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)
what do you need clarification on? I thought it was straightforward.
Oh, they’re added a message in red now mentioning the new firmware. So at least they’re not _continuing_ to advertise falsely.
I do not know what is so important about the box. It’s the information Sony itself made available on their website, they also discribe the feature in the handbook.
Following the argumentation of some, I should be preoccupied because the box of my Ipod nano does not say anything about what it does.
Where???
@ Obop
actually i think it was in the original firmware but they updated it so you didnt have to download some sort of bld file from the other os’s provider but dont quote me on that its been a while since i even looked at linux
not that windows is any better i hate them both equally
@ sven
Where
@ bebebello
people kept sayin “its advertised on the box” so i just thought that i’d check mine because i honestly didnt remember seeing anything relevant to linux on it
I’m sure somewhere in small lettering Sony made a consumer contract, resulting in a contractual agreement upon purchase, that gave them ability to remove any feature they desired at any time. What’s next, Sony? Removal of the web browser? Disabling PSOne support?
@mansanram
I completely agree… this was obviously a business decission to quickly fix the inevitable… they’re only prolonging the problem, not solving it. And in the end, the PS3 will get hacked… regardless. Leaving the rest of us honest, paying customers w/o the ability to install another OS.
So there goes my plans to purchase a ps4 and turn my ps3 into a linux server… such a waste of good hardware.
@ John-Shooter
Just for the record, my box does not say anything about Linux either (CHECHL04). But I did find out about it :).
@il2pfh
Up the top.
“On PS3™ system models sold earlier than the CECH-2000 series models, the Open Platform feature will not be available if the system software is updated to version 3.21 or later.”
Needless to say, this was not there before and has no effect on their false advertising prior to the firmware update. It just means they’re not continuing to mislead future customers now that the change has occurred (and after people pointed it out here in the comments?)
@ bebebello
thats what i was sayin i saw these numerous comments “it was advertised on the box” and i was like wait wtf i dont remember seeing this
i saw a video demo of YDL 5.0 showcased at one of the tech shows years ago and thats how i found out about the otherOS support …but since then i havent even tried to use linux on the ps3 just because theres no real reason for me to do so
i got a decent laptop from a friend for 300 bucks a while back and it serves whatever pc purposes i need
yea, i got my ps3 november 2006 and nowhere on the box can i find anything about other OS, but it is in the manual… so
but im not going to update
@John-Shooter
Didn’t you know? The ability to use colourful euphemisms was removed with your most recent update to improve the security and enjoyment of your forum experience…
LOL
@John-Shooter
D.i.d. y.o.u. n.o.t. k.n.o.w.? T.h.e. a.b.i.l.i.t.y t.o. u.s.e. c.o.l.o.u.r.f.u.l. e.u.p.h.e.m.i.s.m.s. w.a.s. r.e.m.o.v.e.d. w.i.t.h. y.o.u.r. m.o.s.t r.e.c.e.n.t u.p.d.a.t.e. t.o. i.m.p.r.o.v.e t.h.e s.e.c.u.r.i.t.y. a.n.d. e.n.j.o.y.me.n.t o.f. y.o.u.r. f.o.r.u.m. e.x.p.e.r.i.e.n.c.e…..
They already blocked two of my PSN accounts to post here…
I can’t understand your attitudes, Sony.
I’ve always liked you. I had a PSOne. I have a PS2, a PSP and a PS3. And that is how you treat your costumers? Block their accounts to post here?
Seriously, Sony… what are you doing?!
i havent update, i will not update as long as SONY is doing this, and if i do update it will be with a patch 3.21 that has the other OS opton with it, that means we wait on the MAN!!!!
I am disappointed with this move and will definitely think twice before purchasing another Sony product.
I have two PS3 systems and have been an avid fan / supporter (PS1, PS2, PSP and PS3(s)) – very disappointing move.
What’s functionality / service will you remove next?
I will be impressed with blog share the moment even just the highest rated suggestion gets made a reality. We all know what it is, until then it is just a big joke.
If the slogan for your marketing campaign is “It only does everything” then the removal of a feature that promoted the freedom of the PS3 owner by allowing the installation of a third-party operating system alongside the standard OS contradicts that very slogan that the owner likely bought into initially.
