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)
Will not buy any Sony products in the future…will not update to 3.21 . For sale- ps3 with unlimited potential (unless you update…. then functionality will disappear)
How can anyone with an ounce of sense think you can stop people getting they’re point over by using a ban list.
Upgrade my @$$. 3.21 is a d.o.w.n.g.r.@.d.e no matter how you spin it (although the Sony marketing devision is horrendous so I doubt they can pull it off).
Sony has since canned most of the original developers, they cost real money. It’s why they can’t plug holes and why features (which are proably on the chopping block as well) such as the web browser is so out of doubt. They have no intention of improving the experience, just take the money and run. The PS2.5 is a sinking ship at this point, I suggest everyone bail.
t.o.o.l (unbelievable)
r.e.m.o.v.e
r.e.m.o.v.a.l
@intrinsic. Yes there was. It was the European Commission Competition Authority. They slapped a billion dollar fine on MS. European users of XP now have an upgrade that allows them to choose a browser. I have already informed them that I believe that Sony are forcing people to use their operating system exclusively on the playstation hardware, and that they sold this specialized cell hardware at below manufacturing costs (cross subsidized by games), which to me is an abuse of their dominant market position (certainly compared to Yellow Dog & Ubuntu). You are welcome to inform them of your views as well. More posts = more likely to investigate.
For those of you just entering the discussion, please read the ENTIRE list of postings before dismissing this community as childish.
Admittedly, there are some knee jerk reactions listed here, but there has been a plentiful amount of constructive criticism and alternative ideas listed as well. Frankly, if “moderation” hadn’t prevented many people’s posts, you’d likely find the discussion more level-headed.
And to those who keep saying it’s a only a game system, please do the same. Reading this you’ll realize that it is a computer, at least in the incarnation we purchased.
As a friend @ EA stated in a conversation about this, “It was their one competitive advantage.”
BTW…I tried to play some Puzzle Fighter online and it crashed…Puzzle Fighter…
3.21 to PS3 is congruent with Patriot Act to U.S. Constituion
…updates for security….
I’m not going to say I hate nor like it. IF I don’t have a ps3 feature that everyone else has why not take it out. Either take it away from everyone or give it slim models too.
figures…It looks good….it didn’t get censored….and I made a typo..ARGHH
-meant Constitution before y’all jump all over me.
I’m furious. Both my PS3s have the feature. I was waiting to see if there was a decent work around it, but it’s too much of a hassle and I’m impatient so I updated anyway.
A feature I paid money for was stolen from two of my PS3s. For those of you who think it’s no big deal try this out – a company advertises an awesome feature to separate itself from the pack, you like it and pay your hard earned money for it, they later steal it from you.
Thanks Securitat we appreciate your looking out for the “consumer”… note sarcasm
IF I don’t have a ps3 feature that everyone else has why not take it out. Either take it away from everyone or give it slim models too.
——————————————————————————–
We paid quite a bit more than you did for your slim model. So no they should not just take out anything.
Can you please fix the security leak, and give us back the linx. I know you just did the easy way out. But come on, where did your standards go?
its sad how sony is treating their loyal customers. how dare you ban the free speech of the people?!! i remember that those $500 dollars weren’t easy to spend in just one night, it was a though decision and it was decided because of all the features they were offering. now i know otherOS isn’t that important for gaming but sony is taking away a feature that sometime ago added worth to the product. this is an infringement of the product. i love my ps3, i srood with sony since the ps1 and defended them but thi is enough.
Also what about PS2 support? If I need to by a addon so be it. Sell us the emotion chip in a thumb drive, I stick it in my PS3’s usb drive and I have what I need. Also what is up with the TV recorder coming out in Japan? When do we get that?
you cannot take anything away from MY system because its MINE. but no, you are FORCING me to painfully give it away by restricting access to psn and to future games and blurays(the worst). im not going tto upgrade i decided on rather give away the functionabilty of a product and games that once i paid for. i just hope that at least a million people decided not to upgrade. cuz that will reduce your market share, and i hope for games and bluray developers to still create for ps3 with fw 3.15. we should start a list of users that decided not to upgrade and post it so that sony would know the damage their did to themselves
I won’t update until Sony give us OtherOS back.
I updated to 3.21
I hate myself, I feel so dirty and used now…I can’t face my PS3 anymore. I’ve turned it off, disconnected it and removed it from view. I’ve lost my friend Ubuntu to a corporate decision and now regret what I have contributed to. I hate myself and am angry at Sony to cornering me into it. Happy Easter, not the Easter egg I was looking for.
