Coder HtheB released the newest version of his MSN Client for the Nintendo DS. Aparently, the older version used an MSN old protocol (MSNP9) which was disabled by Microsoft™, thus making it unable to login, giving the "Connection to notification server has died." error. HtheB altered the homebrew to use the older protocol (MSNP8) which does not use avatars to make it work.

Changelog after the jump.

In the past month, an incredible amount of work has been put into the Xbox 360 JTAG exploit. This homebrew enabling hack requires soldering and a vulnerable kernel. I have put together a FAQs section that goes into detail about the modification process.

Performing this hack enables you to run XeLL (a Linux/Homebrew loader) or an unsigned dashboard with patches to run full games off an external hard drives, along with homebrew compiled from the official Xbox Development Kit.

This has been a controversial issue among the scene, which some claim that homebrew should be legal and easy to distribute, which is the case in XeLL as it's compiled legally through libxenon. Although in XBReboot, homebrew is compiled and distributed illegally though the official XDK. A legal alternative might be available in the future if history repeats itself, like the original Xbox.

Since these files are illegal to distribute, as they contain copyrighted Microsoft code, you need to download auto-xbins; a program to automatically connect a file distribution server. Check out this video of me demonstrating the uses of XBReboot. If you have any questions regarding Xbox 360 hacking, don't hesitate to post in the comments.

More information: The NEW Xbox360 Homebrew Scene and YOU

While Sony went to great lengths towards preventing a repeat of the Pandora battery hack on PSPgo, they evidently forgot to patch up some existing security vulnerabilities on the software side. Mere days after the launch of the new hardware, homebrew developer FreePlay has managed to run unsigned code on it. Above is a video clip showing off his efforts in the form of a hello world proof of concept.

Taking advantage of modified save data files, the exploit is restricted to user mode, meaning modifying existing files on flash is out of the question. That means no custom firmware, kids. Still impressive nonetheless and perhaps a bit embarrassing for Sony’s engineering crew, considering how quick this feat was pulled off. Now, here’s the kicker: FreePlay has no plans to share this one with the public, but at least you can rest easy knowing that homebrew code can be run on the go.

PSPgo Hacked, Says Hello World - [eXophase.com]

Nintendo rolled out System Update 4.2 for Wii owners in the states today, with the official changelog vaguely dropping word of “behind-the-scenes fixes” and performance improvements. The ho-hum level is high.

These so-called fixes reinforce Nintendo’s anti-homebrew stance, deleting the homebrew channel, BootMii and related cIOS files. While it almost goes without saying, if that concerns you, then passing on this one until a workaround is found may be the best course of action. If history is any indication, it’ll only be a matter of time, once again making this attempt at defeating the homebrew crowd futile.

Wii Firmware 4.2 Out Now, Once Again Targets Homebrew Users - [eXophase.com]

The latest Xbox 360 dashboard update adds support for Microsoft’s Game on Demand service, but that isn’t all it does. According to Free60 project leads Felix Domke and Michael Steil, this update stealthily patches up a security hole that allows execution of unsigned code.

Apparently, “a complete end user compatible hack has been in development for some time” and will be distributed across public channels shortly according to the two devs. That translates to homebrew access for 360 owners who haven’t upgraded to the latest firmware.

Should be interesting to see how things develop. For those unaware, the last known Xbox 360 exploit was limited to an older kernel build that majority of folks already had upgraded past. Not for the technically squeamish, it also required users to connect to their 360 via serial port and have a copy of King Kong. This time around, it sounds like more people will benefit.

New Xbox 360 Dashboard Update Patches Security Hole, Free60 Devs Advise Against Installing - [eXophase.com]

The gang of hackers over at Team Twiizers, widely known for their homebrew efforts on Wii, have released a video clip of a custom intro sequence running on the DSi, featuring the team logo scrolling from right to left on screen. At first glance, it may look like a simple feat but we’re told this is a huge step forward towards running homebrew in DSi mode. Access to this operational mode would give hobbyist developers access to extra CPU and RAM resources found only in the DSi.

Technical details in regards to how the hack was performed aren’t available just yet, but we’re promised that more information is on the way. In the meantime, you may want to refrain from updating that DSi firmware.

Team Twiizers Unofficially Unlock DSi Mode - [eXophase.com]

Just like that, Nintendo has rolled out yet another Wii System Menu update. This is a required update to maintain Shop Channel access that features enhanced parental controls, USB keyboard support for Mii Channel, and vague system function improvements. What the changelog fails to mention, and understandably so, is that the ability to run homebrew applications has once again been blocked.

Developers over at Wii Brew note that the update blocks the usage of the Twilight Hack and reports are floating around that it even removes the Homebrew Channel upon installation. Of course, a workaround is being looked into.

Additionally, Nintendo has updated its Network Service Private Policy, warning that they may “download updates, patches, upgrades and similar software” to a Wii console without the user’s consent or knowledge. Looks like it’s going to be more difficult to avoid future updates short of disconnecting your Wii from the internet.

System Menu 3.4 [Wii Brew]