Whats worse is that the decision seems to have been made with little regard for the customer in mind and rather more concern for “content partners” who benefit by reduced likelihood of monetary detriment in the wake of this “more secure system”.
If content partners want a piece of Sony’s customer base they should have to suffer the potential risk inherent within the PS3. (Now previous)Customers and loyal PS3 owners should not be forced to sacrifice freedom that they purchased when they bought a PS3 so that content partners can feel more secure in their coalition.
Not sure if this has been posted yet but there are ways to bypass the update and still be able to log into PSN!!! There’s a video on youtube with steps on how to achieve this… search for it!
Thank god they haven’t taken away the ability to use proxies!
Just keep in mind that it won’t help once games or blu-rays that require the new firmware are released.
When are you going to pay Sony for the features they added after you bought it?
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You’re right, they can charge for features, then it would be an option (PS3, PS3 slim). And they’ll say because of this feature our system is better than others. Either way, they can remove it in future update. So they should just inform customers the hardware specs, cause whatever it does today, doesn’t matter tomorrow.
Well when that happens, if they have yet to revoke this update, with apology…I will be moving on to the competitor.
I somehow don’t think I’ll be alone.
I’ll be [DELETED] if I’m going to stand by while they steal from me.
You can if you want to….
Imagine you bought a car and the car company had computer system in it that could report that you put a non-company part in it. You know like how people modify their cars from stock with performance parts. Now imagine that company held the right to permantly disable your car if the computer reported you changed a part to a “non-approved” part. Would you seriously be ok with that?
I know many of you don’t have drivers liscense yet but just try to imagine that you do.
Nerd rage is pretty damn funny.I surprised sony hasn’t atleaste said something to calm you guy’s down.like giving a hint of what there going to do on v3.22
I do admit, the arrogant presentation is one of the things that annoyed me about this. Rather than “We regret to inform you…”, it’s more like “We’re taking your feature, and there’s nothing you can do about it! If you refuse to update, then {list of threats}. Also, this is for your own good.”
i seriously cant believe people are ok with sony removing features? how about updating the browser instead? it doesn’t even work on their own forums
my comment is awaiting moderation LOL
im sorry, i see now that this is a pressing issue and i should not have been so ignorant in my post. i see now that sony dropped the ball on this one.
<—-Awaiting all u fools going to the 360 2 get rid of all you whiners…. they will never bring bak your Alt OS, If it means so much to you leave sony as a consumer… It didn't kill sony when all those people that had Ps2's went to the 360, And it won't kill sony when you leave the brand behind, Sony will continue to do what sony does, Sony doesn't need your business advice either on what it should or needs to do,Most of you couldn't even manage a hot dog stand let alone something on the scale of Sony.
Good job, Sony, you sure showed me! I don’t even use other OS, but I’m not going to update and lose a feature. I won’t be updating until you either restore the feature, or someone comes up with a workaround for it.
This will hurt you far more than it will me, I assure you.
I will lose: The occasional Soul Calibur match (not like there’s anyone but spammers left, anyway), and the ability to download dlc/game demos.
You will lose: A whole lot of my money, since I’ll no longer be able to buy DLC, and without demos the only new games I’ll bother buying are JRPGs…I won’t buy another genre without trying it first, and if I have to rent something in order to try it out, I won’t be buying it.
cant believe some are ok with sony taking away features…… i guess if it isn’t affecting you, who cares right?
@INFIDEL_JIHAD
Go to the 360. Sorry mate but I already have one and a Wii and a full out gaming rig. I am not a fanboy. I spend my money on the products I want. (which will no longer be sony) It’s not so much about the other os for me but the series of shoddy F/W releases, and continued downgrading of this system. It is completely not what it used to be back in 2006. I will continue to homebrew on my ps3 I will be blocked from the PSN so I can save money there. When new games come out I’ll just get them on either of my many other systems.
Sony, you finally did it. Now you only have to make one firmware for all PS3.
With just an update you save the expenses of having 2 different machines.
