3.50 Disabled 75% of 3rd Party USB Devices
Sony's latest firmware update, 3.50, seems to have disabled a number of third party devices. In response to the recent attempt to hack the PS3 via USB, this latest move will counter those actions by disabling third party USB devices and making the PS3 secure from such hacking methods. Aside from USB devices, the new enforcement may also cause problems for some third party controllers. As detailed on Sony's site:
"Counterfeit PlayStation®3 Wireless Controllers, which are practically identical in appearance to genuine PlayStation®3 Wireless Controllers, have been discovered in the market. SCEA advises consumers to be cautious when buying PlayStation®3 Wireless Controllers from uncertain sources as the quality, reliability and safety of counterfeit products is uncertain, and in some cases, may be dangerous. It is possible that some counterfeit product may ignite or explode, resulting in injury or damage to the user, your PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, or other property. Moreover, SCEA does not support continued functionality of counterfeit or unlicensed controllers in system software updates and these devices may cease to function in the future because of system software updates."
The controller will only cease to work if it works via USB. It's obvious the main target in this action was hackers. Of course, some will likely try to discover a method of working around this latest attempt to stop the PS3 from being hacked, but it doesn't seem like a method has been discovered. This is the second time Sony has increased security on the PS3 with the recent rise in hack attempts.
