Firmware 2.81 now available via network update [update 1]

by Chris Powell { Sep 7th 2006 at 11:11AM }

Sony has released its expected 2.81 firmware via network update and on its Japanese PSP Web site. The biggest change in the firmware is the the 4GB Memory Stick limit is lifted.

Other additions have been translated by DCEmu member b8a:

A fix for corrupted protection management data in ATRAC files that were protected in SonicStage and saved to Memory Stick Pro Duo.
A fix for files formatted with a PSP or Memory Stick formatter that are recognized as unformatted media on a Memory Stick Pro Duo when connecting the PSP to a PC with USB cable

More than likely, this new firmware is Sony attempt at combatting the new libtiff exploit that allowed for downgrading 2.71 PSPs, but we'll know for sure once a few people who are much more smart than me start picking through the update.

I'm downloading the update now and will let you know how it goes.

(Thanks Craig)

[Update 1: After updating, the following text is displayed: "Revisions to strengthen security have been added."]

Tags: firmware, Firmware 2.81, Firmware2.81, libtiff exploit, new psp firmware, psp exploits, libtiff, psp firmware, psp updates

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Paul H @ Sep 7th 2006 11:57AM

Mmmm, best price for a BIG mem stick anyone?

Let's hope there's a new demo or two to additionally tempt us non-homebrew loyalists to update.

Joel @ Sep 7th 2006 12:41PM

I will update mine when a demo is out.
Even though I have 2 PSPs (1.5 and 2.80) it would be cool to use games at the same time as homebrew...

pixelator @ Sep 7th 2006 4:07PM

As much as I'm surprised and pleased the 4GB barrier has been eradicated, it should be noted that the biggest Pro Duo card out right now is 8GB, and it's not yet ready for 'prime time' at $999:

http://www.computer-memory-store.com/sandisk-8gb-memory-stick-pro-duo.html

Even so, this could very well signal the ability for people to use external drives and such to much greater functionality (up to now you had to copy to the Memory Stick). I'd be much more interested in a Datel HDD with 8GB coming in under $300.

This also could be another hint at the 8GB internal PSP revision we are supposedly getting by next March.

epobirs @ Sep 7th 2006 10:54PM

8GB Memory Sticks will come down in price at a rapid pace next year. 4GB units have already been offered in deals for near $100 and will likely be turning up frequently for under $90 around Xmas. The PS1 emulation service will be a big driver for that. Movies and TV shows for legal downlaod would also encourage sales and allow volume to take the place of high margins.

16Gb (Gb as in gigabit) flash chips are starting to become widespread and Samsung has already announced 32Gb chips. Just two of these would be used in a 8GB Memory Stick compared to the four 16Gb cips used now. This would make for an immediate major price reduction.

The Memory Stick Pro spec allows for up to 32GB in a single unit before you'd have to resort to anything like bank switching. As the amount of Memory Stick capacity you get for the dollar increases, so also does the value of the PSP.

Luke Zepnick @ Oct 1st 2006 5:52PM

This is a warning to all of the people that think it's worth it to upgrade to 2.81:
DON'T DO IT!!!
I did it, and now I'm stuck with a system I can't downgrade, and a couple of lousy demos of games I don't even play. And with the .tiff games for 2.80 going retro and stuff, like tron, tetris, and centipede, I was almost crying when I found out it was too late to do anything. Thanks, Sony, for your all-inclusive update, I'm sure it'll be a while before I get to play any free games on my PSP.
2.81 sucks so much that I'm tempted to shoot the PSP I have now and go buy a new one that I can play some free games on...

ricky @ Oct 4th 2006 7:02PM

gosh dang it, i had version 2.01, and i didnt know they had a downgrading for that, and also i ugpraded to 2.71, they had a downgrading for that, too, now i have a version 2.81, theres no downgrading methods for that firmware, cuz thats the one i have, but i cant downgrade anymore, shooooot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!