Sony now silently updating Recovery Menu to v3.56!

[The Central Scrutinizer]

It seems Sony has pulled a fast one and, for those that are just using their PS3 console to stream videos FTP, etc. but are leaving it open to the outside world, even without a PSN account, Sony is remotely transmitting a few packets to your PS3 at some point, and silently updating the internal syscon eeprom to v3.56.

What this means even without doing a full system update to v3.56, they have remotely made your PS3 think it is at v3.56, since those that wish to restore or downgrade or just re-flash to a "modded" firmware using the internal Recovery Menu can no longer do so, as it will always ask for v3.56 no matter what!

The following info comes via Kakarotoks recent tweets regarding the matter:

F*cking Sony bastards. They have 'silently' updated my development PS3 to 3.56 without my authorization and now I can't flash it with a mfw!

DO NOT CONNECT YOUR PS3 TO THE INTERNET! Even without a psn account! If you need ftp, do it on a closed network. Sony are scumbags!!!

To verify it, go to recovery menu, and do 'system update', if it says "version 3.56 or later", then sony screwed you over.

@Jon_Seals no, it's a retail, "dev ps3" meant "the ps3 I use for development" != "my everyday ps3"

@sturmen I didn't accept anything, it's still on 3.55, but I can't flash it with a new mfw. and recovery menu says it needs 3.56+

@indask8FR yep, that's right. the ps3 is in 3.55, with homebrew running but internally it won't allow me to 'reinstall' 3.55

@dashhacks that ps3 has no psn on it, or anything, it's plugged on the router only for me to use ftp on it. so no, there's no ps+ on it.

@Anchang no, there is no psn account on that console

FYI, the PS3 still runs and shows 3.55 on XMB, homebrew still runs, BUT everytime I tried to install a new MFW, it told me "corrupt data"

So far, no one other than KaKaRoToKS has confirmed this to be true. Obviously, it is a developing story and we will keep you updated as necessary. In the meantime, we do not recommend connecting your PS3 to a live internet connection.

If true, there will be no choice but for developers to release a v3.56 hack! Nice job, Sony!!!

News Source: Twitter

Thanks to jarfkingdu for staying on top of the latest scene happenings!

[Neo1000]

My PS3 still shows up as 3.55 and I can still run games so it isn't updated.

KaKaRoToKS Youness Alaoui
To verify it, go to recovery menu, and do 'system update', if it says "version 3.56 or later", then sony screwed you over.

Edit: Just checked, it still says 3.55 or higher so I'm safe.

[ZachPL]

What.

[tonybologna]

This would be illegal! They can't update your firmware without your consent. If this is true which it's looks coming from Kak then Sony is asking for a class-action lawsuit. They've literally gone crazy due to this hack!

[geebeegooner]

if true it needs to be added to news pretty dam quick

[ZachPL]

This would be illegal! They can't update your firmware without your consent. If this is true which it's looks coming from Kak then Sony is asking for a class-action lawsuit. They've literally gone crazy due to this hack!

It looks like recovery menu looks for newest version and won't let you recover if its lower than 3.56!!!

[Klossen]

That can't be true. I just downloaded the GT5 update and my PS3's still on 3.55.

edit: damn, it looks like it won't affect homebrew, but only your ability to install another CFW. ****ing Sony...

[Saner]

KaKaRoToKS is a great dev, and I respect his work (and sometimes his opinion on things) but I just cant see this, I cant see sony forcing this on people who have not connected to PSN etc.. (and even then I cant see it without a "Agree / Disagree prompt)

[mogwaimon]

I just checked my system update, mine still says 3.55 or later. My internet connection has been disabled entirely, however, since the day before the Emails went out...except five minutes ago because of this I turned on the connection to reset the settings so even if the system stealths online with the wireless, it'll have the wrong settings...then turned it off again.

[tonybologna]

It looks like recovery menu looks for newest version and won't let you recover if its lower than 3.56!!!

What does that have to do with my reply? Anyhow, this would be illegal for Sony to pull. They can't force people into updating their firmware. It's not legal. If this spreads out then boy we're looking at a big backlash from gamers.