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 know there’s a lot of flamers on this thread, and it’s probably never going to be noticed, but I just want to say straight-up and sincerely that this is a severe disappointment. I purchased the PS3 based on it’s flexibility and versatility, particularly disk management and the ability to install linux. I do have ubuntu on my PS3, and now I have a few days in which to remove the installation and back up and restore my machine because an update is going to be forced on me which removes a useful workstation from my home on short notice.
This is really a horrible way to treat your customers. Many will install the update and find they’ve lost their data after the fact.
Nothing will ever stop consoles from being hacked, ever. Nor will it drive cheapskates to go out and purchase retail packaging at a profitable price, if at all. This move will do nothing to improve sales, and nothing to improve the welfare of your customers.
They are doing this because recently some hackers have found an exploit in these older systems with the OtherOS option on it to play pirated PS3 games.
It’s only fair they protect their product.
Wow. You guys can’t be serious? As an early adopter who paid $600 + $175 for my YLOD PS3 to be replaced, I find the removal of a key selling feature for my 60gb PS3 being removed due to risk of piracy (which I don’t do nor support) punishes many more of your loyal customers than it will to help reduce piracy. Think about it guys, how many of those “Install Other OS” PS3’s will be used for pirating in real life? Not much I’d say. Do something better with the firmware, find a way to lock down the PS3 instead of punishing those who supported you guys since 2006. SERIOUSLY, I find this news very disturbing to your supporters like me.
I feel sorry for the 3 people who used the other OS for non piracy related reasons. That’s about it.
Dear Sony,
I am extremely disappointed that you have decided to remove the OtherOS feature from the “phat” PS3s.
I am a site administrator for the community-based Yellow Dog Linux board; I have spent a lot of time learning the ins and outs of PS3 Linux while helping folks with many different questions. Over time, I’ve really come to enjoy this Linux and the community that had sprung up around it.
We had seen a slight decline in membership after the OtherOS-less PS3 slim was released, but we’d still been attracting new members. For many folks, this is their first introduction to Linux and computer science.
So – once again – we’ve lost another feature from Ken Kutaragi’s vision of the original PS3. This really makes me wonder why I was an early adopter. Everything I enjoyed about the launch console has been taken away in the new machines, but I could console myself that I could at least enjoy the features on my machine. Now – even that is being taken away from me.
I know I’m just one voice out there in the wilderness, but I would beg you, Sony, to reconsider this decision. This is a great feature, the loss of which becomes one less item to distinguish you from your competition.
Cheers,
Paul
@495 aka Microshock
They haven’t even been able to play pirated games yet. This is an advanced panicked removal of a feature because there’s a CHANCE they will be able to figure out howto play pirated games.
April fools?
I’m very upset. I paid $600 bucks plus I had to get my ps3 fixed because of poor build quality. Then I had to send that refurb in… Now you want to remove a feature without replacing it with something better? You guys are a joke and this update better be too.
Guy at Q games just posted on twitter that he talked to SCEI guys, this is no joke. I’d post a link but I don’t want to get in trouble.
same guys(phinnv8) just throw oil in fire…it good to know that xbox owners don’t forget about as))
I see a lot of people saying it’s alright for a feature on their purchase to be removed… that doesn’t really sound American.
LMAO, there are already more comments here than the total number of people who ever even considered using Linux on their PS3’s…
We are indeed a nation of whiners.
I’d remove your stupid slogan, “it only does everything” Apparently it doesn’t do [DELETED] anymore….. THANKS
@microshock unless you know something I don’t, and I have been researching this online, nobodys done anything but dump the memory of the hypervisor. As I understand it this is a LONG way from people playing pirated games. Plus who is going to open up their PS3 and solder on the board risking destroying it, just to play free games (IF that ever happens, as far as I read the security on the PS3 to prevent piracy goes FAR beyond what these guys are doing, this is a panic response to something that may never enable piracy.) So don’t spread rumors ok? I am ALL for keeping this system unpirated, I think the PSP suffered some as a result, but is there not a better way? Especially considering that as of now this exploit does NOTHING for the average user AND you have to solder specialized electrician equipment of some kind to the unit…
Damn you GeoHot for releasing that exploit!!! Thanks for making all us decent, law abiding people pay for your actions!!!
unfortunate, I had the intention of trying Linux on my system. I’ll live, however.
One Q: will this update be mandatory for those with the new “slim” model, or will only the “fat” be affected?
It’s amazing really how many uninformed people are here. I’d rather they keep making the Ps3 unhackable than to let it stay hackable and pirates get their way with it.
For those of you that don’t know what I’m talking about, become informed rather than rant and /nerdrage about everything.
Incompetent dipsticks can’t plug the hole in OtherOS so they take the easy route by totally removing a feature that a lot of us use and was advertised to sell.
I hope enough users sue you Sony just for this and succeed in it. I just might follow if it goes well. Something better be in store for us as a compensation and i’m not talking a free stupid game.
Hell, Microsoft never even took anything away in their updates. You’re basically downgrading the PS3’s features to the 360 besides the Blu-Ray use.
Logged on to post on this entry and say that removing OtherOS is a bad move in general. =/
¤05 slim already dont have that feature.
It’s been almost 4 years and they finally plugged that security hole!
I think it’s great. I hope they get rid of the ability to play video’s too. It’s a copyright concern. People could be playing copied movies that they don’t really own. Lord have mercy.
Maybe the ability to play games could go as well. Reason: Safety Concern. Customers might end up with hurt fingers if they play too long.
I look forward to v3.22 now. I’m interested in what feature will or could be taken away next. v5.0 could make my PS3 the ultimate space heater!
