are shipped blank...as in nothing. With AVRKey, you install your own HEX files (.hex)..the same files as PSGroove.

IMPORTANT : PS3Key comes with YELLOW sticker. AVRKey comes with GREEN sticker. This is how you will know what you received.

The AVRKey comes in an anti-static bag and on this bag is also a GREEN sticker. This sticker is your serial number and verification string. Unfortunately, there is no URL to enter this to see whether or not it is authentic or whatever the real purpose of it is for at the moment. Entering the serial and verification string at http://www.ps3key.com/en/validate/ will result in an error. This goes to show that AVRKey and PS3Key are two different products.


The AVRKey is housed in a metal casing that looks exactly like PS Jailbreaks and PS3Key. There is also no writing or logo on the housing to prevent any problems with distribution. I personally would have liked AVRKey printed on it as it is a USB development board and is shipped blank. This also distinguishs the difference between AVRKey and PS3Key. The AVRKey measures approximately 1.25" (length) x 0.50" (wide). On the end of the dongle is a blue rubber cap. This protects the board from being exposed and prevent dust and other particles from entering as well as softens the brightness of the LED lights. Like PS3Key, AVRKey dongle is running on ATMEL MEGA32U2 (ATMEGA32U2) and is upgradeable via USB port. When I first received my AVRKey, the USB board was bent. It could not be inserted into a USB port on my computer. So I had to take off the blue rubber cap, pull back on the 2 pins (they are very fragile and can break off if played with too much) and pull the board out. When the soldering was done to the USB and chipset, it was not leveled. I had to bend the USB down so that it was leveled with the board. I was afraid I would break it but didnt. Put it back into the metal housing, slowly closed up the pin and put back the rubber cap.

Instructions on How to Load HEX Files :
Required files:

• ATMEL FLIP Software or AVRKey's simple GUI program
• PSGroove HEX (.hex - Teensy) or "open" version of PS3Key

Before you start, download ATMEL's FLIP software via link above (at time of review, AVRKey's GUI program was not available. Review will be updated when available). To get the AVRKey into Update Mode, you must perform the same method as the PS3Key, which is remove and insert the dongle 3-4 times in your computers USB port. When it enters into update mode, the red and blue LEDs will be lit up on the dongle and you will be shown this image:


Operation :
Once the power to your console is completely disconnected:

1. Turn on the console (PS3 Fat with the switch, PS3 Slim connecting the power cable)
2. Insert AVRKey into a USB port on the PS3.
3. Start up the PS3 and press the EJECT button.
4. If the above process worked, there will be a link to “Install Package File” in the game menu.

In order to make sure the AVRKey dongle worked flawlessly, I had to uninstall all my homebrew applications that I had originally installed. To install applications or any homebrew applications, you will need to download and save the .pkg files to a USB drive such as thumbdrive or harddrive. To install, simply insert USB drive to the PS3 and navigate to "INSTALL PACKAGE FILES" on the XMB under GAME. Select the file you want to install by pressing X and it will automatically install the file. All applications installed and loaded without any problems.

There are no other files or programs available to download from www.avrkey.com. Since AVRKey uses PSGroove .hex files, I don't think there will be much released from AVRKey's website. As of 10/1/2010, PS3Key has released an "open" version of the PS3Key firmware as a HEX file which can be used with other generic USB dongle devices and can be downloaded at http://www.ps3key.com/en/members/downloads/.

Conclusion : Overall, the AVRKey AVR Key USB PSGroove Dongle is a great alternative to the Teensy's or AT90USB's...and probably better looking. The dongle is compact and light in weight. What's great is that you can install any HEX file whether it be PSGroove's (Teensy) or PS3Key's "open" version. But is a bit pricey. The AVRKey is priced the same as that of the PS3Key. My only complaint is that there is no logo or indication that its a AVRKey. It looks completely identical to the PS3Key. If you were to remove both from its anti-static bag and mix them up, you wouldn't know which one is which until you inserted it into the PS3 or computer. Depending on the HEX file and how it was compiled, there may not be any LEDs lit up that changes from red to blue to let you know it loaded successfully upon PS3 boot up. If you install PS3Key's "open" version (http://www.ps3key.com/en/members/downloads/), LED will be enabled.

Please note that none of the "upgrade" products listed in this site are endorsed by Nintendo, Sony and/or Microsoft. DCEmu Reviews and DCEmu Network does not condone piracy. The primary functions of a "modchip" and/or "flashcart" are to allow you to play imported games and homebrew software that you legally own or simply just for experimenting with hardware. We in no way endorse piracy, and encourage all users to do the right thing and support the developers/manufacturers that support them. We do not take any responsibilities for any use outside of these parameters or where the use of such a device is illegal.

