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)
@Lemmy_TwoPutt and tazinlwfl (and anyone else who thinks that this move by Sony is just)
I have a few points to make:
1) @Lemmy_TwoPutt: Your question is irrelevant, that’s why no one is answering it. Some of us paid into a PS3 for the OtherOS feature. I will NOT lie and say I am one of them just for the sake of argument but I will say that I have seriously considered installing a PS3 Linux distribution to explore Linux in a different machine than the Laptop PC that I own. The idea was highly recommended to me by my Computer Science as a way to further my skillset. Am I expected to give up that unique opportunity because Sony doesn’t want to find a different solution to Geohot’s exploit? How long has it been since he released it? Approaching 3 months now? Isn’t that a large chunk of time to have to think this over and create a sufficient patch that DOESN’T enrage a large cunch of their consumer fanbase? If you really do want an answer to your petty question, I say that Sony gets a false sense of security by fixing “security concerns” that people like GeoHot will simply not update to because they are smart enough to research the effects of a patch before they install it.
2) @tazinlwfl: “you’re college level “survey of the legal system” makes you more qualified to say it’s illegal.” You don’t seem any bit superior yourself. Before you continue to spout baseless conjecture, read the terms of use for the PlayStation Network carefully. Notice how it never explicitly states that they may remove features from you PlayStation 3 system at any moment. Therefore, I believe there is ground for a lawsuit against Sony in this particular instance especially because they advertised the “OtherOS” option and (as others above have mentioned) it was a large selling point to them. To remove access to that software after marketing it to the extent that they did could, in my opinion, be called something along the lines of “false advertising”. That makes your third point irrelevant as well.
3) The bias in your statements is so blatantly apparent, your arguments are as effective as the arguments of a five year-old. And did I mention your arguments are baseless and you created them to justify your point?
Sorry I actually put “facts” in there guys. :)
The problem is you turned on the hardware and accept their EULA.
Not in france. Did you know EU don’t have software patents…
Here, I bought a box, on which it is advertised : Game & computing.
Today, SONY modify what I buy, and make it not comply with what they advert.
They so break any contract, and they have to refund the ‘thing’ I buy.
Sony can’t be faulted for “false advertising” unless they are still selling the SKU that has OtherOS listed on the box. That’s probably why they waited until now for this update, to rid themselves of their stock of that SKU.
Same in Texas.
PSN!!!! Where’s the freedom of choice here? before you put something on their OWN console in which they bought it from you guys, they have the right to choose whether they like to install it or not.let your consumer decide!!!!!!!!
@ajie
umm u do realize that under federal law any eula or tos has to actually be present at time of purchase other wise it is rendered null and void right??? ilive in new york and state law actually mandates this as well which is why most electronics companies pack some sort of product tos paperwork with it thereby make it an “enclosed” deal as in it came with the product and therefore applies. by sony not doing so and making u read online post purcahse when the system is already setup and installed it automatically renders it null and void.
reply to zepala
this is ummmmm us.playstation.com
do you know what US means right?
@ Ivxxoni
Actually, the two Gamestops here in my city still have some older 80GB and 160GB PS3’s. I could go down there right now, buy one, and sue Sony for it.
also do most of you people realize many systems were purchased by adults but played and set up by minors therefore rendering any acceptance of any tos or eula illegal since a minor cant legally enter into a binding contract and even presenting them with one without parental consent or a guardian presengt is a crime.
And ?
What the problem ?
Is there a EULA I don’t read who says I have to only talk on eu.dontplaystation.com ?
it’s okay, the french are always lost.
@HirotoSama
Does that count as Sony selling the system, or Gamestop?
Can you still get an old PS3 directly from Sony?
@HirotoSama
I never said I was superior – I said Sony’s legal team is.
The terms of use DOES say that they may require you to install updated versions of the firmware for access to certain features. A firmware removing a feature doesn’t make is less of a firmware, and if it is required, then…
3) I didn’t create the example. And I don’t understand how you determined my bias from it. I’m sorry if I’ve insulted you by reducing my arguments to a five year-old level.
People have been commenting in here that you can still play old games after the update and this isn’t entirely true.
Little Big Planet is all but dead if you don’t do the update. 2.2 million levels are lost. Warhawk dead. Pain dead. Socom Confrontation dead. Mag dead. Sony should have to offer a refund for online games. Sure it’s not a big deal that the ‘other os’ is gone. What is a big deal is how much the system has gone south from a ‘hardware’ perspective.
I understand the reason for the update but it should have been thought out WAY BETTER.
wow sony are liars. first they take backwards capabilities now this wow. whats next blu ray???? these companies keep none of the promises
Dear Sony,
Stop pretending everybody is OK with this 3.21 update.
Think about it: according to joystiq dot com, you have a install base of 24 million PS3s. Now, let’s set that “only” 1% of those PS3s have Linux installed.
1% of 24 million is… 240,000. Two hundred and forty thousand PS3s users that are being affected by your DOWNGRADE.
That’s a lot of people, huh? Do you think this is fair? Of course NOT.
