To coincide with the recent PS3 Firmware update, Sony have also released a firmware update for their PS Vita system, which is its fourth update since its release and its second this year, however this update is a lot different than the rest as it actually add’s, to the PS Vita experience, here are some of the changes:

Source

For those of you wishing to contribute to the PS Vita Scene, don’t forget to visit:
Vita Dev Wiki

Also dont forget to visit:
SKFU’s Blog

Sony is rolling out with PS3 firmware 3.72 shortly tonight.

Changelog:
A new PS3 system software update, v3.72, will be released soon. With this minor update, system stability during use of PS3 format software and network services has been improved.

Maybe this will affect downgrading? Looks like we will have to wait and see.
[VIA PSblog]

There have been several reports, of certain new games released today, which require you updating your console to 3.56, in order to play them, the games that have been proven to require this update are:

• MLB11 The Show
• Dragon Age II(This was leaked early) Edit – It seem this game has been patched – View this post for more information(Thank you Bud Green)

Other reports suggest that the EU version of Fight Night Champions also need this FW in order to play.

Thanks to IsurvivedAIDS for the tip.

At this present time, there doesn’t seem to be a bypass method, but we will keep you updated.

PS3HaX member ModThatGame has posted a useful tutorial, on how to update the clone of PS Jailbreak, you will know you have a clone of PS Jailbreak, if it looks identical to the official device, but cost below $60, also it wont be upgradeable via normal methods.

Clone image courtesy of Dukio.com

To view the tutorial, visit here

First it was reported that the online super site Amazon gave a partial refund to a customer for the loss of the OtherOS, then not long after, we reported here at HaXNetwork that Sony were refusing to refund PS3 users for the loss of the Other OS function, stating that it was up to retailers if they wanted to refund.

Now it emerges that ThreeDog from Maxconsole tried to get a refund from the UK’s largest gaming mega store GAME.

This is the response email from GAME:

Thank you for your email.

Thanks for your email, may I at the outset apologise for the delayed response. We are currently receiving a high number of emails and we are working to respond as quickly as possible.

I can confirm that GAME are not in a position to offer a refund for your PS3 console.

Upon setup of your PS3 console you would have agreed to a set of Terms and conditions, it is in these Terms and Conditions that Sony did make provisions to effect an upgrade that could cause a loss of functionality. If you refer to Paragraph 10 of the Playstation Network Terms of Service and User agreement you will be able to see the full details.

It is consumer choice when it comes to accepting updates, if you choose not to update your console then GAME cannot be held responsible for loss of functionality.

You may wish to contact Sony, 08447 360 595 with regards to this issue who may be able to assist you further on this occasion.

Regards,
Lucy M
The Team at GAME

Source

So it seems that both Sony and retailers are refusing to give refunds, is it now time to put up and shut up ?

If you are planning to stay on pre-3.21 firmware on your PS3 you can still connect to PSN on lower firmware via PS3 proxy.

The method is old but has been working for a while now. You can view the tutorial here.

UPDATE: A very easy method posted by Aaron can be found here (noob-friendly):
[Connect To PSN Without Updating (NOOB WAY)]

PS3 Firmware 3.21 “upgrade” was released today, and as posted earlier, it does block OtherOS support. It is highly recommended that if you have one of the “phat” PS3′s that you do not update at this time as their are rumors of PS3 custom firmware, and potential safe way of upgrading preserving OtherOS.

[Download PS3 3.21 Firmware Update]

Sony has released PS3 FW 3.15 today, the update seems to be optional as I was not prompted to update my PS3 when I logged into PSN.

Full changelog below:

• Bluetooth sync issues fixed
• Trophy syncing issue resolved
• PSP Minis now playable on the PS3 (starting December 17th all PSP minis will be playable on the PS3, for now you must go to your download list and re-download any previously purchased PSP minis for them to function on the PS3)
• XBM Icon Added – Minis Save Data Icon
• LAN Data Transfer Utility

1. Turn both the current PS3 (A) and new PS3 (B) on and connect them with a LAN cable; PS3 (A) should be connected to the TV. Please note, firmware (v3.15) must be installed on both systems.
2. On the XMB of PS3 (A), scroll to the Settings category and select [System Settings] and then [Data Transfer Utility]
3. Follow the instructions on-screen and transfer data
4. After transferring the data, follow the instructions on-screen, and then connect PS3 (B) to the TV to view the XMB
5. If content that was downloaded from PlayStation Store was transferred as part of this operation, you must activate PS3 (B) before you can use the data. Log in to the PS3 system as the user who owns the content, and then select (PlayStation Network) > (Account Management) &; (System Activation) to activate the system.

