Looks like we’ve seen a lot of cool stuff come out for the PS3 in regard to their highest firmware, 3.50. Recently, a jailbreak has been released, along with a downgrader to allow users to downgrade to 3.41 or any other firmware they please. (Even ones that include OtherOS!!)
Check out of these great demonstration videos!

Discussion: Here
Source 1: Here
Source 2: Here

xttl has updated his PS3 Doom port to version v0.03 recently. The new version brings 1080p and 720p support, various other resolution support, analog controls, and sound is now properly working.

v3 is now out. Sound effects should work pretty much perfectly now, there’s a simple launcher that will allow you to select an IWAD if you have multiple ones available (no PWADs yet, and the launcher menu only lists the first 10 IWADs it finds which can happen if you have duplicates of them on different storage devices) and in case an error happens after graphics have been initalized, you’ll see the error message on screen. (not just via ethernet debugging if enabled).

I also switched the license to GPLv2 now (the DOOM source is available both under GPL and under another license that basically disallows any commercial use of the work, but allows you to withhold your sources). I had no intention to not release sources anyway, and this allows me to use code from other GPL’d ports. The 720p scaler in use now is from Chocolate Doom (though adapted to work with true transparencies instead of faking them with palette lookup tables) and 1080i/p is done using a similar idea.

v3 supported screenmodes: 1920×1080 and 1280×720. 640×480 and 720×576 STILL DO NOT WORK. Sorry! If you want to force 720p mode when you have 1080i or 1080p available, hold TRIANGLE immediately after you select PS3DOOM’s icon from XMB and keep it held down until the launcher WAD menu appears. This is a workaround until I can figure out a way to query available video modes using PSL1GHT. I don’t just want to assume a particular mode is available, and PSL1GHT’s videoTest example just selects the same mode XMB is running in, which is always the highest resolution available.

You may want to force 720p because the scaler in 1080i/p is a bit slow.

I also changed the controls to analog now.

Download Doom from the Brewology Store or here

Greg from PS3-hacks.com has confirmed that the PS Downgrade from the PS Jailbreak crew is real! Here is what he had to say:

“I can personally tell you that PS Downgrade is the real deal. I’ll attempt a video later — just know I successfully downgraded my PS3 Slim running 3.50 to 3.41 a few moments ago. And so we’re clear: ps-downgrade.com is not a scam; they’re the real deal — and very helpful too. I bought my PS Downgrade update for $40 and although it took more than 48 hours, they still delivered; I understand that to be PS Jailbreak’s problem but lets not get into he said she said. After all the PS Jailbreak team did it again!

We have for you the modified 3.41 PUP, both Lv2diag.self files, and the PS Updater app (to update your PS Jailbreak with PS Downgrade). Instructions on all that below. I believe the FLA file (the PS Downgrade software) is specific to each PS Jailbreak device. But I’ve included mine anyway. Maybe someone can do something with it.

How to Downgrade your PS3 with PS Downgrade

1. Insert PS Jailbreak device that has been reprogrammed as PS Downgrade into your console
2. Turn on the console using the same boot method as PS Jailbreak: Press power then immediately press eject. Your console will turn on and PS Jailbreak will light up with red/green LEDs followed by green only, then the PS3 will turn off.
3. Turn on console to make sure you are in factory service mode. You will see a huge red box on the screen saying Factory Service Mode. Once confirmed please turn off console and remove PS Downgrade Dongle.
4. Program any blank USB mass storage device with 2 files:
      1. the modified 3.41 PUP
      2. Lv2Diag.self (rename Lv2diag.self.1)
These must be the only files on the USB key and must be placed in the main (root) directory.
5. Insert this USB mass storage device into the USB port to the right — the first USB port in from the right side if you’re facing the console. Turn the PS3 on and you will see black screen but the PS3 HDD light will flash.
6. Wait 3 minutes for the system to install the old firmware. Towards the end the power button on the console will start flashing green and then your console will power off.
7. Remove the USB key and turn on the console, you will still be in factory service mode. Please verify you have downgraded successfully to version 3.41.
8. (Optional) – If you wish to downgrade to any older firmware you can follow step 4, 5, 6 using any regular firmware PUP. (You do not need to use modified custom firmware now that you are on 3.41).
9. Insert USB key back into your PC, remove the PUP and Lv2Diag.self file, and copy only the other LV2Diag.self (rename Lv2diag.self.2) to the USB key.
10. Power on your console, after 10 seconds it will power off
11. Turn on your console again with no USB inserted and you will be out of factory service mode and back in retail mode with your chosen firmware version installed

With this you’re able to downgrade any PS3 running firmware 3.42 or 3.50 and “beyond” … I wonder if Sony has any plans on revising their hardware soon. I suspect this is similar to Pandora’s battery for the PSP, which ultimately forced Sony to release the TA088v3 closing off that backdoor.

