Sony's war against PS3 hacking continues. On January 27, Sony Computer Entertainment America sent a DMCA takedown notice to GitHub demanding the removal of 6 repositories under the 'circumvention device' clause of the DMCA. All of the repositories in question were related to jailbreaking or homebrew development for the PS3.

http://hardware.slashdot.org/story/1...tice-To-GitHub ...

Sony intends to spread the PlayStation Suite much further than Android phones - even iOS and Windows are part of the plan, and they're made by the enemy.

The exciting potential is for PlayStation Suite games to be offered far and wide, rather than be restricted like produce for App Store and Windows Phone 7.

"There are a variety of operating systems, but we're focusing first on Android," said Sony Computer Entertainment chief Kaz Hirai, in a conference translated by Andriasang.

"There's also Windows, iOS and so forth, but we don't have the resources to make it compatible with everything from the start.

"We're not ruling out PSS even on products like Sony Internet TV Powered by Google (Google TV) if adoption rate increases, or if it will help push adoption greatly."

"We have a completely open stance with carriers and handset makers," he added.

To begin with, PlayStation Suite will deliver classic PSone games to Android phone users. But in the future, Sony wants the Suite to evolve into a hardware-neutral development environment where brand new games and content are made.

Through a PlayStation Certified seal of approval, Sony will pin-point which devices work properly with PlayStation Suite. And with a QA system, Sony hopes to avoid the Suite becoming a swamp of questionable quality.

Final Fantasy VII on Android would tempt.

The announcement of PlayStation Suite came at Sony's PlayStation Meeting last week. The big news there was the unveiling of Next Generation Portable (aka PSP2). Eurogamer's blanket coverage of the event has been cobbled together in one handy place.

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/20...ts-ios-windows ...

Monster Hunter Freedom 3 has slipped to second in the Japanese software chart, giving way to From Software's Another Century. However, the Capcom game's 68,274 sales for the week ending January 23 have tipped it over 4 million lifetime sales.

There were few new releases in Japan last week, with Arcana Heart on PS3 being the highest new entry at six. Elsewhere, the 360 SKU of Mass Effect 2 made fifteenth with nearly nine thousand sales.

In the hardware chart the PlayStation 3 remained in first place despite the strong software showing for the PSP, although all hardware figures were down over the week prior.

All figures are courtesy of Media Create. Bracketed software figures are lifetime sales, hardware numbers in parentheses are last week's sales.

01. Another Century's Episode Portable (Bandai Namco, PSP): 70,217
02. Monster Hunter Freedom 3 (Capcom, PSP): 68,274 (4,051,743)
03. Donkey Kong Country Returns (Nintendo, Wii): 29,412 (734,268)
04. Ni no Kuni (Level 5, DS): 19,020 (438,544)
05. AKB1/48: If I loved an Idol (Bandai Namco, PS3): 18,616 (339,178)
06. Arcana Heart 3 (Arc System Works, PS3): 17,219
07. Wii Party (Nintendo, Wii): 15,986 (1,746,021)
08. Pokemon Black & White (Pokemon, DS): 15,542 (5,027,870)
09. Gundam Musou 3 (Bandai Namco, PS3): 12,804 (331,682)
10. Mario Sports Mix (Nintendo, Wii): 12,173 (546,234)
11. The 3rd Birthday (Square Enix, PSP): 10,572 (223,433)
12. Magician's Quest: The Merchant's Store of Sorcery (Konami, DS): 10,211 (307,117)
13. SaGa 3: Shadow or Light (Square Enix, DS): 9,772 (37,116)
14. Wii Fit Plus (Nintendo, Wii): 9,275 (2,232,218)
15. Mass Effect 2 (Microsoft, X360): 8,864
16. Mario Kart Wii (Nintendo, Wii): 8,511 (3,139,306)
17. New Super Mario Bros. Wii (Nintendo, Wii): 8,114 (4,210,586)
18. Wii Sports Resort w/ Wiimote Plus (Nintendo, Wii): 8,053 (254,827)
19. World Soccer Winning Eleven 2011 (Konami, PSP): 7,764 (138,846)
20. Call of Duty: Black Ops Dubbed Version (Square Enix, PS3): 7,586 (65,104)
PS3: 33,190 (59,612)
PSP: 29,806 (28,757)
Wii: 21,291 (56,547)
DSi LL: 17,452 (44,122)
DSi: 13,416 (38,486)
X360: 2,636 (3,859)
DS Lite: 1,956 (4,510)
PS2: 1,629 (2,547)
PSP go: 1,208 (4,084)

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...-japanese-no-1 ...