This sucks. I paid a lot more for my ps3 than slim users so that I could have extra functionality. I guess I got screwed. I would like my money back for the difference. Sony sucks. I really wanted this feature so that I could use XBMC since the media player on the PS3 kind of sucks. I have a bunch of movies saved to my homeserver that my kids watch. It works ok, but I can not skip chapters like a normal DVD. When I run the same files on Windows Media Center or Windows Media Player, I can skip chapters just fine as if I was playing straight from the DVD. Another thing is that the Web Browser sucks on the PS3 and it is hard to read. This is BS and I am just MAD right now. Maybe the Wii Homebrew team will have to start hacking the PS3 because Sony is forcing users to get creative. Before we did not have to hack anything because we had legit access to another OS.
Sony should go back to making rice boilers.
It took me 39 hours to backup, quick format, & restore my 320GB PS3. The only reason I used Linux was for a better web browser. I even actually paid for my copy of YellowDog Linux from TerraSoft Solutions. (Thanks for wasting my money for me Sony) How about a GameOS web browser update so we can actually view half the content on the web? (Including Playstation’s own websites) That would satisfy me for the money I wasted on the Linux install DVD.
They’re stealing parts of our own home entertainment systems within our own living rooms! And this IS stealing as compensation is not being provided.
“We have received your c.o.m.p.laint.
Thank you for contacting the F.T.C. Your c.o.m.p.laint has been entered into C.o.n.sumer S.e.n.tinel, a secure online database available to thousands of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies worldwide. Your reference number is: [nunya]“
wooot!
It just takes zip code and two clicks on b b b to get to the right section.
Also, if people still want games you can tr-ade them on site-s such as w w w . s w a p t r e e . c o m
where you just need to get stamps, and need not su pport $ONY.
Just keep your firmware at the previous one and se.ll it on e.b.ay for a little extra $. With Linux enabled, I’m sure some people will be willing to pa.y a little extra for it, especially as they become more rare.
Then go upgra.de your pc with the extra $.
Epic fail. 3.21 can apparently bypassed.
Epic fail. 3.21 can apparently be bypassed.
I have been a devout Sony purchaser for years. I have always been impressed with Sony’s commitment to quality, features, ease of use and your engineers’ ability to push the envelope and design software and technology that is outside of the box. But with the last couple years (possibly with the leaving of Ken Kutaragi) Sony has in my opinion lost its luster and diligence for the industry. I am very angry at the idea of not only removing the “Other OS” feature from new production PlayStation equipment but now to also remove the feature retroactively from older models is a new low that I would not expect from Sony. And for what? Fear of piracy? If anything you have only hurt you sales even more… I am not taking this update. I feel whatever reason you have to REMOVE a feature retroactively form ALL systems is total BS when you still have not even retroactively ADDED Software Backward Compatibility to ALL systems when you’ve had it and earlier models. Instead you try to hose customers by forcing us to re-buy gimped up PS3 versions of the PS2 games we already have in an attempt to squeeze out a few extra pennies. You have turned into a bad company I don’t think i can any longer endorse your company for future purchasing.
So I neutered my PS3 the other day, so I can play online. Then I just realized that I had saved my old school notes on the linux partition. I’m not mad. I don’t blame anyone. I just wish there was another way. Here’s hope for new features in the future.
Just keep your firmware at the previous one and se.ll it on e.b.ay for a little extra $. With Linux enabled, I’m sure some people will be willing to pa.y a little extra for it, especially as they become more rare.
^ this is exactly what im doing… too bad it had to come down to this though… an original 60gb ps3 with all of its ORIGINAL FEATU.RE.S? in a few years it might be worth something
I hope all PS3 owners who bought a PS3 for its widely advertised ability to run Linux for personal and academic projects, along with all the developers who have invested many thousands of hours and millions of pounds take a class action out against $ony for this.
Precisely what “security” benefits are there for those updating and exactly how many users were using the other OS to break the law?
What’s next? Disabling Blu-Ray playback because someone has worked out how to pirate them on a PC?????
This is a total disgrace, and I will never be buying a Sony product again out of principal on this one.
A total disgrace, Sony.
@6176
That’s very sad, man.
I hope you can get your files again.