If you just can’t wait and you already own a PS Jailbreak, or if you want to buy a PS Jailbreak too, then you do that and you downgrade your PS3; you can buy the standalone update or both PS Jailbreak and software
at ps-downgrade.com. Otherwise sit patient because you know this’ll be open sourced real soon.”
Source: PS3-hacks.com

By popular request the Brewology Store has gone multilingual. Try choosing the language of your choice in the top right corner. We are not currently translating everything. So if you see something you want translated. Please let us know here or on the Brewology.com forums!

ALSO I would like to make a call to all developers. If you would like to manage your own Homebrew (pkgs / images / author / author url / description / etc…) on the Brewology Store please sign up on the forums and PM me. I will give you access to an admin panel to manage your own homebrew.

If you aren’t a developer but want to help sign up on the Brewology forums and help with questions or PM me or PuppetMaster if you want to help with the Store.

http://store.brewology.com allows you to download the latest Homebrew, Game Updates, Demos from your PS3 to install on your PS3. It also has videos that you can download or just watch in the page.

To help further this project when you can’t find a game update please use the PS3 Homebrew Manager Java Applet as it will automatically add it to the store. If you find a PSN link you want to download that we don’t have please use the PSN Downloader and it will also be added to the store!

Instructions: To use the store simply visit http://store.brewology.com in your PS3 Browser. When you find something you want make sure you have a USB storage device attached to your PS3. Click download and select the location to download to. Once back in the XMB you should be able to install the PKG without restarting the PS3.

A day many of you have been waiting for is finally here. The folks on 3.42 and 3.50 firmware will no longer have to sit on the sidelines. We’ve been exclusively informed by HolidayCarts, an official PSJailbreak distributor, that the PSJailbreak Team is set to unveil their new website: PSDowngrade.com

To quote the website: “PS Downgrade is a software add on that connects with your existing PS Jailbreak device. In 1 minute or less you can downgrade your consoles firmware to any previous firmware.”

As mentioned above, PS Downgrade is not a new chip, but it is the much anticipated software update to the original PSJailbreak chip. The update will be available for customers who have a valid serial, of the original PSJailbreak chip.

It’s interesting to note, that the downgrade can only be used once. Our source explained “1 time downgrade, cannot downgrade more then once, or to a lower firmware after you choose which firmware”

Another website has also surfaced, www.ps-downgrade.com. This one showcases the following video, offering visual evidence of the downgrade. The site was up prior to any news being posted and uses similar graphics to PSDowngrade.com which leads us to believe it is another official partner.

Source: psgroove

drizzt84 has released 1.03.01 as a fix to a bug in 1.03. His recommendation is to immediately upgrade and to not use Gaia v1.03.

Some bugs fixed in Weltall code. Upgrade as soon as possible and do NOT use V1.03! As Soon As Possible upgrade and do NOT use V1.03!

Get it from the Homebrew Manager here

Source: drizz84t

For the new people – This is a Java Applet that will download homebrew or game updates you select directly to your PS3 by FTP. It is a Java applet so that it runs all ALL OSes and is always up to date when you visit.

Major Changes
- Search for Game Updates by Name (database is updated as people search for new games)
- Bug fixes – UI / Error Handling

Note:
- For those who would like proof that we can be trusted. We have been around making stuff since 2005. See http://www.psp-hacks.com/2005/08/20/smashpack-brew-pack-generator/ . Also feel free to contact us.
- If you have any problems or feedback please let us know so we can make this better.

Special thanks to the Brewology crew for keeping the Homebrew updated (its a lot of work)!

Check it out here!

lousyphreak has been hard at work on his port of ScummVM for the PS3. Earlier today he checked in some updates that adding pkg making as well as adding the virtual keyboard.

I am currently working on a ScummVM port for the PS3, much of it already works, but there are still some points which need fixing.

Games tested:
Monkey Island 1 & 2 (FMTowns Version)
works, except the cursor is broken after playing
Monkey Island 3
works, sometimes sound skipping (cracks)
Day of the Tentacle:
works 100%
The Legend of Kyrandia (CD Version)
works 100%
Beneath a Steel Sky (CD and Floppy)
crashes at intro, but if skipped it works fine
Discworld
works 100%

UPDATE: 27.10.2010
.) automatically builds installable package with “make pkg” (may need testing)
.) Virtual keyboard enabled (I will select a better layout later)
.) enable keyboard everywhere with R1 (if its not automatic)

Download it using the PS3 Homebrew Manager

Updated to v1.2
- new icon (thanks fraser0206)
- sram support
- option saving
- state select in game (using right analog stick)
- multiple bug fixes

I am in the process of completely revamping our framework. One of the changes to come will be an easy way for us to map input therefore allowing the end users to as well. Expect to see custom controller mapping in fceu and snes9x in a few days.

Download it using the Homebrew Manager or get the regular download here.