Zoozen Action PRO Toolkit v2
Manufacturer: Zoozen
Site:
Price: $19.95


Overview : If you have ever attempted any repair or improvement of any kind, you know that the right tools can make the difference between a good experience and a bad one. The Access Pro Toolkit by Zoozen has everything you need to get into your console and accessories. It is the only toolkit that includes tools for every console and handheld on the market today. And it includes unique and custom tools that are only available from Zoozen.

This tool kit includes the tools you need for the:

· Microsoft products, including: Original Xbox, Xbox 360 and accessories like the Xbox 360 wired controller, and the Xbox 360 wireless controller. Special tools: the OneSnap, the only one-piece Xbox 360 case separator, and a special long neck tamper resistant Torx bit.

· Nintendo products, including: the Nintendo Wii, GameCube, GBA, DS, DS Lite, and most accessories like Nintendo Cartridges, Gamecube controllers, and power supplies. Special Tools: Triwing bits in two sizes and two sizes of rare Linehead Nut Setters in hardened steel. Also has the correct tools for most of the retired Nintendo game machines (those not currently for sale in the marketplace).

· Sony Products, including: PS3, PS2, PStwo, and PSP and many accessories (for example: Sony controllers).

· The Access Pro Tool Kit also has the correct tools to open most third party products.

The tools are all housed in a convenient plastic case that keeps all the parts just where they belong. And, duplicates of most bits are provided, just in case you drop a bit behind your desk during a critical procedure.

Includes:

• 1pc Easy grip screwdriver handle
• 1pc Magnetic Tweezers
• 1pc "OneSnap" tool for opening Xbox 360
• 1pc Linehead nut setter (small size)
• 1pc Linehead nut setter (large size)
• 1pc Flathead bit, Long
• 2pcs Torx Size 6, Tamper Resistant
• 2pcs Torx Size 8, Tamper Resistant
• 2pcs Torx Size 10, Tamper Resistant
• 2pcs Torx Size 15, Tamper Resistant
• 2pcs Torx Size 20, Tamper Resistant
• 2pcs Hex Size .05
• 2pcs Triwing Bit
• 2pcs Phillips #000
• 2pcs Phillips #0
• 2pcs Phillips #1
• 2pcs Slotted 7/64

Quality/Usability : Those who mod consoles or want to start modding, the Zoozen Action PRO Toolkit v2 will help you out tremendously. The Zoozen Action PRO Toolkit v2 has tools for Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo products ranging from console to games and accessories. This toolkit will open even the new nex-gen consoles.

Xbox 360 – Torx T8, T6, T8, T10, Hex 0.05, Slotted 7/64, OneSnap and a Long Slotted Screw Bit
Xbox – Torx T10, T15, T20
PS3 – Torx T10, Phillips 0, Phillips 1, Phillips #000
PS2/Two – Phillips 0, Phillips 1
PSP – Phillips #000
Wii – Triwing, Phillips 0, Phillips #000
Gamecube – Linehead Nut Setter #8
DS/DS Lite – Triwing #00, Tripoint #0, Phillips #000
Gameboy – Triwing #00, Tripoint #01
Nintendo Cartridges – Linehead nut setter #6

The screwdriver handle is made of a rubberized grip instead of plastic like some screwdrivers are made of. This allows for easy gripping. Each bit that was placed was held in place very tight.

Each bit unscrewed each screw nicely without stripping the screws. Screwing each screw back into place worked wonderfully as well.