Why don’t you patch the hole in your system instead of removing the feature? Is it too difficult to patch? Well, I guess that’s why you have a SECURITY TEAM DEVELOPERS.
Unacceptable, Sony. You are losing lots of potential costumers. Why potential? Because all Linux users on PS3 are GEEKS, NERDS. And people ASK THEM about technology. Do you think them (including myself) are going to say “buy a Sony product, it’s good”? Don’t think so.
Rollback, Sony. Or GOOD BYE.
@ improperlyaged
what you said is right.
theyps3 otherOs is working as intended. u can still use it fine since u bought it.
but they release an update that remove otherOS option. now it is your choice to accept their “house rule” or not. u can choose not to abide their rules. by choosing not to. you can still enjoy OTHEROS, old games, old bluray movies that dont need update. have fun
you can sue them for all i care. i dont even care. just go ahead
@NerdRageQuit & darinl79 :
Can you imagine where I put you <8 year kiddies comments ?
@ivxxoni
u r correct they cant be sued for false advertising as teh product did do it at the time of purcahse however this is classic bait and switch as the product can no longer maintain said function. also it is theft of service as upon purchase and allowing u to accept the original tos and eula they are agreeing to let u play online(implied with purchase of system, case law in new york, look it up). since in no way are restrictions placed on ur usage of psn based on firmware sony is commiting an illegal act and is therofore responsible for full reimbursement. this includes any product u bought with the intent of playing online which now hindered by not updating (i.e. ur games with multiplayer)
Because all Linux users on PS3 are GEEKS, NERDS. And people ASK THEM about technology. Do you think them (including myself) are going to say “buy a Sony product, it’s good”? Don’t think so.
Can’t tell this better.
For the people who say it’s not a computer, then why is it under SCEA: Sony Computer Entertainment America?
Ah Sony, you just stole from MILLIONS of your customers to stop a FEW of them POTENTIALLY stealing from you in the future… If you guys are too good to respond in the posts announcing that you are thieves then well, Ill start bringing the conversation into other postings. Sound good? Ok thanks guys, not letting this one go without making other people aware what kind of company Sony is apparently.
See what happens when you have people outraged, and noone can even comment on, or read our frustration.
See what happens when a big bad corporate entity decides to screw computer students like me? And NO I CANNOT do the same on a laptop, for those who are ignorant and say to do so, I cannot program cell code on an X86 machine so research before you tell people they can do the same thing. Sony asks us “Did you want me to shoot you in the arm or in the leg?” Some people here can’t feel or use their arm so they don’t care, none the less, its not a good idea.
Gotta read the fine print with Sony.
*Sony is not thieves, no really we aren’t, we had a lawyer write up this thingy that says we can do what we want see?*
You broke my heart Sony, and now I’m going to spread the word on what kind of company you really are.
If you bought the original model (and more expensive) of the PS3, congratulations you’ve been scammed. Originally bought a console with more features that are now removed, if you do not upgrade you decide to say goodbye to a great number of features that also had bought.
@LILBUDDY2000
Those games require the PSN, or have features that require the PSN.
They aren’t necessarily dead, just crippled (in their own way).
@Darin179
Here’s the example of ToS not holding up.
Netflix had “we don’t have to send you movies” almost ver betum in their ToS and lost a class action lawsuit for people not getting movies.
Another great one was a company (can’t remember who) putting “by using this product you agree not to sue us” in their ToS.
ToS is meaningless, not a contract, and certainly does not override fair trade laws. It doesn’t make a company able to pull of “bait and switch” tactics.
@improperlyaged
I’m not saying they’re right in what they’re doing. I’m suggesting that if you can’t get that SKU directly from the manufacturer your recourse is between youself and the retailer.
I’m not a lawyer and don’t claim to know very much.
@ajie nope not in the state of new york at least. a product must continue to work as originally advertised and intended providing their is no breach of tos or eula. While both specifically state firmware updates can hinder previous functionalities no where is mentioned that not updating is a violation of tos or eula. therefore they are legally obligated to maintain said service unhindered.
You can again remember of Amazon’s Kindle, where they remove from devices a book users have bought. They have been sued !
@ivxxoni
nope the retailer is never responsible for a products capabilities as they are legally only allowed to sell and advertise what the manufacturer tells them. it even says on my box that the store is not responsible for any hardware/software defects but to contact sony customer care.
So very unwise, this is going to be make for an even greater security threat. The hacker who cracked the PS3 using Other OS swore that he will now devote all his effort into cracking the firmware on ALL PS3 systems, new and old. Quite frankly, I hope he does it, if only to rub Sony’s face in their own BS!
We wait, and wait, and wait for ANY new [useful] feature….yet all we get is LESS?! Really Sony? Couldn’t even give us something the same time you take away? Or are you trying to let Microsoft, Nintendo, Etc. win?? Don’t was the support of your die-hards anymore I see, I’m sorry you feel that way Sony . . .
@improperlyaged
right on.
I didn’t know that.
@ Ivxxoni
Yes, I can buy one directly from Sony.