Have you tried connecting PS3’s HDD into your PC? Maybe you can access the Linux partition (not the PS3’s, of course)! And get your data back!
boardsus . playstation . com/t5/PlayStation-3-Updates/Slim-users-beware-of-3-21-update/td-p/45468071
This update is Shocking.
I have been away from home all weekend,
Saw the GF had a message about an update while i was away, and came home and checked it out…
what the feck???…
Shocking Firstly, because i lose an OS that not only gives you the only decent web browser and media functionality of my PS, as well as the get-around of using Xubuntu to write to the PS bios, with the correct date, therefore getting out of the leap year error early.
Shocking secondly, becuse such well payed programmers at $ony can’t find a less drastic way to fix security holes. ((also, hint to $ony, evil nasty hackers would generally have 2 PS’s, and just wouldnt run the update, so your not gonna stop em from playing round with your OS you know?!?))
And Finally, Shocking because they dont give us any true benefits with this update to ease the pain!! chuck us in a new style XMB design or something to balance out this HOLE thats been RIPPED out of my PS3!
Anyway, Rant over. No8heads!
Ah. If this removal of alternate OS feature goes through, no way I will be buying any high-end Sony products. Makes no sense that I paid premium for my PS3 and then watch it get stripped of features.
– I am not updating
– Now I have to figure out my next alternative to the PS3 – period
Money talks. The best way to send a message is to boycott the product. You don’t sell the most expensively priced console on the market and then start taking features away. Makes me feel embarrassed as if I have just been conned.
What a shame, I really WAS pretty happy with my PS3. Now, I will not be able to look at it without a sense of irritation.
Sony, you RemoveD a feature, be honest that is what just happen, the remotion of a feature, why try to hide it in the silly ways.
I was all about Sony. My Digital Camera, my cellphone, you name it. Im the owner of a PSP 3000 and a PSP GO. As a Playstation 1 and 2 fan, of course I have to get me the Playstation 3. I was proud to say that I wasent going to get me an XBOX like everybody else, that I didnt supported Microsoft marketing. Also I made fun on how the Wii was a system for babies.
How wrong I was.
When I finally got my PS3, things with Sony started to go down hill. The firmware 3.21 was the kick in the groin I needed to wake up. Now I know Sony doesnt believe in the fans. Sony is all about money, just the same as Microsoft. From now on Ill look somewhere else for my electronic entertainment. Goodbuy Sony, from a former supporter.
I was all about Sony. My Digital Camera, my cellphone, you name it. Im the owner of a PSP 3000 and a PSP GO. As a Playstation 1 and 2 fan, of course I have to get me the Playstation 3. I was proud to say that I wasent going to get me an XBOX like everybody else, that I didnt supported Microsoft marketing. Also I made fun on how the Wii was a system for babies.
How wrong I was.
When I finally got my PS3, things with Sony started to go down hill. The firmware 3.21 was the kick in the groin I needed to wake up. Now I know Sony doesnt believe in the fans. Sony is all about money, just the same as Microsoft. From now on Ill look somewhere else for my electronic entertainment. Goodbuy Sony, from a former supporter.
I won’t update until Sony give us OtherOS back,PLEASE SONY GIVE BACK THE othersOS, BECAUSE The most of User WE need, I hope that SONY THINK VERY WELL AND GIVE BACKS THE others OS, IF IS nOT SONY IS A VERY BADDD COMPANY, PLEASE USERS, MAKE A PROTEST FOR THIS ABUSIVE ACTS OF SONY MAKE A PROTEST IN FACEBOOK, PLEASE CLAIM FOR THE OTHERS OS, BAD VERY BAD SONY I HOPE THE YOUR COME BACK WHIT THE OTHERS OS, AND PLEASE USER WE ARE PROTEST I THIS PAGE AND IN FACEBOOCK AND I HOPE THAT SONY HEARS US WE CLAIMS OF other OS, CLAIM CLAIM FOR THAT AT SONY, AND GIVE ANOTHER SOLUTION WHO LOSST THE OTHERS OS FOR NOT READ THE UPDATE AND LOST FOR THIS , CLAIM , CLAiMS FRIEND IN FACEBOCK AND SONY HEAR US, BAD SONY BAD SONY IF IS NOT FIX THIS ERROR THAT SONY DO WHIT US.