Dropped a screw and cant reach it or need to hold a wire or LED in place? Zoozen also included a magnetic tweezer to help hold those thin wires or screws that may be too small to hold in your fingers.

Conclusion : Overall, the Zoozen Action PRO Toolkit v2 is a modders dream come true. Everything you need to help open your mod frenzy finger is all in this Zoozen Action PRO Toolkit v2. Add a dremel and a soldering iron and this would be the Ultimate modding tool! It would also have been useful if the bits were magnetic to pick up the small screws. The price of $19.95 is definitely well priced and worth it.

Images via comments ...

HDfury DVI/HDMI to RGB Converter
Manufacturer: HDfury
Site: Buy from HKmod / Buy from Divineo US / Buy from Divineo China
Price: $129.99-$150.95


Overview : The HDfury is a revolutionary product that allows you to use the full resolution (up to 1080p) of any DVI/HDMI device on a CRT projector, PC monitor, older HDTV/Plasma TV, or any other device without a DVI/HDMI input! If you own a high quality projector/monitor/TV that does not have a DVI/HDMI connector you need this device! Why buy a new expensive display device when your existing one can already support high definition?

HDfury module will transform any "technically able" ANALOG display into a DIGITAL display performing a perfect visual HD & Full HD fury @ 720p/1080p from any HDMI/HDCP sources such as HD-DVD/Blu-Ray players, PS3, X360 Elite, Satellite/Cable HDTV set-top boxes, HTPCs with HDMI graphic cards, to name a few! Simply plug the HDfury into your projector, your DVI/HDMI device into the HDfury, and watch! Installation takes seconds.

The HDfury delivers a razor sharp picture with absolutely NO video noise. The picture quality improvement as compared to RGBHV analog video is immediately obvious, providing an amazingly clear and detailed picture!

The HDfury is 100% HDCP compliant. It is not an 'HDCP stripper'. The HDCP copy protected digital signal is first decrypted and then the digital RGB 4:4:4 signal is converted to an analog signal.

Features

• DVI-D 24p Female Port Input (100% digital).
• A HDMI -> DVI-D cable can be use to connect to an HDMI source.
• RGB 4:4:4 (8 bits) digital input (every HDMI source MUST be RGB 4:4:4 compatible).
• Compatible with non-HDCP or HDCP sources.
• Compatible with any RGB Display
• Directly connect to VGA input.
• Easy to install within a minute. (Plug & Play)
• 10 bits 175MHz triple video DAC - Inter-DAC : 2%
• RGB-H/V Male Port D-SUB 15 Output video analog signals (0,7Vpp over 75 ohms impedance)
• Ultra short Analog links (<1 cm) on the HD fury RGB 1080p for optimal quality.
• DVI video bandwidth in VGA/RGB outputs: 25-165MHz
• DVI Data Rate - Bandwidth 1.65 Gbps (Single link)
• Maximum resolutions: UWXGA (1920x1200) at 60Hz or SXGA (1280x1024) at 85Hz
• Computer compatible (PC, Mac)
• HDTV ready (480p/576p/720p/1080i/1080p48/50/60 compatible)
• DVI1.0 compliant / HDMI interoperable and HDCP ready
• HD-DVD and Blu-Ray Disc players compatible
• Playstation3 and X360 Elite compatible
• SAT and CABLE setbox for HDTV channels compatible
• HDCP compatible with embedded keys loaded.
• Energy management : DVI et VESA DPMS compatible.
• Ultra low power consumption in Standby (3,5mA)
• Maximum power : 0.4A under 5V (at 165MHz pixel clock)
• On-board DC/DC converter (5V) with extra-low EMI signature
• Power +5V from DVI/HDMI
• Blue LED to display active digital link.
• Safe cost solution – Single IC solution + external eeprom
• Small size : 75x56mm black cabinet
• Installation: the RGB 1080p module is DIRECTLY screwed to the back of the display (where VGA SUB-D plugs stand).
• Shortest RGB analog video link as possible
• HDCP rules compliant: no end-user access to decrypted analog video. Once screwed, this module becomes "a part of the display itself".
• Professional factory made (mass-production) using pick/place and reflow/wave solder pro. equipment.
• Gold Plated connectors, tracks and material
• Warranty: One year warranty

