14 DAY TRIAL // The PS3 is once again put to the test by homebrewers, who have come up with the PS3 Megabox Homebrew project, which practically implements every improvement that Sony could ever dream of, with their firmware updates. Keep in mind that this neat package won't even require a Linux installation, since you can run the software from your USB drive or even a DVD.
Basically, we're dealing with a tweaked open source software, Freevo, turned into this new Megabox, that features every bit of functionality you lacked on your PS3, from "VOIP to P2P, Firefox, 3D Linux gaming, TV recording plus emulation ", according to the folks over at Kotaku.com. This non-installing version of Linux comes with a brand new skin and a media center interface that would make any other rivaling device envious. What to find out its best feature? It's totally free, so all of this functionality is available for your console right away.
You should know that Megabox is in beta phase for now, which pretty much means that it can be buggy, so be warned, before you try it. Here's the list of features it brings to your PlayStation 3 console, courtesy of Kotaku.com:
Video:
1-Reproduction of almost all the video formats, including the MKV. 2-Reproduction in Streaming (from Internet or the local network) 3-Encoder and decoder of DivX, DVD, TDT and others 4-Recording to CD's/DVD's etc. (you need an external USB recorder) 5-Possibility of using compatible digital cameras with Linux.
Audio:
1-Reproduction of all the formats. (Local and streaming.) 2-Encoder and decoder of CD's and other formats. 3-Recording of CD's/DVD's etc? (you need an external USB recorder)
TV/Radio: (compatible with multiple models and types of USB TV devices)
1-Reproduction of TDT, TDS, TDC and IMAGENIO. (You need an USB capture device.) "one in each pack MegaBOX PS3 will be included" 2-Radio and TV streaming on the Internet. 3-Recording of TV programs "to the hard disk of the PS3, external Hard disk or on a CD/DVD with the possibility of programming the hour and date of recording."
Software:
1-FireFOX. (with all plug-ins for its perfect operation.) 2- System P2P 3-System VoIP and mail. 4-emulation of games of almost all the platforms. (Reading of ROM's from any unit, even from local NETWORK.) 5-Gaming for LINUX in 3D 6-Possibility of launching PS3 games directly from MegaBOX. (In the future possibly ISO loader)
Appearance:
1-Skins Manager is used so that you modify to your taste the appearance of MegaBOX on your PS3 (Necessary knowledge of XM)
Components needed:
1-Playstation 3 sixaxis (PS3) 2-Any compatible PS3 device
Screen Resolution: 1-1280x720 (720P)