Custom PS3 firmware released

Following yesterday’s news that the keys to PS3’s most secrets cupboards have been published online, hackers have now released the tools needed to run a custom firmware version on the PS3.

Kotaku reports that, for the time being, the exploit itself does not allow the running of either homebrew code or pirated games.

The team behind the release claims that "this custom firmware is really meant for future homebrew installation", and "will not allow piracy."

However, what it does do is grant the hacking community the same root control of the PS3’s innards as Sony itself enjoys. And with that being the case it’s surely now only a matter of time until the console is blown wide open to piracy – as is already the case with Wii, Xbox 360, DS, iPhone and PSP.