INPUT
1080p FULL HD COMPATIBLE

• Blu-Ray / HD-DVD Player
• Playstation 3, X360 Elite
• PC HDMI Graphics Card
• SAT & Cable HDTV Box
• Any DVI or HDMI source

OUTPUT
Display a 1080p visual fury

• PC monitor (CRT, tubes, LCD)
• HDTV, Plasma, LCD
• LCD, DLP, SXRD, D-ILA proj.
• 3 tubes proj Barco, Nec, ..
• Any RGB, VGA, YUV Display

Quality/Usability : HDfury allows you to display HD quality @ 720p/1080p from any HDMI/HDCP sources such as SAT & Cable HDTV setbox, Xbox360 Elite, PlayStation 3, HDMI graphic card, etc. on a analog display such as TV, PC monitor, projector, etc. Yes, thats right. HD visuals on non-HD displays!

HDfury imitates itself to be a HDCP-supporting receiver, that outputs DRM-stripped analog RGB content at the same resolution and aspect ratio as if output in digital form. The HDfury is encased in a black case with a gold plate on the front that says 1080p. On the gold plate is a window and that shows a Silicon Image chip. I presume this is where all the magic happens. Sorry, but I'm not a HT expert.

The review sample that we received only came in a clear plastic packaging with HDfury, and extended VGA cable (if there is not enough space to connect HDfury). The final packaging will include a manual. Since the HDfury is a DVI to VGA adapter, you will need a HDMI to DVI adapter or cable to connect to the HDfury.

Using the HDfury, I was able to play the PlayStation 3 and Xbox360 via HDMI to DVI-D cable to my monitor. Display was converted to 1280x1024 pixels. The visual was clean and crisp both on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox360 Elite. 1080p on the PlayStation 3 is only available in HDMI mode and when I turned on the PlayStation 3, it booted up fine. I went into the settings to confirm and indeed it was set to 1080p and the screen was displaying what was playing in the PlayStation 3. If there was ever a need to update HDfury, the eprom could be reflashed externally by dealers and manufacturer.

Here is a video of HDfury in action with the PlayStation 3:


Conclusion : Overall, the HDfury HDMI/DVI to RGB Converter is a sweet unique product. I no longer have to fight with the gf to see who gets to use the HDTV or be confined to it. I can now use my PC monitor to play my PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360 Elite with HD quality visuals You'll have to supply your own HDMI to DVI-D cable, DVI/HDMI adapters or DVI to DVI cable, depending whether or not you have the cables needed already. If not, you'll have to purchase one which usually costs about $7-13 for the cable and about $5 for the adapter. The price of the HDfury is a pricey. Price can range from $129.99 to $150.95 but it is well worth it for those looking to play their HD products without the need of a HDTV.

*UPDATE*
I was informed the following from the Project Manager:


The above review is based on the BLUE version which includes HD15 VGA extender cable and tested on a Dell 2405FPW. For those who are Home Theater fiends/exotics/pros/etc., there is also a RED version which includes a Barco Port 3 Cable and a GREEN version which includes a 5-BNC breakout cable. Both of which is not available as the time of this review but they should be available late June/early July. The look and color of the HDfury will still be the same just the packaging will be in its respective color and cable.

Images via comments. Images of monitor screenshots are from MyAV (Chinese). ...

XCM Multi-Console Component Cable v2
Manufacturer: XCM
Site: Buy from Play-Asia / Buy from Divineo US / Buy from Divineo China
Price: $22.99

Overview : XCM Multi-Console Component Cable V2 (PS2, PS3, Wii, Xbox 360). Not compatible with Xbox 1.

Features :

• Fully Compatible with Xbox 360™, Wii™, PS3™ , PS2™ and any TV system.
• Support Component Signal (Stereo Function)
• Support AV Signal (Stereo Function)
• High Quality and High Speed for Transfer Signal.
• Support Dolby Prologic.
• Support DTS 5.1 Channel System.
• Support DOLBY Digital and Surround Sound
• Support Stereo Sound
• Support Optical Signal (Xbox 360)
• Compatible with Surround Receiver or Integrated Amplifier
• Support CRT, Plasma, LCD or any HDTV System
• Support D2 (480i/480p); (720i/720p) & D4 (1080i/1080p) technology.

