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)
This update doesnt concern me.
I would like to send voice messages, like 360 and Wii. It would reduce typing time also.
LMAO, they’ve released an academic PS3. guess what it has the ability to install another operating system
I can’t post the link it just goes into moderation
Wonder why that is?
.develop-online .net /news/32378/Sony-unveils-academic-PS3-dev-kit
6104, kinda gives the impression they don’t know what the flip they are doing
Here’s what must be a revolutionary concept to your execs. If you refuse to improve security, and shake things up, rather than taking out OS, consider this. Make PSN, and ALL future games compatible with 3.15. THEN, *stay with me*, have people give up OtherOS by offering features they DO want. Most everyone is already on 3.21, offer those refusing on principal something they want, you have a list on your Share Blog. People want new features, and 99.5% will upgrade for these things. To get the new features you MUST upgrade. So since most everyone wants these, you get everybody but honest Linux users, and maybe a small handful of hardcore hackers to give up the OtherOS. See how that works, you can use carrots to close up your hole for the most part, and still not punish honest linux users and programmers. I honestly think this would solve enough of your problem to make it a nil issue. It would get people like me off of your back. I will even let you at Sony take the credit for the idea. And its a start to repairing your image in my eyes.
@man: Ah that one, I remember. But nothing has changed since July 2009. :(
— FREE OtherOS —
here we go again
@Stealth_Musoka – I think Sony should employ you. I just got a feeling you might do a better job than the idiots that are there now.
@ProblemSolver – they set this up in July obviously they couldn’t pull of the r.e.m.o.v.a.l immediately so they give it 6 months then pull it.
What’s the bet the academic machines cost twice as much as a stsandard ‘Other OS’ enabled machine.
Honestly, I think the exec’s are alos moderatoring on this thing the same amount of intelligence is being applied.
@ProblemSolver – Should add some weight to those searching for a legal solution don’t you think?
Lol, thanks, I am trying to look at this past the rant and rave stage, and see if someone can’t reach out and offer solutions to calm both sides, but I’m not giving up on this, I already am having to use another account because they won’t let me speak freely, even though I am (mostly) calm and rational, and trying to offer real solutions because this isn’t going to go away the way they are handling it, its just getting uglier. I don’t want to see piracy either, but there are better ways. Even through all this, I still want to buy new games and support the studios I love. I really wish someone at Sony would open a dialogue, and that if they do, people will vent their frustration, but do it constructively. I want a solution, not a fight. I LOVE my PS3, I just want to be treated respectfully by a company I have dumped many thousands of dollars into by now.
Screw you sony!!!!! looks like I’m gonna get myself the “other” system!!!! I was about to buy a second Ps3….. aahh well!!!!
Sorry Sony, but so I can’t update my PS3 now. I don’t want to loose a feature and I paid for it.
Lol! 6000+ comments and I can’t find one positive comment to this firmware update.
@maninashed: “What’s the bet the academic machines …”. They should just sell it like a PC. An academic version would be pretty awesome, for sure. Given that the subsidized Slim cost about $300 at the moment, I would pay about $500 – $600 for an academic version, an academic version that has the RSX enabled, of course!
FREE OtherOS
@6076/megabox-tv:
It’s “Machiavellian”.
Free Hat.
Ha ha. my first comment is awaiting moderation cuz I used the word r em o ve
Thank you Sony. I sure prefer PS3´s own clumsy internet browser than Firefox with Ubuntu. Umm maybe it´ll be better to stick with PC in future. Games are cheaper anyway.
re mov e which is what happened, isn’t allowed to be mentioned.
AHAHAHA Sony you are the suck.
The mirrored word “lavomer” is now a disgusting one for you SONY?!? It’s so incomfortable when people say the truth?
I am lucky enough to have a PS3 and an Xbox360. I guess I will only be buying exclusives for the PS3 now. If they do not bring this feature back, I will never buy another Sony product again.
i don’t really mind about that update but i think that really stupid how sony force us to download new update to access psn
I like how people keep saying Quote It’s not a computer End
Apparently, they have no idea what SCEA stands for.
I can’t wait to see the Sony representitives response when BBC Watchdog’s Anne Robinson asks him “Why did you r.e.m.o.v.e. perfectly legitimate words from your blogs comment page?” Followed by “Don’t you think that was a bit childish?”
LMAO
@intrinsik – they also obviously don’t know that when it was imported into most countries Sony actually paid less import tax by stating it could load another operating system and so it was a computer.
Seriously Guys. Dumb Move. You’ve got your buddies @ IGN and Gamespot waving your flags, but you’ve managed to anger owners of the PS3.
Our legendary friend who caused this to happen made the best point: This is the ONLY product that “downgrades” features as it progresses through its lifecycle.