Just see here: http://us.playstation.com/ps3/systems/ps3-uncharted-system.html
@improper
you said “product must continue to work as originally advertised”
if you dont update. your ps3 still work as advertised. u cant play with newer games, watch new bluray movies that need updates.
if you can play 1 game, i mean only 1 game. like ps2 or ps3 game.
that count as working as intended.
as for psn usage: u agree to their terms that..
From time to time, SCE may provide updates, upgrades or services to your PS3™ system to ensure it is functioning properly in accordance with SCE guidelines or provide you with new offerings. Some services may be provided automatically without notice when you are online, and others may be available to you through SCE’s online network or authorized channels. Without limitation, services may include the provision of the latest update or download of new release that may include security patches, new technology or revised settings and features which may prevent access to unauthorized or pirated content, or use of unauthorized hardware or software in connection with the PS3™ system. Additionally, you may not be able to view your own content if it includes or displays content that is protected by authentication technology.
i wonder if sony realizes that the ones who are actually pirating are just not gonna update are gonna try even harder ARE eventually gonna hack it and then just make custom firmware that bypasses any limiting features they dont want. if anything they are making it worse as all this is doing is drawing attention to the possible bypass and making more hackers wanna do it just to screw them back.
sony, whatever you are, you should be ASHAMED !
we pay features, and now, because some hackers just pissed on you, you steal us a feature and you tell us “but but but you can refuse and have that whole others features to be broke soon” ??!
and you even are not able to improve the interface or add new features to compensate ?
are you remembered we are customers ? ho sony, you are disappointing years after years.
I swear I hope nintendo and apple will still be able to crush you for centuries.
Stupid moderation. Please don’t keep responding to the tr0lls. They feed on the attention and will only keep repeating their lies. It’s like attention starved kids.
Hopefully they’ll be enough market for someone to make a custom firmware chip to solder in. Have it hold two firmwares, with a switch to either load current PS3 firmware (for PSN) or load the old firmware for Linux when the system is powered on.
I’d be willing to pay for that if some foreign company wants to try it.
do you think a billion dollar industry will be scared of some game hacker? they can file lawsuits, hire more programmer and count your tears while theyre counting your money and talking about the last episode of jack bauer’s 24 tv show
Seems there is too a well known underground german group who started working on PS3.
If we start on Avril, the 1st (The date you start war against your users), how long did you give for the PS3 ‘unbreakable’ security SONY ?
not good seriously
I have submitted a formal complaint with FTC and also filing a complaint with BBB. I don’t believe BBB means anything, though – Sony Computer Entertainment has an “F” rating on their scale from A+ to F. Kinda shows what kind of a company it is. I have never bought any Sony products before the PS3, and it is also the last Sony product I have ever bought or will ever buy. Which is a shame – I was so ready to buy their new 3DTV… :(
I know one thing for certain.
Sony will no longer be trusted by consumers.
They can bring out the most amazing games console ever with features their rivals can only dream of but… I for one will never ever forget them removing features from a product I paid more for because of features that they decided to remove TWO years later.
I just got a feeling this is really really going to hurt them in the long term.
It’s been interesting and to be honest from what I’ve learned the last couple of days I won’t be looking to purchase anything Sony produces in the future.
I really really hope they now take some other features out of it something that the morons who’ve been defending them will miss.
I also hope this manages to get into the media somehow it seems to be contained at the moment.
Playstation 3. “It only does less than half of what it used to.”
@darin179 Apple tried that when he cracked the iPhone, didnt work, never will work. Do not underestimate geohot…
Hackers are a group not worth making angry, they always come back to haunt you in the end, it’s almost too bad Sony is going to learn that the hard way. So the PS3 was cracked, you removed the feature on the slims but that STILL wasn’t good enough?
@ajie u r so wrong again the product was advertised as connecting to the psn. hell i got a picture of warhawk on the back of the box. a psn only title. i bought PAIN which must be connected to psn to even start. i bought warhawk another psn only title. by restricting me from using these games they are removing an originally advertised function. obviously since they were advertised with psn only psn connectivity is included as a purchase agreement. since again it does not specifically state firmware required not allowing me to play is illegal. i win AGAIN. :-)
@ INTRIVEN
EXACTLY!
There is no such thing as a secure system or network. There is always a vulnerability or exploit.
the war of consoles!sony is said to be in the 3thr place and the critics and the press said the reasons are many.but as i can see they are their worts enemy,nothing tha microsoft or nintendo could have done cam compare with this lack of respect for their customers!
SCREW YOU SONY!!!
I M SORRY TO SAY BUT THE MONEY I WAS USE TO BUY HEAVY RAIN AND FINAL FANTASY XIII WILL BE USED TO BYU AN XBOX.
GOD OF WAR WILL BE THE LAST PLAYSTATION GAME I LL BUY AND PLAY FOR THIS COMPANY!
IM VERY SAD!
I STILL OWN A PLASYTATION ONE,A PS2,PSP AND IS VERY DISAPOINT TO END A RELATIONSHIP THAT BRING ME A LOT O JOY THIS WAY!
GOODBYE!
improperlyaged wins…