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Hobbyist decrypts PS2's MechaCon security chip after four-year reverse-engineering effort

Canadian retro hardware enthusiast DiscoStarslayer has successfully reverse-engineered and dumped the CXP102064 MechaCon chip found in the original 1999 PlayStation 2 console. The process involved chemically decapping the chip to expose its die, then using microscopes and optical dumping techniques before a software exploit finally allowed extraction of its data. The entire effort took four years to complete.

USB-C vs 3.5mm: How Audio Quality Compares After Phone Makers Dropped the Jack

Most major phone makers, including Apple, Google and Samsung, have phased out the 3.5mm headphone jack in favor of USB-C for wired audio, charging and data transfer. Apple made the switch starting with the iPhone 7 in 2016, followed by Google in 2017 and Samsung in 2019, with Apple finally adopting USB-C for the iPhone 15 due to EU regulation. Sony remains an exception, still including a 3.5mm jack on its upcoming Xperia 1 VIII.

Consumer Rights Wiki finds 44 Sony pages calling digital purchases 'owned' games

Amid an ongoing lawsuit in which Sony argues customers don't actually own their digital game purchases, the Consumer Rights Wiki has compiled 44 documented instances where Sony's own support pages, store listings, and blog posts describe purchased games as something players 'own.' Examples include PS4-to-PS5 upgrade instructions referencing a game 'you already own' and a PlayStation Store ratings policy requiring users to 'own the game' before rating it.

Sony's PSX hybrid PS2-DVR flopped due to price and internal conflicts

Sony's PSX, a combination PS2 console, DVD player and video recorder launched in Japan in late 2003, sold well initially but faded quickly and was discontinued by early 2005. Reports at the time pointed to clashing internal divisions, a confusing hybrid identity, and a price tag several times higher than the standard PS2 as key reasons for its failure. The device never saw a full international release due to complications tied to Japan-specific broadcasting standards.

Dell Pro 5 Webcam Delivers 2K Video for Office Video Calls at $120

Dell has launched the Pro 5 (WB526), a compact 2K QHD webcam aimed at office workers, featuring a Sony sensor, 78-degree field of view, autofocus, and a physical lens shutter. The device supports Windows Hello, includes an anti-theft cable lock, and offers AI-driven features like auto-framing and face tracking, alongside a built-in microphone. It's priced at $119.99, currently discounted to $114.99.

Sony to auto-credit 4.4 million PSN accounts in $7.85M antitrust settlement

Sony plans to resolve a Sherman Act class action by depositing PlayStation Store credit directly into eligible US PSN accounts, with no claim form required. Accounts that bought qualifying digital games between April 1, 2019 and December 31, 2023 were automatically enrolled, but payouts await final approval from a federal judge at an October fairness hearing.

Sony's $7.85 Million PlayStation Antitrust Settlement Gets Preliminary Approval

Sony has received preliminary court approval for a $7.85 million settlement in the Caccuri v. Sony Interactive Entertainment class-action lawsuit, which accused the company of monopolizing digital game sales by killing off vouchers that let PlayStation owners buy games from rival retailers. Eligible US PlayStation customers can now file claims through a live settlement website ahead of a final approval hearing set for Oct. 15.

Consumer Rights Wiki catalogs 44+ instances of Sony calling digital games 'owned' amid ownership lawsuit

A community-run project on the Consumer Rights Wiki has assembled at least 44 documented examples—out of hundreds noted overall—where Sony's own PlayStation Store pages and marketing materials describe digital PS4 and PS5 games as something customers 'own.' The compilation directly counters Sony's argument in an ongoing lawsuit that no reasonable consumer would believe clicking 'Purchase' grants true ownership rather than a revocable license.

Insomniac releases Marvel's Wolverine as first mature-rated PlayStation exclusive

Sony's Insomniac Games, the studio behind the Spider-Man series that sold 50 million copies, launches Marvel's Wolverine on Tuesday as its biggest PS5 exclusive of the year. Unlike its previous family-friendly superhero titles, Wolverine carries a Pegi-18 rating in the UK due to graphic blood, gore and violence, barring purchase by children.

Sony Refreshes WH-1000XM4 With New Colorway and Updated Sound Tuning

Sony has released the WH-1000XM4C, a variant of its popular WH-1000XM4 headphones featuring a new color option and a revised sound profile. The core hardware and noise-cancelling performance remain largely unchanged from the original model, but Sony has tweaked the tuning to offer a different listening experience.

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