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)
@ Ionzovilla
those are the reasons why I purchased it.
and besides if I purchase a pc to replace my lost otheros support, then thats several hundred dollars down the tubes (more than the ps3 is worth)
instead I did not update, I preserve an additional pc, and I save myself from spending several hundred dollars on a new pc.
What do I loose from not updating? no money at all, it’s all sony’s loss
But you loose the availibility to play online, as it was stated on the box. And it was not stated anywhere you’d have to upgrade to continue to play !
@BonkDeHond
“DNS is the very basis of the Internet. Don’t underestimate how much security implicitly relies on DNS being reliable and secure e.g. automatic updates.”
I know this fact. I think you are going abit overboard as far as DNS and the PS3 goes, yet I don’t think we are going deep enough for security on a PC.
What I’m saying is be cautious on the PS3, but it isn’t a PC and isn’t vulnerable to the same exploits and issues.
@mgsfoxhound
No record. John D from Capcom got 14000 before for a contest to break the blog.
Dear Playstation;
why build a system with so many amazing capiblities just to remove them by either hardware changes or firmware updates.
Need space? them remove the Media Server Function, or fix it to work with the Location Free Player; or make it into like limewire/ shareware to share noncopyrighted files. remove the wasted PS Store accesses under GAME and VIDEO in XMB since the main access only takes one click to enter.
i was looking forward to use the other os feature so i can play my PC games on playstation, making PS3 truely all in one system. it would be usefull for advanced emulators for classic console games, plus makeing it possible for a true console war on a game like halo, and others micro’s top system life saving games,
i feel sad for ppl that bought the 40gb, 80 gb ( two usb port version) and newer models, because you didnt buy a PS3, you bought a PS2.5 and the slims even look like it, but they cant play PS2 games. thats my opinion.
just need to vent my frustrations to some one.
no, we hit 20k+ on John D’s last contest. And I was the one to hit the record breaking number taking the grand prize :D
wow
@ionzovilla
im actually building a new pc so i can have a ps3 and pc hooked up to my HDTV no wise man uses the ps3 to surf the net and install programs thats why they have pcs which run those programs 100% better and utilize everything the internet has to offer.
ps3 was meant to play games and watch blurays listen to music look at pictures , the other os thing was something that should have never been there to begin with its so useless to the average user and ps3 slims dont even have it and it sells better than any other ps3 ever made
no one cares period
Your answer is to go through stop two accounts from being able to post and erase my old comments huh? Just making me even MORE ANGRY!!!
here are needs improving. for keyboard typers, change delete all from shift + backspace to shift+ delete or something, since i my comment took four tries. and this one is two.
web browser to more like PC setup because its hard checking my yahoo emails, impossible for hotmail (can login but thats all), with updated flash player& Java. add shockwave.
my previous PS2.5 comment is about the commercal moto it only does everything. sure it does 80% from it did before the start of the 40 GB models.
for sercurity concerns, ADD A FIREWALL like windows does.
i wanted a pc OS on here for the hard drive maintaince. scan disk, disk cleanup; and DEFRAGMENTION.
more rants to be posted later in life.
flowjo69, I paid 500$ for my PS3 80G when a PS3 Slim 120g cost 300$…and the only feature I had that the new console didn’t has was the possibility of installing Linux…200$ for a feature but if I keep it, I can no longer go to PSN …what’s a deal….
@WorstCompanyEver
The Blog Share is a joke, its their stupid idea of making you think they are listening. I have yet to see any response from sony on any idea listed.
I have posted multiple ‘Ideas’ regarding 3.21
all of them deleted, probably because Sony knows they will be rated high, and dont want to deal with it.
Hey Sony, get off your lazy asses and do something about this issue.
No response is a sign of terrible managment.
I’m sure that over 6,000 people really dont mind about this issue, and dont mind if you never respond… NOT
Do something about it, even just acknowledge that you still exist as a company.
I sent a complaint to Sony Customer support and this is what I was told:
Hello Charles,
We apologize for any inconvenience this issue may have caused regarding the PlayStation(R)3 computer entertainment system firmware update. To protect the intellectual property of the content offered on the PS3 system as well as to provide a more secure system for those users who are enjoying games and other entertainment content on the PS3 system, we have decided to delete the feature to address security vulnerabilities of the system. If a user (of a previous model) updates their PS3 system to ver. 3.21, users will no longer be able to use the “Other OS” feature (or access the data used by the other OS) regardless of what other OS is installed in the system. The update is optional and users can continue to use the “Other OS” feature if they do not update their system software. However, if a user chooses not to upgrade their PS3 systems, some of the features will no longer be available .
Regards,
TszKam W.
cont.
OPTIONAL. OPTIONAL my tookus. There is nothing optional about it. Either I downgrade and loose OtherOS or I don’t and loose the ability to play the latest games and the latest Blu-Ray movies. The only PS3 games I buy are PS3 exclusives.