And you sell it as a security matter…(Also “geohot” cames on time)
And tell around april 1st, so you can test & low the response…
What a maquiavelic plan…
Anyway, written or not on the box, how can some of you say it was not a feature as it’s written in this forum, and in the EULA :
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…
“Install Other OS” feature
Sometimes I also wonder, wasn’t it best to get a 360, but then again no, as I find the entire HD gaming a pain in the ass. Patches, DLC’s, bugs, glitches, UPDATES, I’m done with that, that’s why I’ve also decided 2 weeks ago I’m done with the PS3 when it comes to gaming. Thought about it for a very long time. Still use it for movies, music and the browser but other than that… no. You can call me an idiot, but I’m sticking with the Wii, at least it doesn’t annoy the hell out of me and it has Mario Haah!
I’m extremely disappointed that this was the only update. I second the responses of others who now expect something better very soon.
I was only a few days away from buying a larger HD to install the second OS. Good thing I waited on that…
This really really pisses me off.
Sony decides to REMOVE a function and they just do it. Not with a reason for why they have to remove it, they just do! Otherwise you can’t use the PS3 anymore.
We all have paid a lot of money for that thing, and now they are degrading it!
It’s like buying a car with cruisecontrole and getting a letter after some time, telling you they have to remove the cruisecontrole. If you don’t let them remove it, you won’t be able to start or use the car.
And they even have the guts to call it an UPDATE, it’s a friggin DOWNGRADE!
With actions like this, they are making Xbox look better!
Security reasons my *ss. Fix it, not remove it.
What’s next, removing the PS2 support from the first PS3’s because the new ones doesn’t support them?
I have never in my life seen so many whiny childish people….you people forget it’s a gaming console…. not a computer…. an alternate OS is not a big deal……you can still play the great games … and play music, and watch movies, and surf the net…..oh and play games…. because that’s what it is…. a GAME CONSOLE….. scoop the sand out of your vaginas and grow up…..
Over 6000 comments and Sony doesn’t care enough about you being the source of their income enough to make a statement.
They won’t get another $ from me.
After their root-kit fiasco, SWG (do I need to explain that at all?), drivers for their DVD recorder…man I WISH we were back at strike 3. They should merge with Hoover they suck so much.
The removal of features to those of us who paid top dollar for these systems when they came out is very frustrating and dissappointing. I will be thinking twice before buying any Sony products in the future. Bait and Switch. Lure you in with great features and promises, and once they have your money, they take it away. The PS3 has been the biggest dissapointment I have ever owned in a game console.
Sony should at least be offering us a free game download or something to make up for it. I know it doesn’t bring the feature back but at least it would be a little bit better PR than just saying…oh we screwed up, you can’t use this part of it anymore.
Customer loyalty means nothing to you guys and you are doing nothing but screwing over your best customers…those that bought the system when it first came out and then patiently waited for months, then years for any form of decent game library to be released for it.
Anyway, this will likely be the last Sony product I ever purchase if this isn’t reversed or rectified in some way.
Anyone wanting my PS3? I will buy a Samsung or Panasonic BD-Player next and a Microsoft-console for gaming…
And next 3D-TV won’t be branded SONY, because in 1 or 2 years they think: “Let’s do a new firmware, removing Internet-support. There will be the _ability_ to play net legalized videos”. No, thank you! Once, only once I got fooled!
Nerd rage is pretty damn funny.I surprised sony hasn’t atleaste said something to calm you guy’s down.like giving a hint of what there going to do on v3.22
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Sony are not finding nerd rage funny
Their too busy answer here their panicking over the nerds who are ripping their console apart.
@badreligionbomb
If you’d been following this from the start and not just jumped in at post 6077
You’d realise that alot of the people who are not happy are not interested in ‘Other Os’
but the fact Sony keeps r.e.m.o.v.i.n.g f.e.a.t.u.r.e.s,
and they think we basically have no option but to accept whatever they decide to do.
@badreligionbomb
If you’d been following this from the start and not just jumped in at post 6077. You’d realise that alot of the people who are not happy are not interested in ‘Other Os’ but the fact Sony keeps r.e.m.o.v.i.n.g f.e.a.t.u.r.e.s, and they think we basically have no option but to accept whatever they decide to do.
FREE OtherOS !!!