[Download PS3 3.15 FW Update]

As previously announced, PS3 firmware version 3.0 has now been released. The new firmware brings many eye candy releated features and improved functions on various other features. You can view the official changelog below:

• Multi-Audio – Audio can now be output to multiple connectors simultaneously. You can set this option under [Settings] > [Sound Settings] > [Audio Multi Output].
• Video Content Playback – During Video content playback, you can now use the right stick to play content in slow playback, fast reverse, and fast forward.
• Settings Descriptions – Now below each setting option under the Settings tab on the XMB, there is now a brief description in small font.
• New Start Up Logo – Upon starting up your PS3, you will be greeted with the new ‘PS3′ Logo.
• Copy/Paste Function – There is now a copy/paste function for the web browser, and messages.
• Internet Connection Speed Test – Check your internet connection upload/download speed. Go to [Network Settings] > [Internet Connection Test]
• Internet Browser Screen Capture Feature – Press Triangle on Internet Browser, then under File > Save Screenshot.
• Custom Remote Play Settings – Manually set a device (such as a PSP system) to be used for remote play.
• New Avatar Support – Support for future additions of PSN avatars has been added. No new avatars have been added along with the firmware. However the support is there.
• “What’s New” – The “Information Board” will be replaced with a “What’s New” section, which allows you to enjoy interactive PlayStation news every time you start the PS3 system. Located under the PlayStation Network icon, “What’s New” displays the latest and greatest game, video, PlayStation Network and PlayStation news and releases, as well as your recently played games, in a sleek, new animated format.
• Status Indicator – In the top right corner we’ve added an indicator bar, which displays your user icon, friend icon, the number of friends you have online and a small message icon to let you know if you have any new messages. The indicator also includes a scrolling ticker that features the latest news from PlayStation Network. In addition, when you press the PS button, the battery life indicator will no longer cover up the clock.
• Friends List – Now your PlayStation Network friends will appear in a slightly redesigned format on your Friends List. Also, messages will now be viewable from each of your friends’ respective profiles.
• PlayStation Store Shortcuts – We’ve added a handy shortcut icon to the PlayStation Store under both the Game and Video categories so you can access the latest content quickly and easily.
• Personalization – Personalize your PS3 with new dynamic custom themes and avatars. Dynamic themes as well as free and premium avatars will be available through PlayStation Store. A dynamic theme takes your screen to a whole new level as it incorporates animated objects into the background.
• Trophies – Showcasing your hard earned trophies just got better. Update 3.00 gives game developers the ability to modify how they display trophies for add-on content. Base and add-on game trophies will continue to be combined into a single list so you can see where you stand in a game as a whole. Within that list, trophies will be broken out into subcategories—base trophies and add-on trophies—that way, you can easily view the percentage of your base game trophy collection, and separately track your trophy progress in add-on packs. Look for this enhancement to be included in upcoming games.

Dashhacker also reports the Open Remote Play once again works with the new firmware, we will report back once he releases an official update on his app.

Overall not too bad of a update this time around. There is most likely hidden updates in this new firmware that are (as usual) not reported, let us know what you find and we will update the list.

[Download FW 3.00 [153mb]]

Sony has released the newest PS3 firmware, v2.80. This firmware brings the following changes:

The playback quality of some PLAYSTATION 3 format software has been improved.

It also blocks the Open Remote Play, so those who enjoy this don’t update (no stats on current work arounds for newest firmware).

[Download FW 2.80]

A new Xbox 360 update is now out and is a mandatory update via XBOX LIVE. This update addresses interruption issues that some Xbox LIVE users may have experienced when playing a limited number of Xbox 360 games. Since this is mandatory, you run the risk of being banned if you are playing on a modded 360 on Live, so use at your own risk.

This is great news for anyone who wants to stay on a lower firmware yet still be able to connect online on the PS3. Spanish hacker Bakke has found out a way to connect to PSN on lower firmwares, this method works on PS3s starting from FW 2.30+. You can continue to play Home, browse and download files from PS Store and play online as if your PS3 was running on latest update. The tutorial is very simple and once again requires the use of PS3Proxy Server. It is recommended to stay on lower firmware updates as long as possible and not to update to latest firmware for various reasons.