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)
people there are ways around the update. i’m just saying if u so happened to google ps3 dns firmware bypass u might find some interesting links to articles made by very knowledgeable people. hey sony learn form this day the hacker is to be feared yes but the consumer should be feared and respected.
also just so u guys know altering ur dns does NOT violoate tos as sony can not place restrictions on this. it is a direct violation of numerous federal laws. i guess when they said the update was optional this is what they meant :p
I do like the DNS loophole.
That’s a good one.
SONY PS = Suck our nu+s you pretentious stiffs
Well, just got off the phone with Customer Service a little while ago. Registered my complaint about the firmware update with the rep, who was pleasant enough. Didn’t get on his case about it, not his fault, he doesn’t deserve that, but made it clear I was upset about the update. He told me that Sony was very interested in the feedback from users about the issue, and that it would factor into upcoming decisions about the system. I’m not terribly optimistic that that means they will seriously consider reversing the update. Even so, for anyone else who is upset about this, and hasn’t done so already, consider giving Customer Service a call, and voicing your opinion to them; it can’t hurt.
The bypasses will only work for so long. Sooner or later you are going to buy a new game that requires something newer than 3.15. I’m currently running my PS3 though a squid proxy server and serving my own ps3-updatelist.txt file. This is only a temporary solution until hopefully Sony wises up and reverses their decision again. Everyone needs to continue to tell them they are making a mistake by abandoning part of their user base. I am calling them every time I run into an issue with a game that is not working because the PSN access is not working.
I did the math and it looks like I have spent close to $3000 on the PS3 since I got it during the first month it was out. Sony is not getting any more money out of me till they make it right. I will just have to actually fire up my xbox which I own 5 games for compared to the 30 for the PS3.
dude money is serious issue i own 57 ps3 games. and 35 psn games. just with actual disk thats over 3400 in gmaes plus psn games and dlc and accesories(my dual shock, ps eye, official sony bluetooth, and not to mention the 250 gb harddrive i have installed) i’m touching $5000 dollars in sony playstation content easy. oh yeah i also a ps with 7 downloadable games and 8 umd games plus a sony handycam and vaio laptop that i’;m using to type this on. i have always been in love with sony tech since the late 90’s. my support has offically been discontinued with my ability to install another os or any other feature sony wants to remove. and why? cuz i just dont feel SECURE in giving my money to a company like that.
Another question might be, Why am I ‘required’ to update my slim?? What else is hidden in the update?
So because of one hacker (Geohot) you are going to punish hundreds of thousands of loyal PS3 owners? Give us a break Sony! Its only the 1st gen. consoles anyway. Look at all the people you managed to piss of in one day :(
Your slim never had that ability so don’t worry mate… However, this act by Sony could strip your already stripped down version later in impractical decisions by Sony if they decide to remove more features.
Sony really loves making their custumers go mental.
@clubugly That’s the point, the slim doesn’t have Other OS, so why am I REQUIRED to update it? WHAT ELSE IS HIDDEN IN THE UPDATE!?
Oh, trust me, my CECHA01 is sitting right next to me with YDL6 installed. I bought the 60GB because I knew features were going to vanish with newer models. I bought a slim because I knew firmware was going to ruin the 60GB. So I am VERY worried, Sony is doing whatever the hell they want with absolutely NO regard for customers, and that is why I’m worried about being required to update the slim with FW that supposedly only effects older models.
Before I install this update and create a useless 10gig partition on my system, losing features I paid for without a refund, I just wanna say that this is messed up, Sony. No, I don’t “want to install this system software update” but I really don’t have a choice, do I? I either lose the gaming feature I paid for, or I lose the computing feature I paid for. Keep it classy, Sony!
Kudos to whoever discovered the “DNS loophole”! I just tried it now and I’m currently signed in on PSN and I still have my Other OS option as well!
