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Nintendo offers official downgrade to Photo Channel 1.0, MP3 addicts rejoice
Generally speaking, the reaction to Photo Channel v1.1 wasn't exactly positive -- especially when the MP3 faithful banded together to protest against the update's newfound adoration for AAC. Thankfully, Nintendo has created an official process for downgrading back to v1.0, and yes, users who choose to take advantage will indeed have MP3 support once again. Interested? All you have to do is hit up the Data Management section on your console, select "Channels," choose the Photo Channel icon and confirm that you want it deleted. Subsequently, Photo Channel v1.0 will immediately be available again from the Wii Menu. Oh, and if you get downgrader's remorse, you can apparently switch back and forth at anytime.[Via NintendoWiiFanboy]
iPhone v1.1.1 baseband downgrade released
For those following this stuff religiously: the iPhone "Elite" Team has released a method to downgrade the baseband on v1.1.1 iPhones. Ok, that basically means if you accidentally disabled the phone end of your iPhone with anySIM or iUnlock during the upgrade (or just decided v1.0.2 is where it's at), now you can revert to the last working version and restore order to your iPhone's wayward cell radio. Right, for free without paying iPhoneSimFree a cent for their unbricking solution. Alright, maybe you don't care about any of this stuff -- honestly, we don't blame you. Anyway, it's out there, so for those in the crowd who've been waiting for this -- and judging by our tips, that's a lot of you -- enjoy.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
iPhone 1.1.1 to 1.0.2 downgrade instructions released!
Well would you look at that, instructions are now available for downgrading your iPhone from 1.1.1 to 1.0.2. It won't downgrade your baseband, meaning so far you can't re-unlock an iPhone that's been 1.1.1-ified, but it's still 1.0.2 in all its third-party application glory. The iPhone Dev Team folks are working on a way to downgrade the new firmware to let people unlock their phones again, but for now AT&T users sitting pretty, and non-AT&T folks can at least do the WiFi thing. There's a video tutorial after the break.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in] Read - iPhone Dev Wiki instructions Read - Hackint0sh thread where the magic happened
Breaking: Reports of 1.1.1-to-1.0.2 iPhone downgrades trickling in
Remember that bit where I said upgrading from 1.1.1 to 1.0.2 was a one-way trip? Looks like I spoke prematurely. Tonight, reports are trickling in about successful 1.1.1-to-1.0.2 iPhone firmware downgrades using this method described at the "iPhone Devteam" wiki, which relies on a combination of firmware-fu and the INDependence software. TUAW reader skwasha tipped us off to an ongoing conversation at the hackint0sh forums that got the ball rolling on this.I have not yet been able to confirm this downgrade so let us know in the comments if the method worked for you or not.Update: After downgrading your iPhone will most likely not work as a phone. But you'll be able to use it with third party apps and WiFi. Developing.Update 2: More detailed instructions here at Nate True's blog.Update 3: This method is now called "pulling a kmac" after the original poster who figured this out.Update 4: If you're getting the "Please Connect to iTunes" thing, you'll need to set some environmental variables. You can do this with either iBrickr/iphoneinterface or with iPHUC. Instructions for both at Nate's blog.
Microsoft giving Vista Business / Ultimate users 'downgrade' to XP option
It's no shock that Windows Vista isn't, shall we say, universally loved, and it's also unsurprising that a plethora of businesses have voiced their preference to keep on runnin' their operations on Windows XP. Presumably in response, Microsoft is "quietly allowing PC makers to offer a downgrade option to buyers that get machines with the new operating system but want to switch to Windows XP," but the program only applies to Vista Business and Ultimate editions. The likes of Fujitsu, HP, Lenovo and Dell all have processes in place to ensure that customers have the ability to downgrade if they so choose, and while some firms are still selling their PCs with XP pre-installed, debates are already swirling around how long that tactic can remain in place.
Luminous PSP 3.50 downgrader released
After showing the world that Lumines can be used to unlock homebrew on the Sony PSP's latest firmware upgrade, and thus increasing sales of the classic puzzler 59-fold, the folks at Noobz! have released a v3.50 downgrader that uses the newfound exploit.All you need is a US or EU version of Lumines (support for the Japanese version coming soon), "sufficient intelligence and english language skills," and a pocket full of dreams.* Also, be advised that by downgrading the PSP, you run the risk of bricking it, rendering the portable nothing more than a paperweight. Instructions and files for download available at the Noobz! website.* Pocket full of dreams not required but is certainly helpful as part of a well-balanced lifestyle[Via PSP Fanboy]
3.50 downgrader released
Much to the dismay of Sony, it appears that the homebrew community has finally created a downgrader for firmware 3.50. With almost any copy of Lumines, PSP owners will be able to have their systems revert back to an older firmware. Visit N00bz for the complete directions, but make note of one of the requirements: "Sufficient intelligence and English language skills to be able to carefully and throroughly read the instructions."Downgrading a system CAN BE RISKY, and MAY CAUSE YOUR SYSTEM TO BE INOPERABLE (or "bricked"). Also, you will be voiding your system's warranty by using this hack. If you're willing to take the plunge, feel free. Once you get to 1.50, we highly recommend that you install one of Dark_Alex's custom firmware packages, to ensure compatibility with current game titles.[Thanks, ben!]