PLEASE SONY GIVE BACK THE othersOS, BECAUSE The most of User WE need, I hope that SONY THINK VERY WELL AND GIVE BACKS THE others OS AND PLEASE USERS WE MAKE A PROTEST, IN THIS PAGE AND IN FACEBOOCK AND I HOPE THAT SONY HEARS US, WE MAKE CLAIMS OF other OS, CLAIM CLAIM FOR THAT AT SONY, AND GIVE ANOTHER SOLUTION WHO LOSST THE OTHERS OS, FOR NOT READ THE UPDATE, AND LOST FOR THIS CAUSE, WE HAVE MAKECLAIM CLAiMS FRIEND IN FACEBOCK, AND SONY HEAR US, BAD SONY BAD SONY IF IS NOT FIX THIS ERROR, THAT SONY DO WHIT US. WHEN MAKE THIS UPDATE, PLEASE FIX THIS ERROR SONY AND GIVE BACK THE others OS, I HOPE WILL HEAR A GOOD NEWS IN THE FUTURE ABOUT THIS AND GIVE BACK OTHERS OS
It’s good to see so many people voicing their complaint. Make yourself heard. Let companies like Sony know that punishing it’s loyal fanbase is no way to keep us as customers. I am currently bypassing the update via PS3Proxy, and plan to do so until a custom firmware is written which keeps OtherOS intact. I don’t care about piracy, I have plenty of games (near 40 now) and games are cheap enough as it is. And while I know CFW opens the doors to piracy, it doesn’t deter me from preferring that a CFW is released, as I feel like someone needs to make right of this horrible wrong. And if Sony isn’t going to, then I’m glad for anyone that does. With lv2 (GameOS) dumped now, it’s only a matter of time before this unjustice is remedied, even though it’s something that shouldn’t have been done in the first place. Hold out and don’t let Sony limit your options or take away what features you’re rightfully entitled to. Remember, if it wasn’t for all of us who spend money on their product, Sony wouldn’t have a business to begin with.
I bought the ps3 because of the other os support (Linux). Just disabling this feature is not fair. As a customer I have no choice. What I learned is, that I can not trust Sony and will never buy any products from this company. It is not really a security issue. Good bye Sony.
i have a 500 gig fatty and want to run linux. am i the consumer, or the consumed ?
It’s amazing how many TV’s, cameras, game systems, laptop, desktop computers, receivers, mp3 players, movies, etc… one person buys over a lifetime. I used to purchase mostly SONY products for my home, but the number of items I purchase from now on…that will be SONY branded will definitely make a difference.
I’ve filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, I encourage you to do the same.
How long I was waiting for some cool new features for the PS3 firmware like supporting MKV files or USB harddrives/sticks formatted with NTFS filesystem…
But it seems like Sony has forgotten the community. Now they are stealing the other OS feature from us. I am deeply disappointed.
For thoses who hope the will give’m back this feature :
Read carrefully the last word from the Open Platform page :
will not be available if the system software is updated to version 3.21 or later.
OR LATER … All is said !
But this said, SONY can’t hide in court behind a :
It’s just time we patch the hole …
Wow. What a complete and total disgrace Sony. Really. Nice way to screw all your loyal customers.
I’m also heart broken and totally disappointed – I was planning on purchasing this year the following:
– Sony Vaio Z11 CTO (~$3000USD)
– 52″ BRAVIA NX800 LCD for my bedroom ($2800)
– 40″ BRAVIA NX700 LCD for my bathroom ($1600)
– 40″ BRAVIA NX700 LCD for the guest bedroom ($1600)
Now, I will have to put them on hold to see what and if anything Sony will do about this. I will now need to see what other companies are offering – Lenovo for the laptop and Samsung for the TVs…maybe none at all, no need for all these electronics. Maybe buy used, 2nd hand. I don’t know now.
I was also planning to get a PSP GO with the Sony points from the purchases above.
Damn, I’m disappointed.
^ Samsung is a good alternative
To anyone with any real power at Sony,
Please read this, I am trying to reach out.
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.
FYI – From EU Law :
No need for SONY to have advertised the functionality :
Consumer goods are presumed to be in conformity with the contract if they:
Comply with the description given by the seller and possess the qualities of the goods which the seller has held out to the consumer as a sample or model;
There shall be deemed not to be a lack of conformity for the purposes of this Article if, at the time the contract was concluded, the consumer was aware, or could not reasonably be unaware of, the lack of conformity, or if the lack of conformity has its origin in materials supplied by the consumer.
WORST THING TO HAPPEN TO THE PS3!