Report: Sony Able to Detect PS3 Homebrew, Can Ban Consoles at Will
Can even brick them, if the mood takes them.
The PS3 has been cracked and (legal threats notwithstanding) homebrewers and pirates can live happily ever after, right? Perhaps not, as some investigation into the system shows that Sony could still theoretically detect unauthorised software and ban the consoles that run them.
According to a tech-savvy user on NeoGAF, simply booting the system will initiate an exchange with Sony's servers, in which PlayStation Network data such as store previews and ads from the 'What's New' section will be sent to the console. A PlayStation Network account is not required for this exchange to take place.
Additionally, the system's play list is submitted to Sony - and there appears to be no way of masking homebrew applications as the bootmanager required to run unauthorised content will be included on that list. It seems that attempting to block the connection to PlayStation Network with IP trickery won't do either.
"Almost all connections cannot just be port blocked, the port will continue to increment until it connects, you have to block the entire domains," reads the forum post. "Also a big point is that ALL computers on your network need to have these blocked not just the PS3's MAC because if you are running a proxy for example to get patches, the computer you proxy to will just allow the connections right out to the open unless all local IPs are blocked from these sites as well."
A report from Digital Foundry also notes that Sony could have the power to totally brick consoles it has found to be running unauthorised software, making units worthless for either online or offline use. So if you think it's worth loading a 'Hello World' message on your games machine, be aware of any potential consequences.
According to a tech-savvy user on NeoGAF, simply booting the system will initiate an exchange with Sony's servers, in which PlayStation Network data such as store previews and ads from the 'What's New' section will be sent to the console. A PlayStation Network account is not required for this exchange to take place.
Additionally, the system's play list is submitted to Sony - and there appears to be no way of masking homebrew applications as the bootmanager required to run unauthorised content will be included on that list. It seems that attempting to block the connection to PlayStation Network with IP trickery won't do either.
"Almost all connections cannot just be port blocked, the port will continue to increment until it connects, you have to block the entire domains," reads the forum post. "Also a big point is that ALL computers on your network need to have these blocked not just the PS3's MAC because if you are running a proxy for example to get patches, the computer you proxy to will just allow the connections right out to the open unless all local IPs are blocked from these sites as well."
A report from Digital Foundry also notes that Sony could have the power to totally brick consoles it has found to be running unauthorised software, making units worthless for either online or offline use. So if you think it's worth loading a 'Hello World' message on your games machine, be aware of any potential consequences.
Companies:
Sony
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Comments
bertybassett 12 Jan 2011 13:39
1/12
What a load of rubbish I got my jail-broken and in the USA this has just been made legal so lets see Sony try and brick my console they'll get a sued quicker that you can say "how do I print free money"
ghoti 12 Jan 2011 16:24
2/12
How about just not plugging your console into a network?
OK, you wouldn't be able to play multiplayer games. Big deal.
OK, you wouldn't be able to play multiplayer games. Big deal.
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Can't be arsed signing in 12 Jan 2011 16:53
3/12
PS3 has multiplayer games?
Ergo 12 Jan 2011 19:43
4/12
They are *not* going to brick your console. They may cut you off PSN, but bricking your console would unleash lawsuit hell.
Moon 13 Jan 2011 05:19
5/12
These BS scare tactics sound like something a Sony gopher might write.
Brick your console? Give me a break. That would open them up not only to civil lawsuits but to criminal prosecution as well.
Brick your console? Give me a break. That would open them up not only to civil lawsuits but to criminal prosecution as well.
Yoshi 13 Jan 2011 06:23
6/12
LOL at this so called "theoretical" stuff!
Let's say they do, so what?! Go home n cook rice Sony! xP
Let's say they do, so what?! Go home n cook rice Sony! xP
Ben Koomi 13 Jan 2011 06:31
7/12
Sony give it a break already! and release PS4! xD
Boogie Man 13 Jan 2011 06:34
8/12
So I paid almost $600 and I am not allowed to do anything on my own purchsed system? and Sony is threatening to brick the PS3 if found running hombrew ? JUD DAB
Dreadknux 13 Jan 2011 10:13
9/12
Boogie Man wrote:
So I paid almost $600 and I am not allowed to do anything on my own purchsed system? and Sony is threatening to brick the PS3 if found running hombrew ? JUD DAB
Sony's not threatening anything at the moment, I wouldn't get too wound up. The bricking is what another report said could happen - but Sony hasn't said they will or won't yet.
nematoonie 16 Jan 2011 06:34
10/12
Like most computer products in life the EULA and software wrappers usually state that when you buy the game you purchase the right to use/lease the game for personal enjoyment. But not to modify or hack code that come with it.... But yet in North America, you should have the right to back up your disc media to whatever form you like : example internal ps3 harddrive, external, 8gig memory stick....etc. If sony attempts to block you....is it denieying your civial rights....so if "modding" is required to use a backup form of your game or college designed software that you own/made. Then you should have the right to run whatever platform, software you want.
JJ 22 Jan 2011 11:37
11/12
@bertybassett Its jailbreak ipods that is legal, not ps3s as it goes against most of the user agreement.
doodoo 24 Jan 2011 12:44
12/12
@bertybassett
Screw you, assturd.
Screw you, assturd.