I understand that losing a feature could anger many people, however if it means the safety of the rest of the features then im all for it. I dont believe anyone should lose faith in the Playstation brand over this. We have a console whos technical performance and features dwarf the competitions, the hardware is insanely stable especially compared to the competition, and Sony is just making sure the software side will remain safe, secure and stable. Don’t blame Sony, blame the hacking community that was trying to exploit the hardware..and then eventually the XMB. I personaly enjoy browsing the internet, playing games online, downloading rediculous sized files, etc. without having to worry about hackers or viruses or ads or spys. I bought a Playstation not a PC …. good job Sony
@gsx194 & @improperlyaged …
I totally agree… 40+games and 50PSN titles.. and ALL the accessories. That is loyalty to you Sony. Now, where is your loyalty to us?
I dont expect you will even read this 5380th-ish post. Even if you did, I dont expect you would listen.
To top it all off, you decide to push this “update”… on the Thursday PSN Store update day, which happens to coincide with April Fools day, which happens to also mark the beginning of what I hoped would be a great long weekend. 4 hours later I have finally finished this down-upgrade and the PSN store still wont load properly (perhaps with all the network congestion… ya think?)
You should be worrying about saving face and not so much about saving money.
I think I am going to blow the dust off and plug in my 360 this weekend… maybe even pick up a new game or 2 for it… hummmmm… even my Wii is looking more tempting.
People read carefully u can fight back. Bypass the update by changing ur dns. sony will lose. we the consumer have tools to win.
Why call it an UPDATE? I think DOWNDATE is more appropriate in this case.
I bought an original PS3 for the sole purpose of installing Linux. Why give us an option only to rip it away? I don’t think Sony is thinking this through! Surely there most be another way to make the PS3 more secure than to start deleting features!
What’s to keep them from deleting the ability for older consoles to play PSX/PS2 discs? It’s probably in the EULA (which we all agree to when signing up) and it pretty much gives them full control over everything. So if there is ever a security concern associated with the playing of PS2/PSX software I’m sure they will just yank that as well!
Personally I think everyone with an original system should receive a partial refund since it NOW DOESN’T DO EVERYTHING! (that it used to).
Sony really owes it’s loyal fans something worthwhile in an update especially after the first Date bug and now this. I am beginning to feel a tad betrayed by the company I have been supporting since 1995!
Keep your edge Sony.. shape up and keep your fans on your side!
-Videogameobsession.com
To sony: “you are taking a war against your most loyal costumers & didnt think this really thru ,We were you only base of costumers back in 3 years & we made the success of the PS3 by supporting every single exclusive title & passing the word to friends,but now you have decide to trim some of the initial features just cause you & linux can get an arrangement ? well I”ll only say this..”DONT EVER BITE THE HAND THE FEEDS YOU CAUSE YOU’LL GO HUNGRY FOREVER”
stop with the drama guys ,theres a way to keep your Other OS & still sign in in the network ..just google it!!
@xyzsource
please read carefully this update does nothing to secure system in anyway or maintian ur current features. this update only removes a feature. this will only disable the other os feature. any hacker will just not update and once it is actually hacked the custom firmware will be available to anyone anyway so this is just stupid.
to those of you that think suing would ever work I fell outta my chair laughing you. Have you ever read the TOS you electronically signed, yes an electronic signature is good in courts, there is precedence. Particularly have you read these parts of that same TOS. “You do not have any ownership rights or interests in the System Software. All intellectual property rights therein belong to SCE and its licensors, and all use or access to such System Software shall be subject to the terms of this Agreement and all applicable copyright and intellectual property laws. Except as expressly granted in this Agreement, ——->SCE and its licensors reserve all rights, interests and remediesrevised 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."…..if you really don't think that these big corp lawyers don't have all their bases covered then LOL good luck with that lawsuit.
@5379 karmatron,
It is not about the way around it, it is not about loyal customer.
It is about Sony SCEA that can remove anything from your PS3, you buy a game they can remove it, what other hardware features will they remove in the future ?
@5381 GuardDawg,
You are right in a way I guess.
