Laugh and Gaming

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Linux (Unofficially) Returns to the PlayStation 3

In many ways, it was Sony's 2010 decision to remove Linux compatibility from the PlayStation 3 that sowed the seeds for the current PSN downtime and data attacks. So there's poignancy to the news that this week Linux has returned to the system.

A team of homebrew developers have released a custom piece of firmware called "OtherOS++", which not only brings Linux compatibility back to the PS3, but improves on Sony's original offering by giving users access to "the system's innards".

The catch is you've got to be running old firmware prior to the installation of OtherOS++, otherwise it won't work.

Sony : Now PSN is on the Final Stage Testing

As would be expected, Sony's PlayStation Network is still offline. But a spokesman for the PlayStation maker says the team responsible for reviving online play and other network services to the PlayStation 3 and PSP has reached "an important step towards restoring" online functionality.

"Today our global network and security teams at Sony Network Entertainment and Sony Computer Entertainment began the final stages of internal testing of the new system". Sony Computer Entertainment America's Patrick Seybold calls it " an important step towards restoring PlayStation Network and Qriocity services."

"As previously mentioned, we've been working around the clock to rebuild the network and enhance protections of your personal data," Seybold writes. "It's our top priority to ensure your data is safe when you begin using the services again."

Sony also specified its plans to offer complimentary identity theft protection services to PlayStation Network and Qriocity account holders. In the United States, Sony plans to offer identity protection firm Debix, Inc.'s "AllClear ID Plus" free to PlayStation Network and Qriocity account holders for 12 months from the time an account holder registers for the program.

Debix has launched a preliminary landing page for Sony customers, which also lays out AllClear ID Plus services.

Sony says it will begin sending activation e-mails to its customers in the coming days. Similar plans for other territories will be announced soon, the company says. More details on Sony's identity theft protection plans right here.

Monday, May 2, 2011

SOE : About More Than 12,700 Credit Cards Stolen

Following the previous incident, Sony Online Entertainment reveals that the personal information of 24.6 million SOE accounts and more than 12,700 credit card numbers may have been compromised in the massive attack that brought down the PlayStation Network late last month.

According to a Sony Online Entertainment statement, the company believes the data theft took place between April 16 and 17, which is around the same time as the cyber attacks that compromised the PlayStation Network.

The credit card data stolen, however, comes from an outdated database from 2007. That database contained 12,700 non-U.S. credit or debit card numbers and expiration dates, along with the direct debit information for 10,700 customers in Austria, Germany, Netherlands and Spain.

An as a compensation, SOE will be offering subscribers to its massivelyday subscription, as well as compensation for each additional day the services are down. It's also working on a "make good" for players of its PlayStation 3 MMOs Free Realms and DC Universe Online.

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Sony : PSN Will Up On The Fifth May

Perhaps maybe yes, maybe no?

After experiencing PSN outage for over 1 week Sony finally gave a good news for PSN customers. They say they have moved the server to data center that has been newly equipped with firewalls and security systems are more sophisticated.

As compensation for this incident Sony gives 30 days free subscription to PSN customers, and an additional 30 days for Qriocity acces.

Sony promised the PSN service will live again on May 5. Of course, besides this is good news also is something that still doubt the PSN users. Because remember the first time when PSN is down Sony said that the problem will be settled within 1-2 days, but in fact, more than 1 week.

One in Five PSN User Has Considering Xbox Live

According to CouponCodes4U poll, about 21% or one in five PSN user which are hardcore gamer has considering to sell their PS3, abandoning PSN and fleeing to Xbox live. This is the result of pissed off player who is disappointed with Sony as a big company to solve PSN outage.

Of course, this will harms Sony's name as a giant corporation.