The next system software update for the PlayStation 3 (PS3) system will be released on April 1, 2010 (JST), and will disable the “Install Other OS” feature that was available on the PS3 systems prior to the current slimmer models, launched in September 2009. This feature enabled users to install an operating system, but due to security concerns, Sony Computer Entertainment will remove the functionality through the 3.21 system software update.
In addition, disabling the “Other OS” feature will help ensure that PS3 owners will continue to have access to the broad range of gaming and entertainment content from SCE and its content partners on a more secure system.
Consumers and organizations that currently use the “Other OS” feature can choose not to upgrade their PS3 systems, although the following features will no longer be available;
- Ability to sign in to PlayStation Network and use network features that require signing in to PlayStation Network, such as online features of PS3 games and chat
- Playback of PS3 software titles or Blu-ray Disc videos that require PS3 system software version 3.21 or later
- Playback of copyright-protected videos that are stored on a media server (when DTCP-IP is enabled under Settings)
- Use of new features and improvements that are available on PS3 system software 3.21 or later
For those PS3 users who are currently using the “Other OS” feature but choose to install the system software update, to avoid data loss they first need to back-up any data stored within the hard drive partition used by the “Other OS,” as they will not be able to access that data following the update.
Additional information about PS3 firmware updates, including v3.21 (once it becomes available), can be found here:
http://us.playstation.com/support/systemupdates/ps3/index.htm
PS3 owners who have further questions should contact Consumer Services:
http://us.playstation.com/support/ask/
800-345-7669 (800-345-SONY)
I have to say I am VERY disappointed in Sony for this move. I held off saying anything because I was sure it must have been a setup for an April Fool’s Day joke as I didn’t think Sony would do something so ludicrous. I’ll admit that part of me continues to find it hard to accept that this isn’t the case but apparently I was wrong. Sony has always had a good history of supporting their previous owners – including continuing to release PS2 games once the PS3 arrived – but this is an about-face.
I understand that there are concerns about the ability to pirate games using the Other OS feature but I think removing the feature is entirely the wrong response. I purchased my PS3 both to play games (offline and online) as well as the use the Other OS feature to run Linux. I’m now left with one of two options, either stop using the Other OS feature or let my PS3 go the way of the original X-Box – no new games and no more online play.
Come On Pooky Lets Burn This MuthaF#^%@ DOWN!!!
@ Maninashed that way of going online without the firmware is illegal and against the tos. Good job at opening yourself up to get banned from the ps3. im filing a report with sony as soon as i am done typing this.
Also REAL GREAT PARENTING letting your kid play a MA17 game.
thyere going to remove backwards comparability next
your best bet is to file a class action lawsuit and wait for your $20 voucher good for any sony product, in the mail. thank me later.
@ Maninashed that way of going online without the firmware is illegal and against the tos. Good job at opening yourself up to get banned from the ps3. im filing a report with sony as soon as i am done typing this.
Also REAL GREAT PARENTING letting your kid play a MA17 game.
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LMAO. Like I said you’re a tool.
@darini okay but waht about those of us who use these functions legally? you know after we paid for them. ur a sheep. why do u buy anything if u will allow a company to dictate what u r and r not allowed to do with it.
People are also not realizing they added features with this update. Go check your older games, some received trophy support. Metal Gear Solid 4 trophies = worth it.
^ that would be the most epic thing ever!
@dairini
m\what maninashed is doing is perfectly legal. by sont not allowing him to go online with 3.15 they are breaking the eula themselves and therefore it is void so there are no restrictions as to how he can get online. happy gaming maninashed
this is what i get for getting a ps3 in 2006..
this is how they treat the ones who bought their system even when the only game worth playing for an 8 month time period from 2008-2007 was resistance fall of man.. good job sony
*2006
It’s a good thing everone is posting the info on the workaround for PSN. Now Sony can easily plug that security risk. As I have siad before this is GeoHot’s fault, where is all the complaining about him?
