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)
Don’t forget to call Sony as mentioned in the post, 800-345-7669. Ask to speak to a floor supervisor and let them know how you feel about this update. They are at least keeping track of complaints so if they get enough real complaints they may change their mind. And don’t forget your manners when talking to the reps, it’s not their fault. The one supervisor I spoke to today has not updated his original PS3 to the latest firmware because he uses Linux on it. Granted he has a slim too so he is not in as bad of a place as most everyone else.
I was off to buy a keyboard this weekend and set up my linux on my ps3, and saw the update and thought great until I read it, I know money is an issue here, and it’s all about money but apart from that why? hang on …MONEY!
It was all over the BBC news about the 2010 bug, get your emails flooding in to the BBC, and start the ball rolling. companies hate press that doesn’t shine them in the glowing light they truly deserve.
April fools, YES WE ARE!
Where do these so called “it was advertised on the box” people see this linux thing
I have 2 ps3’s both fat and my November 2008 manufactured box doesnt say also supports linux on it anywhere
i did however notice that they state “features and specifications subject to change without notice.”
i’d check my 20gb november 2006 box but i dont know where that is as its been like 4 years since i opened it
The hostility and lack of logic conveyed on this message board is shocking.
I feel sorry for Sony and I really for sorry for any person that has to be the face of this blog and deal with fickle consumers.
I am one of the early adopters. I have a launch 60gb. I remember what it could do when I bought it.
How many features have been added and updated for the PS3 since launch? I would not begin to count.
I have never seen a response of gratitude that can measure to this response of outrage.
Add numerous features and the response is greed for more features, or complaining that the feature doesnt do enough.
Take away one feature because of its potential for serious misuse and instead of being known for constantly adding more to the PS3, this slippery slope stupidity comes in. “They take away one feature, they will take away more.” “It had this feature when I bought it, so I want my money back.”
When are you going to pay Sony for the features they added after you bought it?
When are you going to realize that the decision to take away other os wasnt just to make some people mad. It was a preemptive move to end the piracy before it started.
Look at the PSP if you want to find Sony’s motivation. Look at the struggle to find support from developers because they fear they cant be profitable with all the piracy.
I am embarrassed for all of you. And I am afraid because some of you are registered voters.
ppl nag constantly about why the psp doesnt have good games too.. and you wonder why
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Every post is awaiting moderation so If these all pop up at once I apologize
PS3
It
Only Does
FAIL
@ShaperOfForm
Go back a few pages and read about why your post is completely uninformed.
@ShaperOfForm
The only thing I can remember them adding is the effing PSN shortcut on every effing menu option and a bill board full of lame ads that I could give 2 $hits about.
Since I’m being Modded heavily for no reason, thought I’d just throw this out there.
Xbox 360 elite bundle 299 includes Halo 3 ODST and Forza 3.
Cheers Sony.
Love,INTRINSIK
i’d buy a wii long before i buy a xbox
if you want to blame someone blame the hackers
although I have to agree Sony was too harsh by removing Os support
they could have put up a patch up or something
My bet is that Sony is scared that the the hackers are going to find the buried rootkit on the PS3 and are trying to delay the find.
Oh by the way PS3 Hypervisor LV2 Dumped and Publicly Leaked!
Look it up.
I remember seeing them showcasing YDL at like tech shows years back but I NEVER ever see anything advertising Linux at all
where is this advertising except maybe on some linux sites
its not on my boxes
It was on the box
@ zepala
I dont fully understand what you are saying.
You are saying the PS3 updates poorly as in people have troulble with the update?
That goes for every machine that updates. There are always people who have issue updating. Its generally a very small (yet loud) minority, less than 1%. Any computer item today is bound to have a failure/problem rate. Some fall within an acceptable percentage and some dont. That is when a recall is issued.
No company ever intends to upset its consumer base. Its bad for business.
The headache this is causing now is worth it compared to the headache of CFW and an ISO loader.
Sony might be readying its planned 3D update, due to trickle through to PS3 this summer but don’t get too excited. Apparently the current generation of consoles aren’t yet able to produce true 3D.
Sony earlier revealed that it’s to release a free firmware update to enable stereoscopic 3D titles this year. But Ninja Theory co-founder Tameem Antoniades told CVG that current consoles might struggle to live up to gamers 3D fantasies.
“The problem is that to do 3D properly you need to render 60 frames per second, per eye. And at least a 720p resolution [per eye]“, he said. “So in essence that’s 1080p rendering at 120 frames per second, and the current generation can only process very rudimentary graphics at that spec.”
So don’t expect games to have the same impact as the recent Avatar movie in 3D, Antoniades added.
continued
“I think the technology’s limited now, so you won’t be able to play stuff that looks like Avatar – the movie – in 3D.” He went on to predict that the next generation of consoles will be the start of the 3D revolution proper, in gaming at least.
“I think we’ll get there in the next generation. I think that will be totally revolutionary for games.”
So unless you’re content with a mere taster of what’s to come, better hold off that planned 3D telly purchase and save up for an even better one when the next generation of consoles hit.
