Sony has released the newest PS3 firmware, v2.80. This firmware brings the following changes:
The playback quality of some PLAYSTATION 3 format software has been improved.
It also blocks the Open Remote Play, so those who enjoy this don’t update (no stats on current work arounds for newest firmware).
For some reason I didn't receive the update....should I update it when I get it?
Don't update
ok i wont update it
open remote play works for me on 2.80.How does it block it?
Is this true? If so how and why?
Why would sony block something like this? Its not piracy and if anything it would be good marketing since now you can access your PS3 anywhere and an iphone app would be beneficial.
Unless Sony basically say FU and stick to PSPs in the air, even though PSPs arent always practical.
What ways around this update are there? and also is there any work on a ipod touch/iphone version?
First info which is missing:

this update is NOT mandatory - You are NOT forced to update (at least not yet -this I find very weird as it used mainly to interfere with ORP)
Second thing the info isn't completely right..
It doesn't block ORP completely, it just no longer functions properly. it just goes all funny and unusable after a minute or so, and in the end crashes. This is important info, as it means that it is able to connect, and the actual authentication/keys hasn't been changed.
Also, the reason for blocking it could be, that $ony already announced that they are going to make remote play open for some other devices than the PSP, which means they will be able to make money on it themselves, which wont be a very good business if its already possible on all devices even their business rivals third party devices - so closing it is because of $$$.
Other changes with the new firmware 2.80 are:
The microphone volume is stuck/locked on level 3 for some users - all the others are non-selectable (deactivated) (Not confirmed if this is all microphones or only on unofficial ones)
The amount of characters available to use in the text chat, has increased from 32 to 64.
interesting
if it's true it's very interesting, and it would seem as a very buggy update. I doubt you are right though.
Yes for the 2x text chat size. Being limited annoyed me before, I just needed those last few characters.
Dumb update, don't update.
I haven't updated but I have checked the PUP to see if they left something in. No, apparently, although with a PUP Unpacker it gives me a 6 byte file with 0000 and then empty characters after it.