3.03 downgrader released [Update 1]
Finally, you can downgrade your 3.03 PSP to homebrew-friendly 1.50. You will need the following: Unpatched GTA: Liberty City Stories 1.50 firmware 3.03 firmware 3.03 downgrader You can find more info at Noobz. Remember: you are downgrading at your own risk, and no one can be held responsible if you brick your system. Take precaution. Once you downgrade, you can always upgrade to one of Dark_Alex's custom firmware options.[Thanks, Ben!][Update 1: Check out this incredible guide at the PlayStation forums to help you every step of the way.]
Stop asking if you can downgrade your 3.03 system [Update 1]
A public message announcement from the PSP Fanboy team: Stop asking if you can downgrade your system. Currently, downgraders only work for PSPs with firmware 2.80 or below. Constantly leaving comments about downgrading from 3.03 will not get responses.So, what are you supposed to do then? N00bz, "homebrew without a clue," answers some of your burning questions. They note a few key points: there is a "kernel mode exploit" in all PSPs, up to version 3.03, that seems to be unchanged. Once a "user-mode exploit" can be found, it will be theoretically possible to run homebrew on all PSPs--even downgraders should work.But when will this happen? Who knows. Certainly, there are hard-working homebrew coders trying to find exploits in all of Sony's latest. However, N00bz recommends that if you're ever serious about switching over to homebrew, you should stop upgrading your PSP altogether. 3.04 or whatever future firmware upgrade Sony releases will most likely address these exploits; and it should be much easier to run exploits on 2.81 versus 3.03. There's no guide as to when the homebrew community will release something, but we advise you: please be patient. Personally, I'll keep upgrading to Sony's official firmware because I actually like playing legal games. [Update 1: Looks like I offended a few of you with my overly bitter comment. I'd like to apologize to those of you that do actually use your homebrew PSPs in a legit manner. As an acknowledgement of the harsh tone I took, I will not delete the comment. Sorry to those that were offended: you are clearly upstanding in an industry where many people take game developers for granted.]
Afraid of bricking? Try the "safe" 2.8 downgrader
Some people are wary that the use of downgraders will leave their systems essentially useless, or "bricked" as they say. The process isn't the simplest to follow, and copying over system files is always a dangerous thing. However, the homebrew team at N00bz have created the "safest" downgrader yet. It has built-in security checks, support for TA-082 and TA-086 motherboards, and includes most every file you'll need to revert your 2.80 PSP down to PSP 1.50.This doesn't mean that it's 100% fool-proof, as the warning attached to the downgrader states. However, there's also a new alternative: by downloading and installing HEN-D to a PSP version 2.80, you'll be able to launch a good deal of homebrew without having to downgrade at all.[Thanks, Rajat Jain!]
Non-bricking TA-082 downgrader released
Homebrew enthusiasts know that there's a special kind of PSP that can't downgrade... until now. Some PSPs have a TA-082 motherboard which prevents downgrading to a homebrew-capable firmware, but whiz-kid Dark_Alex seems to have worked his programming magic yet again and has created a downgrader for y'all running firmware 2.71. Considering the technical proficiency this guy is capable of, shouldn't he be hired by Sony by now?[Thanks, ldd. Via MaxConsole]See also:Fake downgrader angers homebrew community
2.80 downgrading made easy
There's always someone out there that updated their PSP, only to regret it moments later. Well, for those of you that have been patient enough not to upgrade past 2.80, an "easy" way of downgrading to homebrew-compatible 1.50 has been released. This guide from PSP Vault will help you every step of the way, but they warn: -If you have a TA-082 motherboard in your PSP, no [sic] not even attempt to downgrade. -If you are clueless and don't feel that you can follow this guide step-by-step, do not attempt to downgrade. -If you have a fear of bricking your PSP and are nervous, I will say this guide has been used several times over, but perhaps you should wait for some sort of "safe downgrader".If the scary red text doesn't change your mind about downgrading, then you're ready to go! First, you'll have to download eLoader and xLoader, PatchSFO and finally the downgrader program. Make sure you have a USB cable ready to connect your PSP to your PC. You'll run the downgrader, but watch out for the next few steps, indicated in the guide. You don't want to brick your system, do you? With 3.02 firmware emulation entirely possible, it appears that a whole new slew of people can now be introduced to homebrew.[Thanks, Joel!]
TA-082 users now able to use homebrew
Some modern PSPs are manufactured with hardware that prevented downgrading to older firmware. They can be identified by opening the UMD drive and looking inside: if numbers appear inside (pictured right), then the system was unable to downgrade... that is, until now. Programmer 0okm has developed SoftDown" for TA-082 users, and is willing to work with you one-on-one via e-mail to get your system downgraded. Of course, like he says, you'll have to trust him with your e-mail address, PSP serial number and your firmware data. If you're ready to start taking the first steps towards a very homebrew-friendly system, check out 0okm's website for more info.[Via PSP Hacks]
Rumor control: No plans for PS3 downgrade
You know the drill. First it starts out from an "anonymous inside source" then it gets construed until the cows come home. That's about how the whole rumor concerning the PlayStation 3 downgrade started. Apparently an "inside source" revealed that Sony couldn't quite get all the pieces to fit and still make it cool correctly, thus needing a downgrade. He or she also said that the Cell could be clocked down from 3.2GHz to 2.8GHz in order to manufacture them in greater mass.Well Jonathan Fargher, a Sony rep, has stepped up to dismiss those rumors for the BS that they are. "Developers have been working with PS3 dev kits for anywhere between eight and 12 months, and to suggest that we'd now take the decision to downgrade the hardware at such a late stage, is, well, ridiculous."And to address the issue of sticking all those components inside the already large casing, he said they "do have over 40 years of experience making consumer electronics equipment, and therefore, extensive experience in making things fit."