Quality/Usability : XCM has released their multi-console component cable that supports Xbox360, Wii, PS2 and PS3. This is pretty much an all-in-one cable for your whole entire entertainment center. Like always, XCM impresses us with their quality of products.

There are three plugs for your console: Xbox360, Wii, PS2/PS3. On the other end are the AV inputs that connect to your TV. On the "switcher" itself, you have four switches: 360HD, 360 Y/Pb/Pr, Wii and PS2/PS3. Of course, which ever system you are playing, you'll have to switch to that system. For those that dont know, 360 Y/Pb/Pr is like a standard component cable.

The visual quality of each system is pretty good. I didnt notice much of a difference between this cable or the standalone component cable that you purchase separately for each system. When switching to a difference system, there is a 2-3 second delay.

The cable itself is fairly long so you dont have to worry about having the systems close to the TV but you will have to have your systems near each other in order for the cable to reach each console.

Conclusion : Overall, the XCM PS2/PS3/Wii/Xbox360 Multi-Console Component Cable is a neat product. Those looking to cut down on cables may want to look into this. It would have been nice if XCM had added a few inches more to the console cables so that the systems dont have to be so close to each other and for those who put their systems into entertainment centers. It would have been also nice if the 360HD and 360 Y/Pb/Pr had swapped places.

Images via comments ...

XCM Multi-Console Component Cable v2
Manufacturer: XCM
Site: Buy from Play-Asia / Buy from Divineo US / Buy from Divineo China
Price: $22.99

Overview : XCM Multi-Console Component Cable V2 (PS2, PS3, Wii, Xbox 360). Not compatible with Xbox 1.

Features :

• Fully Compatible with Xbox 360™, Wii™, PS3™ , PS2™ and any TV system.
• Support Component Signal (Stereo Function)
• Support AV Signal (Stereo Function)
• High Quality and High Speed for Transfer Signal.
• Support Dolby Prologic.
• Support DTS 5.1 Channel System.
• Support DOLBY Digital and Surround Sound
• Support Stereo Sound
• Support Optical Signal (Xbox 360)
• Compatible with Surround Receiver or Integrated Amplifier
• Support CRT, Plasma, LCD or any HDTV System
• Support D2 (480i/480p); (720i/720p) & D4 (1080i/1080p) technology.

Quality/Usability : XCM has released their multi-console component cable that supports Xbox360, Wii, PS2 and PS3. This is pretty much an all-in-one cable for your whole entire entertainment center. Like always, XCM impresses us with their quality of products.

There are three plugs for your console: Xbox360, Wii, PS2/PS3. On the other end are the AV inputs that connect to your TV. On the "switcher" itself, you have four switches: 360HD, 360 Y/Pb/Pr, Wii and PS2/PS3. Of course, which ever system you are playing, you'll have to switch to that system. For those that dont know, 360 Y/Pb/Pr is like a standard component cable.

The visual quality of each system is pretty good. I didnt notice much of a difference between this cable or the standalone component cable that you purchase separately for each system. When switching to a difference system, there is a 2-3 second delay.

The cable itself is fairly long so you dont have to worry about having the systems close to the TV but you will have to have your systems near each other in order for the cable to reach each console.

Conclusion : Overall, the XCM PS2/PS3/Wii/Xbox360 Multi-Console Component Cable is a neat product. Those looking to cut down on cables may want to look into this. It would have been nice if XCM had added a few inches more to the console cables so that the systems dont have to be so close to each other and for those who put their systems into entertainment centers. It would have been also nice if the 360HD and 360 Y/Pb/Pr had swapped places.

Images via comments ...