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P3Free Max-Pic USB Trainer Board
Manufacturer: Max-Pic (by Wii-Clip)
Site: Buy from LighTake / Buy from IC2005 / Buy Max-Pic + Serial Programmer from IC2005 / Buy Max-Pic + Max-Prog Add-On from IC2005
Price: $39.90 (Max-Pic) / $49.90 (+ Serial Programmer) / $49.90 (+ Max-Prog Add-On)


Overview : The last Max-Pic is one very powerful universal PIC trainer board for every firmware and work at 12Mhz! THIS DOES NOT WORK ON FIRMWARE 3.42 OR ABOVE UNTIL A NEW EXPLOIT/METHOD IS FOUND!

Specifications :

• Use PIC18F2455/2550 MCU chip
• Comes with HID Boot Loader, you can upgrade via USB port directly
• Comes with the 8pin FPC port,you can program any compatible firmware to PIC chip via FPC programmer
• Comes with one standard 6pin ICSP port, you can program any compatible firmware with any ICSP programmer
• Comes with one RESET/BTL combo button, can use to reset the PIC or enter BTL mode for upgrade
• Comes with 28pin testing pin, very easy to link to the PIC chip with every pin and test
• Comes with 24 pin selector array, you can set almost PIC pin to LED status or pull down to GND
• Comes with 19 LEDs display array, you can see these pins working status
• Comes with the last "F0" LED demo firmware

Quality/Usability : The Max-Pic is not your average and normal looking PS3 USB Jailbreak dongle. The Max-Pic is actually a PlayStation 3 jailbreak device and much much more. Not only can you jailbreak your PS3 with ANY .hex file, but you're also able to reprogram the Pic-Fun (if it ever gets corrupted), use it as a Xbox 360 SPI NAND flasher (more info below) and for various USB/LED projects that you may have.

The quality of the dongle is very well made. Even if you were to screw up and corrupt Max-Pic, you can reprogram it and fix it. With other jailbreak dongles, you're unable to do this.


Required Files :

• Latest iLLNESS PIC Hex files (http://psx-scene.com/forums/546948-post3.html - If using USB HID Bootloader)
• P3Free_Updater_[Nov.17th 2010].rar (or latest file)
  With the new P3Free Updater, you no longer need to download any .NET or .DLL files.
  
  
  

How to Update Max-Pic :

1. Insert Max-Pic into USB port of your computer
2. Now just press the RED RESET/BTL button once which puts the Max-Pic into bootloader mode
3. P3Free Updater should detect your kit
4. Click the "Open Hex File", select the right HEX and open it
5. Now click the "Program" button, when you see "Verify Started", then mean it's upgrade complete
6. You should see the Max-Pic will auto reset and start to run the LEDs demo code
7. All done!

How to Softflash Pic-Fun and Max-Pic : (courtesy of frankreynolds1)


How to Hardflash Pic-Fun and Max-Pic : (courtesy of frankreynolds1)


If for whatever reason that your Max-Pic no longer works, you can use the Serial Programmer to reprogram it. The instructions are as follows:

Click here to download the PICPgm v1420 PC program

How to program ANY firmware to your Max-Pic :
[1] Insert the Serial programmer to Serial Port of your PC and click the "Search" button, to see if it can find programmer or not.
If can't auto detect, then means your serial port has a problem. Please check it or change to another PC and try again, until to it can auto detect JDM hardware.


[2] Now link to your PIC kit and click the "Search" button again, it should can auto detect the PIC chip.
If not, maybe you insert the FPC cable in a wrong side.


[3] When everything is ready, click the "Browse" button to select Bootloader_USBHIDC18_P3Free_V1.0_12MHz_BTL-pin1_MCLRon_LVPoff_F0_Version.hex.


[4] Then click the "Program" button


[5] It will start to burn and the progress bar will stop to respond, it may seem like it froze but its still programming.


[6] After program complete, this green window will show 3 seconds and auto close, now the new firmware is ready for test, all done!


But not everyone has a serial port on their PC. So the Max-Pic (P3Free) team has released a Max-Prog Add-On which attaches tot he top of the Max-Pic and a Max-Prog 2-in-1 which is a Max-Pic and Pic-Fun together. This connects on top of the Max-Pic.

Conclusion : Overall, the P3Free Max-Pic USB Trainer Board is a very powerful USB device that can do many things. Not only can it be used for jailbreaking the PS3 and fixing Pic-Fun dongles, it can also be used as a Xbox 360 SPI NAND flasher (more info here). If you're into USB development, this would also be great for your USB/LED projects. Even if you're trying out stuff for the PS3, this would be the perfect board to try all your experiments without the fear or damaging your dongle. However, if using this on a PS3 as a jailbreak device, there are many other options available. The size of the dongle is very big in width and will cover other USB ports on the console. To "fix" this, you'll need a USB extension cable.


Please note that none of the "upgrade" products listed in this site are endorsed by Nintendo, Sony and/or Microsoft. DCEmu Reviews and DCEmu Network does not condone piracy. The primary functions of a "modchip" and/or "flashcart" are to allow you to play imported games and homebrew software that you legally own or simply just for experimenting with hardware. We in no way endorse piracy, and encourage all users to do the right thing and support the developers/manufacturers that support them. We do not take any responsibilities for any use outside of these parameters or where the use of such a device is illegal.

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