@Lemmy Geohot is their only hope for free games through piracy, do you think these el cheapo’s are going to go against him? Thats what this is about, people are mainly upset that their chances for free games has gone down the drain.
@darini
no its not its my machine i paid for it. have u never heard of consumer protection laws. do u even live in america?
darinl79 | April 1st, 2010 at 12:55 pm
I am the one without a brain? I am sorry but who can use their PS3 to go online and play games right now? ME. Who can’t? Whiners who are too stubborn to just face facts and move on.
Look I’m likely just going to update and move on. But let me say this.
Many years ago many people were upset and felt that their rights had been violated because somebody changed something that effected them and they felt they had the right to vote on it. That is what happened. People had something taken away from them and they didn’t have a say in it. Yes it’s after the fact but let them speak their peace.
PS. I referenced the Boston Tea Party. And yes I went there. I know this isn’t the American revolution and some people are going off the deep end like it is. Give them the respect to fight for what they believe in.
Fat_kitty | April 1st, 2010 at 1:08 pm
People are also not realizing they added features with this update. Go check your older games, some received trophy support. Metal Gear Solid 4 trophies = worth it.
^ that would be the most epic thing ever!
You didn’t fall for it either? nice try D
@ improper YAWN
What’s the os
darni will be banned soon count on it
We apologize for any inconvenience that you may be experiencing with the removal of the Other OS feature in the next update for the PlayStation(R)3 computer entertainment system. This feature enabled users to install an operating system, but due to security concerns, Sony Computer Entertainment will remove the functionality through the 3.21 system software update and there will be no refund or compensation offered to the consumers. If you do update to the 3.21 on your PlayStation(R)3 system you will not be able to use the hard disk partitions used by the other operating system. The data saved in these partitions cannot be restored after the system software has been updated. You will need to back up all data to storage media before updating the system software. You may need to format the Hard Disc Drive to get the partition back.
@darinl79
Well I’m glad you’re prepared to lose everything because I can tell you three major vulnerabilities to the system right now. One is the browser. It’s just an upscaled version of the PSP Opera based browser. It’s not even remotely secure. There have been two interesting proof of concept hacks in the past couple of months. One utilizes Bluettoh connectivity the other one utilizes USB 2.0. Nevermind that now that all the dumps are done it won’t be long before additional OS vulnerabilities are found, the very fact that the PS3 can pull files as a media hub means that before long someone will figure out a way to run auto code execution through a media file. So if you are willing to lose everything in the name of security I hope you are willing to lose the browser and Bluetooth and USB functionality as well as the ability to pull media from other computers on the network because all of those are exploitable now that the hackers have the dumps they need.
i dont want piracy. in fact i hate it. it ruined the psp which i actually like. but sony is not legally allowed to do what they are trying. i wont have what i paid for taken away from me. if u think i’m wrong read my previous post about my conversation with the nys attorney general’s office. they seem to agree with me and believe sony is engaging in an illegal business practice and even suggested that i do file a lawsuit. so whose right u or a seasoned attorney with experience in these matters?
that isnt why im mad darinl79 the ps3 will subcome to hacking one day but by then i will have all the games i want anyways.
the reason im mad was because this feature was one of the deciding factors i picked it over xbox. and im sad to lose it so again get your facts straight before posting.
also it isnt the same 5 people posting please check over the 5k post lots of people are upset just because you arent doesnt give you a right to make us look like tools for standing up for what is right
“if it prevents people who hack and use piracy, I am willing to sacrifice anything.”
….
It must be really sad being yourself. Do you want a hug? =[
You know what will keep you safe of hackers forever? See the plug on the wall. Pull it.
^ i loled
Seriously, what’s with all the over exaggeration on them removing Other OS? They remove one small function that a finite number use for legitimate reasons and all of a sudden everyone is up in arms that next is Blu-Ray, then BC, then PS3 game support. Are you guys seriously this dumb?
Sony cannot and will not remove any of those features since those are what makes their console.