500 gig fatty, and i want to run linux
@Amdusias440
I still have the original 60gb box. No where does it mention Linux or Other OS.
I’ve written a nice long e-mail to Customer Service on the issue at hand.
Will post the conversation when I have a response that is NOT what appears to be boilerplate text.
LOL I typed out the whole side of the box listing the features and it is awaiting moderation. Nice Sony.
On the side of my packing where it lists:
HDMI Bravia Sync functionality
Includes a Dualshock 3 wireless controller
60GB HDD for storing games, music, videos, photos
WiFi for connectivity anywhere and multiple media format compatibility, including Blu-ray for crystal clear video on HD TVs, CD, DVD, and others.
Free membership and access to all the events, as well as game, movie, TV and other media content available on the PlayStation Network (PSN).
There..did you find that on the box? Now just go down one more line….tah dah!
Bear in mind that some actually bought the PS3 because it was a blu-ray player/game system/linux computer and a cheaper alternative to buying these things separately. (some users only need a computer for a word processor, spreadsheet, and presentation tools … e.g. OpenOffice). Now their wise investment has been diminished.
And we that own the systems affected… we could have bought xbox’s for a better library or Wii’s for accessible gaming. We went with Sony…and feel all the more foolish for it.
IMPROVE THE FUNCTIONALITY OF THE SYSTEM WITH UPDATES AND APPS TO NULLIFY THE GENERAL NEED FOR ANOTHER OS, AND THE COMMUNITY MAY NOT BE AS ANGRY.
And really, how many of us with social lives over the age of 14 really care about Trophies…
Thats not a launch 60gb. Dualshock didnt exist yet. Mine doesnt even have writing on the side. Its all on the back. And no mention of Linux and Other OS.
I assume you are US region?
@Amdusias440
my box doesnt even mention bravia sync functionality so idk what box your reading from
sorry i just had to call bs on the whole its on the box thing
ive owned/used multiple ps3’s and never seen a linux-capable option on the box or system
the only real way i even heard of the linux support was at i think ces 2006
I appreciate that you disagree with the call for refunds, and quite frankly, I do feel that Sony has a right to protect its and third parties’ IPs, but do you think it right that some are losing functionality in the process?
You speak of the “numerous features” that have been added to the PS3. Please enlighten us as to this as I don’t recall any that were not to market a new product to the consumer, apart from trophies.
What hasn’t been updated that would help us:
-upgrade the media player codecs
-update the web browser
-PS2 backward compatibility firmware upgrade (they listed a bunch of games on the site which were supposed to work, but don’t, and I lost money as a result)
that was meant for ShaperOfForm…just to break any confusion
Not to mention this update is bricking ps3’s like their last failware updates.
Oh, and it’s happening to the slims.
Don’t ask me to prove it, do your own research.
3.21 No sound
3.21 Infinate loop
3.21 Stuck at 99%
man now i know I’ve been looking at this blog to see if it is a good update now i know and it does mention linuix on the fat 80gb box
@ INTRINSIK
my friends 60gb fat had his screen flicker or somethin when he updated but it installed properly and it works
@ il2pfh
not on my cechlo1 box
@ John-Shooter
i got mine like a month after it came out
@ John-Shooter
it is kinda like a computer it will flicker depending on your TV
I’m impressed that so many of you have your boxes at your disposal to read so quickly. I’m not grabbing mine from the storage locker…thanks.
If anyone has a MGS Bundle box, wanna let me know if the Other OS is advertised?
dont have it sorry
i honestly would but i dont personally own the bundle a relative of mine does though
sorry to rain on the bs parade with a little fact
I bought the PS3 fat specifically for its ability to us another OS. I initially wanted to buy an HTPC but the PS3 seemed to be the better option, games and a computer. Now it’s either games or a computer, it’s not what I paid for.
But I look on the bright side of things too. After more than a decade and attempts of so many companies, Sony did what almost seemed impossible to do, they replaced Microsoft and now hold top position on my list of most hated companies :).
I will not buy any Sony product again. Friends and colleagues frequently approach me about advise which electronic product they should buy, I’ll do my best that they do not either.
I wish someone would explain something to me, why is that in their quest to stop piracy all these big companies screw the paying customers over. Also, are they really that stupid to think this stops piracy in any way?
Would you guys stop punishing us for what others do?
From what people are saying, I guess it appears on the boxes of specific versions in specific regions(?). Doesn’t matter either way, though, since it’s advertised elsewhere. E.g.
playstation . com / ps3-openplatform
yes please just because one little thing happens you dont need to take action that fast.Maybe millions of times not a few.
Note that it states there:
“To use the Linux operating system, you must update the PS3™ system software to version 1.60 or later.”
Really?
@lil_hamlet
I keep comics in it in my closet.
i have CECHL01 module
Sven, the Linux/Other OS install was available via a Firmware. It was actually not included in launch units prior to an update. That update was shortly after launch however.
Too bad they didn’t just patch the flaw instead of ripping out functionality. Probably moved their engineers on to the whole Move disaster. I hope it flops big time. Guess I should have bought a Wii instead of a crippled Sony product. :-(
@ Obop
???