Now it is quite official, the Sony brand cannot and should not be trusted
I can’t believe the negative response to this update. Many act like Sony is personally attacking them. They have a choice leave other os option and risk potential harm to yours and my playstations, or get rid of the problem and risks altogether. 3.21 is the descision made by the experts. Do u question a doctor when he says your appendix must be removed because it has ruptured? NO so why question and over exxagerate. The ps3 had a rupture…it had to be removed to protect the rest of the body…wise choice
I’ve updated my sister’s PS3, but I won’t update my own PS3 to remove this feature. I’ll use the latest tricks of the trade to prevent it from happening.
is it bad that i have been debating(and winning i might say) this issue for the last two days on here. i seriously feel strongly about this as this cols easily lead to them disabling virtually any feature under the guise of security. this is america we have the right to be unsecure should we choose. besides its illegal. i may actually be the catalyst for a class action lawsuit here in new york. viva la resistance. (resistance 3 coming soon) damn i still support sony even in this dark hour. lol.
@xyxsource You miss the point and the big picture. the geohot exploit was rather useless and still required the hardware to be modified. This update is only going to feed the hackers, give them more reason to to crack the software. All Sony just did was ASK the hackers to bring it, and they will. The worry is what other feature might be removed in the name of safety and security. Sony didn’t do this for you or I, or any other owner, they did it for the bottom line, they have no regard for the owners, for the fans, only for the dollar. Ask yourself, what feature that you use might vanish in the future . . .
I’m really starting to understand what people mean when they say we’ve given up our rights to corporations. The sheer number of people who post stuff like “They have lawyers who read this stuff, so you know Sony’s in the right!!” just boggles my mind. I had no idea so many people just see themselves as cogs in the system. Is this a result of the public school system just giving up teaching civics? Serious question.
Where is the critical thinking? Where is standing up for your own rights?– where is even being aware of what your rights ARE? I think I’m hating where this world is coming to when people just say “Well, gee, some lawyer wrote this on a piece of paper, I give up, you got me!”
Hint: Lots of companies have hired lots of lawyers to help them do lots of illegal things. Sometimes they get caught, sometimes they don’t. But simply because a company wrote something DOES NOT MAKE IT AUTOMATICALLY LEGALLY BINDING.
they cant remove BC with an update for the szme reason they cant add it with an update BC is part of the hardware not the software.
@xyzsource
this was not a rupture this was hiccup. and if a doc tells u have legionnaire’s disease cuz of a hiccup do u believe him or get a second opinion? and make no mistake this is not the “opinion” of experts. this is a major corportation attempting to illegally dictate teh usage of a product that we already paid for.
I just completed the firmware update and it killed my sound. I get absolutely no audio from the PS3 now.
60GB model hooked up via HDMI to my HDTV.
Worked fine before the update.
lol at class action lawsuit. good luck with that. ROFLMAO. again that TOS you agreed to is legally binding.
@guarddawg1369 How wrong you are, software tells hardware what to do. the firmware has a ‘switch’ that gives the processes to the BC hardware, remove the switch and no more BC.
Insert PS2/PSX game. press play, get message “unable to play disk” you must keep in mind the PS3 lost the ability to play SACD with an update long ago
This is absolutely ridiculous. This issue has been complained about more eloquently than I can come up with, but I just want Sony to know that I think this update is terrible.
AGAIN, a TOS CANNOT BIND YOU TO ILLEGAL TERMS.
Sony cannot break the law simply because it’s in a TOS.
Is there a signup sheet at Sony HQ for when every employee has to take their turn being the designated Sony Defense Force member on the blog?
And I have no idea why my post about PS2 BC keeps getting stuck in moderation, but it would be trivial for them to disable that in a firmware “update”. The chipset doesn’t do anything automatically, the PS3 hardware reboots itself when it detects a PS2 disc. So all Sony has to do is have it reject a PS2 disc, not reboot into PS2 mode, ta-da, no BC.
@guarddawg
u do realize that no tos is actually legally binding since most eula and tos clash and therefore wipe each other out. also since sony is violating the inferred agreement(look it up for legal precedence) made upon purchasing the system they have rendered both void themselves. also since the tos actually violates federal by allowing sony to alter a product post purchase with no consumer consent it is illegal and therefore can not be legally binding. people do ur homework b4 u argue cuz u will only look foolish.