Worse we have barrack lawyers on one side and just plain raciest idiots on the other side.
@ manin and you are a drunken loser who fails at parenting.
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LMAO, don’t drink never have. My son is 28 and works in banking in the city, so I really don’t think I’ve failed at parenting.
You know what, I bet Sony are really impressed with the intelligent discussion points raised from the people sticking up for them.
So for the Linux on PS3 owners who do this 3.21 update, if we want the partition back for the PS3 since we can’t use Linux no more needs to back up everything on a flash drive first, or external. Sony you going to pay us so we can buy one to backup the system?
and this is the part that makes it worst.
there will be no refund or compensation offered to the consumers.
again they could of did something anything to make up for it and chose not to so when they do get class actioned i will lol <.<
lol at people comparing consumer rights to human or civil rights.
@darinl79
Why is that the only argument? Piracy. It’s not about Piracy. It never was. It’s been super easy on past PlayStation systems. Sony still profited from those system, but not from the PS3. So why? Why on a closed system with no piracy can Sony not make a profit. While other systems, including past PlayStation models, can with piracy.
Mais uma vez a sony decepciona!
lança uma atualização do sistema que não traz nada de NOVO, e pra piorar a situação tira o suporte ou Linux…
Pessoal da sony vocês estão de bricadeira
atulizaçao é pra trazer algo nono, não pra tira algo que ja tem.
porque vocês não trabalham num atulizaçao em eu possa escutar muias musica enquanto eu jogo, porque vocês não deixa nos por as fotos que nos quiser no nosso perfil da psn, ao invés daqueles avata TOSCO.
PS3 é muito bom mais poderia ser muito muito mesmo melhor, é uma pena que vocês não trabalhe pra isso acontecer.
PS4 No Linux then?
again be clear on this people not too many people are all that concerned about removal of the oos feature our concern is sony removing any feature at all. if they do this there is nothing preventing them from removing any feature in the future and thats not what we paid for. we paid for a product that includes this feature so sony cant just take it away whether u use it or not. its illegal. if u buy a car with built in blutooth support but u dont use it can ur car manufacturer remove it 3 yrs after u buy it? nope u already paid for it. to do so is illegal. same precedence.
Mais uma vez a sony decepciona!
lança uma atualização do sistema que não traz nada de NOVO, e pra piorar a situação tira o suporte ou Linux…
Pessoal da sony vocês estão de bricadeira
atulizaçao é pra trazer algo novo, não pra tira algo que ja tem.
porque vocês não trabalham num atulizaçao em eu possa escutar muias musica enquanto eu jogo, porque vocês não deixa nos por as fotos que nos quiser no nosso perfil da psn, ao invés daqueles avata TOSCO.
PS3 é muito bom mais poderia ser muito muito mesmo melhor, é uma pena que vocês não trabalhe pra isso acontecer.
Mais uma vez a sony decepciona!
lança uma atualização do sistema que não traz nada de NOVO, e pra piorar a situação tira o suporte ou Linux…
Pessoal da sony vocês estão de bricadeira
atulizaçao é pra trazer algo novo, não pra tira algo que ja tem.
porque vocês não trabalham num atulizaçao em eu possa escutar mias musica enquanto eu jogo, porque vocês não deixa nos por as fotos que nos quiser no nosso perfil da psn, ao invés daqueles avata TOSCO.
PS3 é muito bom mais poderia ser muito muito mesmo melhor, é uma pena que vocês não trabalhe pra isso acontecer.
@darini
hey man listen people might one day want to break in ur house so were gonna remove all ur locks and replace ur windows and doors with steel reinforced bricks. sure u can never leave ur house but we guarantee you’ll be safe. sound good?
@TcHoS-x-BraSiL
1. Stop Spamming
2. WTH are you saying…. anyone want to translate?
Well, I understand why this was done but you should have just left the old ps3’s alone and continued to move forward with ‘no os’ on the newer models. Obviously I have no option but to do the update as my kids can’t get online to play Little Big Planet. As someone that has a PS3 connected to every tv in the house (4) and 50+ games I’m going to think twice before running out for another title.
