French site PS3GEN has reported that PS3 Developer RichDevX, is working on a payload, to get the PS3 into Service Mode,here is a translated quote from the source:

As shown in this first image, we can see the red box on the XMB showing that the console actually went into service mode. In this mode, it is possible to run specific software, including one allowing the domwgrade (the opposite of update, ie back to a previous firmware). Who says so says downgrade opportunity to go 3.15 for the benefit of new and more otheros hack with PSGroove.

Payload through this, it is also possible to run each time you start the console, loading a file. Self from a USB key as explained above. This could allow the hack using only one time a dongle or other, then your USB stick could complete the task alone. Advances in the underground world push the limits even further, watch this.

Source

Thanks to dondolo for the tip.

EDIT
So it appears we have more scene lies and rubbish:
In reply to Pockets69 Mathieulh wrote

@Pockets_69 I don’t even think this payload is destined for a public release, none of us issued any statement regarding those. People just happened to stumble upon those pictures from Rich’s twitpic folder and made a whole story around it.

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A few days ago Sony released their software that allows you to do essentially what Open Remote Play did. However, it is locked to Sony VAIO computers only (and Windows 7).

RichDevX has released an untested patch which we are asking you to help test to see if this works, download his patch, here

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Two days ago they promised to release their PS3 SFO editor, well here it is . Props to Hellcat, RichDevX and SilverSpring for their great work. If there are any issues/bugs, please report them on the forums or message RichDevX on his twitter. You can download this HaxNetwork exclusive release below.

Stay tuned for future releases and updates.

[Download]

PS3 Hacker’s RichDevX, Hellcat, and SilverSpring have told us today that they plan to release their PS3 System file editor (SFO) in approximately 48 hours. The app is user friendly and allows the editing of SFO files, similar to the one Sony has but with less restrictions.

We will post the new application here in two days time of the SFO application release

[Via RichDevX Twitter]

A few new applications were released recently for the PS3. ifcaro has released a update for his HDD Toolbox, and PS3 Update Extractor.

PS3 HDD Toolbox v0.94is a program to facilitate the encryption and decryption of the hard disk of the PS3. Grab the download here.

PS3 Update Extractor v1.12, is used to extract recent PS3 updates files. Download it here.

RichDevX has also released a modified version of StreetskaterFU’s PS3 Trophy Scanner, it has various new improvements and is more user friendly (and potentially easier to use). Download it here.