Penguin United PS2/PS3/Wii/Xbox360 Multi-Console Component Cable
Manufacturer: Penguin United
Site: Buy from Penguin United
Price: $21.99

Overview : Fully Compatible with Xbox 360™, Wii™, PS3™ , PS2™ and any TV system with component input. The Final High-Definition Solution for all your Next Generation Gaming Consoles. Avoid the Hassle of switching cables behind your television or dealing with tangled cables from all your Consoles, not to mention the saving from buying 1 cable instead of 3. Support D2 (480i/480p); (720i/720p) & D4 (1080i/ 1080p) technology. Actual resolution displayed will be determined by the technology supported by the Console in use.

The three AV plugs for each console should NOT be connected to their respective consoles simultaneously. Only one console should be connected for the cable to function properly. If more than one consoles are connected, even if it is set to "off" loss of audio or video may occure, but there will not be any damages done to the console.

Cable is 8 foot long or 2.4 meter in length.

Features :

• Support Component Signal (Stereo Function)
• Support AV Signal (Stereo Function)
• High Quality and High Speed for Transfer Signal.
• Support Dolby Prologic.
• Support DTS 5.1 Channel System.
• Support DOLBY Digital and Surround Sound
• Support Stereo Sound
• Support Optical Signal (Xbox 360)
• Compatible with Surround Receiver or Integrated Amplifier
• Support CRT, Plasma, LCD or any HDTV System
• Support D2 (480i/480P); (720i/720P) & D4 (1080 i/1080 P) technology.

Quality/Usability : This is the second multi-console component cable we will be reviewing. The first review coming from XCM. We have reviewed a couple of Penguin United's Wii Component Cables already (Regular / Gold / Premium). All of them were pretty good for a new 3rd party peripheral manufacturer.

There are three plugs for your console: Xbox360, Wii, PS2/PS3. On the other end are the AV inputs that connect to your TV. Unlike the XCM multi-console component cable, there is no switch on the cable that allows you to switch to whatever system you are going to play with. You will have to plug each plug into the system if you want to play with the console.

The visual quality of each system is pretty good when connected one by one. I didnt notice much of a difference between this cable or the standalone component cable that you purchase separately for each system.

The cable itself is fairly long measuring approximately 8 feet long. The cables for each console once split from the cable itself is fairly long enough but you will still have to have your consoles near each other.

Conclusion : Overall, the Penguin United PS2/PS3/Wii/Xbox360 Multi-Console Component Cable is another alternative to those looking to eliminate cables and is looking for a all-in-one source. The quality of the product is great just like all of the other products Penguin United offers. My only complaint was having to insert the plug into the console I want to play each time. Would of been nice if there was a switch of some sort where I can easily switch back and forth without having to keep on removing the cables.

Images via comments ...

Gamers are reporting that Sony's recent PlayStation 3 firmware "security patch" prevents users from upgrading the console's hard disk drive.

PS3 firmware update v3.56 – released last week – was described as a "security patch" by Sony bigshot Eric Lempel.

Some speculated that it was an attempt by Sony to prevent George "Geohot" Hotz's infamous jailbreak from working.

However, reports indicated the patch itself was hacked just days after release – and now it seems it has caused problems for unsuspecting PS3 owners.

Eurogamer reader Marshall2008 took to Eurogamer's forum to spread the bad news: "At present you will get error 8002f2c5 when you change your HDD and the only way to fix it is to put the old drive back in," he wrote.

"I bought a 320GB HDD to upgrade my 120GB PS3 Slim. I stuck the drive in and got the usual message about putting in a USB drive/stick with update 3.56 or newer on. I stuck the old drive into a sata caddy formatted it and put the update on. All good so far until it gave me error 8002f225.

"Checking online it appears to be a firmware bug which screws up upgrading your HDD. Unfortunately for me I wiped the original drive so I can't just stick it back in and I will have to wait for a fix."

Eurogamer reader Joseph Bat then pointed Eurogamer towards spiralling threads on the official EU PlayStation forum.

Reports indicate the issue is restricted to the 16MB flash PlaySation 3 models – which includes the Slim. Eurogamer has contacted Sony for comment.

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/20...s-hdd-upgrades ...