At the very least ‘somebody’ should have responded to this blog to help calm the waters….5000 upset users can’t be a good thing.
4…3…2…1…bye bye ‘other os’
WTF and I just installed Fedora bought a book on Cell programming. What is this Sony?
ummmm…. ok Blu Ray is hardware your playstaion literally runs on blu ray. from what i remember in the format wars blu ray was great enough to push out HD DVD.. for the few of you who barely bought a ps3. your games even run on blu ray. sooo… do not compare something as meager as an Os feature which is software to blu ray which is Hard Ware. do you guys even know that if sony were doing anything wrong they wouldn’t have done it. have you forgotten who holds the leash to psn and your acc’s personally. if they wanted to they could rid us all of psn. or charge. im willing to pay $60 a year. are you?… idiots
I love the people who try to support Sony’s decision. All of them never even used the OtherOS, they have ZERO clue what could potentially be done with it. Never even touched it probably. But they can speak for everyone and tell them they’re dumb or whatever. It’s amazing how many morons live on this planet. Some of these people probably barely even know how to use Windows XP, much less probably even know Windows 7 exists. Heck half of them are probably still in the stone age with a 486′ and Windows 98 running on their computer desk.
Let’s see how many freak out when they remove media functionality like playing your tunes. To me, removing OtherOS is almost as important as this.
they’ll remove backwards compatibility to “even the playing field” with the older models vs the slim.. just watch
Useless slacking off Moderators 3.21 was nothing where is Cross Game Chat?.And better friends & Ban list with more support for IN GAME MUSIC!…Sony you disgust me!
@darinl79 | April 1st, 2010 at 1:15 pm
@TwinDad do not ever compare rights that matter in the real world..to rights to a video game system. Don’t ever do it. Its not the same. You are a bad American.
It is the same. This is the real world, the PS3 plays video games, but it is real property. And hence property rights do apply. While I could have made a better analogy, it still applies.
Like I said let them complain. If you have a counter point great, Offer it, but everything you have posted so far has been. “Move on.”
@NerdRage
Yes I did. I proved simply that they had a feature taken away without representation. It simply applies. Yes, I know it’s private and civil rights do not apply. But it’s what the people are feeling. Right or wrong, see their point? That is why they are posting on this blog to be heard. Let them speak. as long as it meets the blog TOS, I see no problem.
@ fox So what if they do? Who really buys a PS3 to play PS2 games? LOL that is just dumb.
I am going to go buy a Pentium XXXIV computer for $6,700 so I can play the 1986 game “Oregon Trail”.
TcHoS-x-BraSiL – Translated by Google
Again, Sony disappoints!
Releases an update system that does not bring anything new, and to make matters worse the support strip or Linux …
Staff of the sony you are in bricadeira
atulizaçao is to bring something new, not to take something that already has.
because you do not work in a atulizaçao mias music I can listen while I play,
because you do not leave us by the photos we want in our profile of psn,
rather than those avata TOSCO.
PS3 is much more good could be too much even better,
it’s a shame that you do not work for that to happen.
yeah, they’re just as bad as elitest jerks who think they’re more technically savvy than most people.
btw what about this comment from sony?
Please be assured that SCE is committed to continue
>> the support for previously sold models that have the
>> “Install Other OS” feature and that this feature will
>> not be disabled in future firmware release
bad wording on first post, let’s try again:
TcHoS-x-BraSiL is saying basically what everyone else has, but in Portuguese (with particularly bad spelling, no offense).
It is a pretty… empty… thing to do.
Our voice as Brazilians in here is mute, not only because people don’t understand our language but because, as costumer, we have no power. Everything we buy is an import so we are not counted in as costumer demographic.
He is saying that the update is lame, they should be working on voice chat or other things, on not taking features away but giving something new; the usual.