Your marketers were arrogant from the launch day (that’s why you STILL haven’t caught up with the 360/Wii), and the arrogance continues. You want people to continue to buy the console? Give us MORE reasons to, not less. It just seems incredible that you expect us to pay for a new product that is substantially worse than its predecessors. Dumb.
Though still not ideal from a customer’s perspective, Stealth_Musoka’s idea would have been more reasonable, imho, and definitely a lot more effective. They could have legitimately called it ‘optional’, which would probably have minimized complaints.
Come get our latest downgrade for your PS2.5 !!!
Yellow ring of death, audio/video problems. Less features. You are crazy if you install this firmware.
Seriously if the slim had BC I would just go get one instead of posting here and use that as my updated sys and keep my YDL sys off line. But while I’m at it if I can’t use it the way I want, can you r.e.m.o.v.e folding at home. I mean since it’s only a game console and all. If I can’t number crunch then I certainly don’t want to assist others.
lv0, lv1, and lv2 dumped.
The lv2 hypervisor (GameOS) was dumped just yesterday.
Sony has finally given some people a real reason to attack the PS3 in a serious fashion. The whole thing may backfire at Sony the hard way….
— FREE OtherOS —
Again just for reference I’m NOT updating. Also since you did this move. The hackers are on the prowl even harder. Thanks to this I now have access to Lv2 and within a short time full access. Again thanks, to your backward thinking I have forward progress.
RSX here we come!
@ProblemSolver
Lol, great minds and all huh?
With this dump it’s just a matter of time now.
My last comment is awaiting moderation. I talked fairly but critically about Sony. Lets’ see if gets through the censor.
It won’t. there’s noone actually moderating this, it’s just a list of banned words.
Wow, 6,000 comments almost no supporters, i had no idea people support hackers that much these days, this update is all about piracy. If sony didn’t do this then sony would support piracy, they are trying to do what’s best for the console. Come on people, really, piracy is illegal, and so should hacking, Geohot knew what he was doing, he was supporting piracy.
Now to say that yall need refund for the feature you “Paid” for, I have a 80gig phat ps3, i find nowhere on the box that says other os, and i never saw a single tv advertisement describing the other os, this was just a free add on, i don’t think you bought a ps3 to use the feature in the first place anyways, if you did, then you need to invest in a new computer which is alot better and faster then using the ps3 like a computer(also cheaper during it’s first years)
Basically, if your gonna be mad at someone because of this, blame the hackers, not sony, otherwise you support their intentions.
This is one of the most strange updates, instead of adding a function, removes it. Another strange thing is in the update download page, one notice that it says: This system software update includes all features contained in previous versions. But the Other OS has been removed!
Banned words? Can I get a list plz?
The other day ppl were here spouting racist $hit now we can’t get common verbiage through?
OK Then I’ll have to try posting it paragraph by paragraph. Excuses to forum readers for multiple posts, but it seems impossible to do any other way. Anyone reading this should know many innocent and interesting posts are getting censored. Shame on you Sony (again).
Para 1:
You know, looking back honestly at my original decision to purchase a PS3 60Gb phatty (based on the promise of Linux + games + Blu-Ray player + media center), I think I made the wrong choice based largely on Sony’s advertising.
para 2:
The media streamer on PS3 is rubbish (poor codec & wifi support) so I never use it. I just watch stuff on my mac.
The Linux option for accessing the power of the cell processor has now been erm *cough* upgraded, so that’s no longer a unique selling point.
para 3:
The Internet browser hasn’t kept pace with technology like flash and is unusable.
And I’ve only got a handful of Blu-Ray discs that I could just play on any modern laptop (or just not bother with it at all)
para 4:
The graphics may be rubbish on the wii, but you know what? I just don’t care. Because the games look more fun than on any other platform at the moment. You don’t have to learn how to use two joysticks simultaneously, or 20 different key combination to do something basic move.
The only thing that the PS3 scored on was HD gaming. And I get motion sickness whenever I play a first person shooter after 10 minutes, which kinda rules out 99% of PS3 games.
That leaves WipEout HD, which I really like, but I wouldn’t miss that much at all.
It was the “r” word. You have to say that this firmware was an upgrade.
para5:
So what was intended to be the full on PS3 is now in reality barely worthy of being called a PS2.5 and is not very attractive to me at all.
What makes me laugh is they’re actually increasing the post count on this blog.
I may be mistaken on this but wasn’t there a law suit about the monopoly of web browsers and free choice to access the web?
I think it was United States vs Microsoft.
Didn’t Sony just make it so I HAVE to use their browser?
I will do further research on this, let me know if you have something as well.