“there are already more comments here than the total number of people who ever even considered using Linux on their PS3’s…”
Someone here speaks the truth.
And besides, a feature removed also means more memory foorprint to use for more feature slater
@505 Toastrules
So you think by removing the OS option makes the PS3 unhackable? Thinking again M0ran. The Wii nor xbox 360 has an option to install on OS. Correct me if I am wrong, but aren’t both hack already?
This is only going to fuel these hackers to work harder to hack the PS3 just to rub it in Sony face.
A terrible decision. I am thoroughly disappointed in Sony.
This is Bullsh1t!!! one thing is to stop the hackers, but removing features from a legally paid Ps3 is just retarded; i was just beggining to think that actually the ps3 was better than my 360, but again Sony you do 1 step forward and 2 steps back, FAIL!!
Don’t really care that much if you take this feature away but at the least give us something back in return like full MKV support has well as ASS sub support. Still this feature will be missed by some.
@499 … also Mike Acton at Insomniac confirms…maybe we can stop with the April Fool’s nonsense now?
*http://twitter.com/mike_acton
If i knew before… I would not buy ps3… :( Where is the MKV support, where is the good media center features? Dear sony you should keep “Other OS” feature…
Anybody notice the Japan Standard Time thing?
If you are taking away a feature that was included in my original $600 price I say you can give me some of my money back.
What a waste of computing power.
I’m very disappointed Sony.
it is more than possible that the blog has been been hacked and nobody is at work to fix it.
The wording is touch unprofessional in parts.
“newer slimmer model” etc.
but if it is a legit announcement then, shrug, it is their platform they can do whatever they want with it. Apple, Microsoft, Nintendo would all do the same thing in the same position. Many whining the loudest here are the same people cheering on whatever efforts are out there to gain access so they can “run isos” or “use backups”.
“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 releases.”
Thanks Sony.
Please say this is a bad joke(1.April)…..
Another thought.
Firmware 3.20 (unreleased) has 3d support … according to dev stations.
So, ah, 3.21 going live means 3.20 (with its 3d features) somehow got pushed to 3.22.
Which is weird.
Yeah, this is such an April Fools joke. Probably what’s really going to happen is the Slims will gain the “Other OS” ability. My first, and only, PS3 is a Slim, so it doesn’t bother me at all if this does turn out to be true.
Thanks Spraydad, so for you all who aren’t reading, multiple devs are confirming through Sony that this is not a joke, and that it is a surprise to them…
Hey Mr Patrick Seybold, thank you for everything. Just wondering why don’t improve the audio chat system? i mean i need to talk through the game and not in private peer to peer audio chat.
I really hate to see this feature go. I used it once, installed Yellow Dog Linux. Then I realized it was Linux, and without access to the video cards via the hypervisor I was wasting my time. Still it shouldn’t be removed IMO.
Another Another thought.
This info is not mentioned in the official playstation blog twitter feed.
Wouldn’t a firmware release get a ping there.
Yeah, this is absurd. Sony has been pulling a ton of crap lately with their software updates. Its almost as if Sony doesn’t realize that removing features is NOT a good idea… Especially when people bought this system specifically because of said features. I personally bought this intending to use it as a server/media center system w/ Linux (obviously in addition to gaming)… not anymore I guess. I’m a Sony fan – first and foremost, but if this stuff continues I will not be buying a PS4.
Its not worth sticking with Sony if they are just going to renege on their advertisements/features.
The next Firmware will officially break the functionality of my PS3? I’m looking forward for the refund.
Thanks Sony :)
Its one thing that posters on the blog are complaining, but when developers from SONY own first party and Q-Games are complaining…well that just another story. SONY really F up on this one big time.
ok sony, READ THIS!!!
if u guys want to beat xbox and be the best gaming platform then stop doing this [DELETED] and ask US what features should be on the ps3, i hate xbox but damn that have some features WAY better then the ps3, SONY CANT U SEE WHAT XBOX IS DOING, if u can then get better features, PLEASE!!!
PS3 <3
” when developers from SONY own first party and Q-Games are complaining”
got a link for that?
not someone saying “i heard ..” but something that shows they actually are complaining.
So let me guess this straight Sony. This feature is one of the reasons I bought a PS3 and supported it (we even use several at work for parallel processing) and after spending huges amounts of money on your company one feature I bought the product WITH is going to be removed? This is really a FAIL of EPIC proportions. I must expect that next time (if there is a next time) I buy a Sony product with announced features those features could be removed eventually. I spent $600 for a PS3 WITH the Install other OS feature, if that’s going to change I want my money back!
I paid through the nose for a launch day PS3 and Linux was one of the reasons why. You’re taking away one of the things that makes PS3 better than 360
Listen up, Sony.
You advertised *both* online gaming *and* the PS3 Open Platform. In fact, you continue to advertise the Open Platform here: http://www.playstation.com/ps3-openplatform/index.html
And I quote, “There is more to the PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment system than you may have assumed. In addition to playing games, watching movies, listening to music, and viewing photos, you can use the PS3™ system to run the Linux operating system.”
To say we can now have *either* Linux *or* online gaming on a device we have already bought and paid for based on your advertising *both* of these features is unacceptable.
There will be a lawsuit over this if it turns out to be true. There are people out there who spent $600 on these machines based on all that you advertised them as capable of doing, and it is not okay to remotely disable any of those advertised features after the fact.
It makes no sense to remove it for security reasons. Anyone who would use it for hacking just wont update
“it only does everything” ??
as if this wasn’t enough of a lie before… if this really isn’t an april fools joke it makes their slogan even more untrue.