The PlayStation3 - previously considered unhackable - has
been modified to run pirated software by an American who
unlocked the original iPhone.
George Hotz told the BBC he's beaten the PS3's piracy
protection with a combination of hardware and software
modifications.
The high profile hacker admits he hasn't hacked the whole
system and its protected memory, but says he's tricked the
console into doing what he wants it to.
"It's supposed to be unhackable - but nothing is unhackable,"
20-year-old Hotz said.
"I can now do whatever I want with the system. It's like I've
got an awesome new power - I'm just not sure how to wield
it."
He says he will publish the technique in a similar fashion to
his iPhone "jailbreak" from 2007.
Hotz describes the hack on the "very secure system"as 5%
hardware, 95% software.
"You can use hardware to inject an insecurity and then you
can build on that," he said.
He will also publish details of the PlayStation's "root key",
which will allow others to attempt alternative hacks.
The exploit will also allow PS2 games to be played on the
console, Hotz said.
Early PS3s were able to run these titles, but controversial
hardware changes in the console removed the ability.
Sony has not yet released a statement about Hotz's claims.
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