This is ridiculous this is tipical Sony I used to work for their music/video editing software division(Sony Creative Software) and I quit because I have pride they would launch software that would ot work and then charge for the upgrade. Just like this update useless and ill conceived I was playing online last night and it kicked me out of mid game and now it doesn’t connect to the network, can’t play. Way to prove me right!! NEVER AGAIN SONY NEVER AGAIN…..
Im sorry but i trust the experts who made the machine, they know the machine better than anyone so i will trust them and their update. Im sorry you who enjoyed this feature have lost it but i assure you their isnt a conspiracy to remove our features. Sony has lost billions just so you have a ps3 for the price you got it..and they pay alot of really smart people to add more and more features that you want.
so what federal law is being broken…seeing as you don’t own the software, only the hardware i just don’t see it…the only way to bring a class action lawsuit is if they are breaking federal law. Seeing as it’s their software that they grant you license to use just as any software company does…They have the right to do as they please.
do u people realize we’re nearing 6000 comments just on this blog and over 3000 on the eu blog. if nearly 10k commetns doesnt amke u realize that many people take this issue seriously ur a fool.
lol at attempting to say i’m making myself look a fool when a few months down the road and this update is still in place and there is NO lawsuit in the works for it then you’ll look the fool. lol
@guarddawg
again as i stated yes sony owns the software but upon purchasing the system there is the inferred agreement(look up the legal definition) to allow any and all software in it to work properly. they can’t alter software post purchase without direct consumer consumer consent as that is a federal offense. they have already granted me license to utilize it. they cant pull it back without my consent. without agreeing to the current eula or tos with the new firmware update i still have that right to use it. i am not bound by an something i dont agree to. post purchase modification is illegal on both ends for the consumer AND the manufacturer without consent by the opposite party. read up on it.
hahaha c’est la crise ?
réduction de la taille (fat => slim)
des fonctionnalités (3.2.1 = 3=>2=>1)
quelle est la prochaine étape ?
plus sérieusement je suis bien content finalement , au prix d’une action en justice vous aller me rembourser la console , j’ai gagne un pc (je ne ferait pas la mise a jour )et je vais pouvoir acheter chez vos concurrents a peu de frais.
i wont look like a fool cuz i stood up for my rights. the people in this country arent always the ones who win. big companies can pay high end lawyers and politicians to bend rules and laws as they see fit thereby unbalancing our legal system. this is why this issue has to be stopped now before they get the leverage of having a feature removed with no backlash.
@guarddawg
If you’d have followed this thread for a few pages you’d have seen your argument already played out. improperlyaged is right and has already won this argument earlier today. but go on with it if you want, I’ll watch him win over you too.
@ xyzsource: Sony may have lost billions bringing us the PS3, but by doing this, they just lost thousands of dollars in future purchases from my household. I’m not updating, so I won’t be able to buy more games from the PSN, buy new games on disks (as they may require FW 3.21), and I already told my husband we are not getting any more Blu-Ray disks.
We own several Sony products(including the laptop I’m typing on and the HDTV that’s hooked to the PS3), but if this is not reversed, we are never buying another one.
It’s their choice.
LOL you are telling someone with a bacelors in criminal justice to look it up ROFLMAO….like I said before good luck with that lawsuit, I bet them Sony reps are shaking in their boots. No need to argue with you as I said when the update is still in place and there is NO lawsuit, will be all I’ll need.
ok im out of this conversation this has blown well out of proportion! Politicians, rights, class action lawsuits? lol please don’t be offended by my comments
The PS3 is now 2 different devices. The ‘Sony’ PS3 and the ‘Custom’ PS3. Just you wait, I Think there are gonna be positive things to come out of this. CFW, Homebrew, Piracy… This moment is like picking which side you want to fight for. Update and use the PS3 as Sony intends, or don’t and be patient for the ‘New’ PS3. Patience being the key word.
I’ts gonna happen people, and I think Sony’s 10-year plan just lost a couple of years.