I have an Xbox 360 and Wii. I have a fairly big collection of Blu-Ray movies. I can’t wait to get a blu-ray movie or game that I won’t be able to play because of the update. I will then have to go back to the store and persuade them to give me back my money because of Sony’s business practices.
Here’s hoping that we file a class action lawsuit and that Sony looses and gives us back OtherOS.
flowjoe69> What you’re saying has been said (and refuted) about 1000 times already.
1) Linux on the PS3 allows access to the Cell – a potentially valuable resource for a lot of people that cannot EVER be replaced with a PC. It’d require a $20.000 server.
2) A lot of people that don’t have high needs for their PC needs (browsing and email) have used the PS3 to allow them to play both games and do those few (but important things). If they now have to buy an extra PC it’s only fair that Sony pays for it. Of course that does not adress other issues such as looks, space or placement that might also make the PS3 a superior computer for some people.
Just because you don’t need an option does not make it worthless. If you can’t understand this you really should not post on a blog and deride other people whose needs you do not understand.
@flowjo69
Tell that to Sony. They announced publicly that the PS3 _is_ a PC, and if you have one you don’t need a PC.
“can you not afford a very cheap pc” — according to Sony, the PS3 _is_ a very cheap PC.
“BUY A PC NOT A CONSOLE !!!!” — according to Sony, the PS3 is also a PC.
So your calling Sony a liar and/or stupid. Possibly true, but it doesn’t solve the problem.
“no one cares period” — You’re saying this in a rebuttal to the thousands of people complaining? …That’s insane.
People spent up to $599 on a system marketed as not just a gaming machine but a super computer. These people helped make the system popular in the face of stiff competition (be realistic, in the beginning it was a major uphill battle for the PS3).
How did they get rewarded for their loyalty?
Sony, instead of thanking these early adopters for keeping the Playstation brand afloat, removes features and uses “security” as a scapegoat.
Slim owners, who should be thankful to early adopters for making the system popular enough to be able to buy a $299 version, call them whiners.
Shame all around.
I bought my 60GB used then later picked up a Slim. But I won’t be updating and I won’t be playing PSN and I won’t be buying new games.
Because I feel sorry for those people who paid the high price when Sony promised “potential” and only got screwed.
I feel sorry for those people whose valid concerns and frustrations are mocked by people who should be thanking them for being able to buy the system at a more affordable price.
It’s times like these when I wish 360’s RROD never existed, so that it would have fully humbled the electronics giant and the people who now make excuses for it.
And, yes, I mistyped “you’re”.
You may also have a point if you say that people were stupid to believe Sony, but the stupidity of the victims does not absolve, for example, con artists from guilt.
They had better change their mind about this. If there is some security issue with cheating on games, etc, then fix the issue. Removing this feature certainly does NOT fix the issue! It is also not my fault that others are doing this, and I certainly do not deserve any punishment for their actions.
I purchased the PS3 shortly after its release, the supported option to install Other OS being one of the selling points for me. (Likewise the fact it was the best and least expensive BluRay player at the time, and as a bonus also can play what should be some of the best next-gen games should I decide to do so). I must say, the PSN and ability to download game demos certainly triggered me to purchase some games (I otherwise really had no initial interest to do so).
(cont’d)
I do not believe Sony should be permitted to take this feature away from existing systems that were purchased with the feature advertised and available. Hearing this news makes me extremely angry, so much so that despite many years of ownership, I feel like telling them to give me a refund and take it all back.
Treat your customers fairly, Sony! You cannot sell me something and then take it away or cripple it later.
If a proper resolution is not made, whether Sony cares or not, I will certainly not be purchasing any of their products in the future.
This is a ridiculous move on Sony’s part … so to prevent piracy are they going to remove CD drives and flash drives from their VAIO lines of computers so that linux cannot be installed. That would be the next logical thing, if they are truly concerned with piracy.
After 14 years of being a Sony fan boy, I’m done.
I now loathe Sony, with every bit of being in me.
My disappointment is becoming anger sony, I posted a simple comment about how I feel about your update and u delete it wtf.
If I bought something it should be mine, but I guess nowadays that rule is getting thrown out the window. You could have gave us some new features with this dumb update but instead, once again you take something away. My faith in Sony is running out….
O well back to Xbox, they have better online gaming features anyway!
the next sega!!
Personally I’m not affected by this decision to remove OtherOS as a function of the PS3 as I currently own a Slim.
Regardless, however, I have to simply look at the ethics involved with this sort of business decision and shake my head.
In the real estate market, for instance, they have a rampant legal problem commonly known as the “Bait and Switch” tactic. Sparing you all the mountains of text it would require to explain the boring legalities of it all, I’ll make my comparison this way –
SONY sold many of you a system with OtherOS as a built in feature. Legally, I’m certain it could be argued that at least one of you bought a PS3 on the sole premise of said functionality.
SONY then, for reasons not clearly defined – though not specifically illegal in their own right, removed this function from your system. SONY’s response? “For your protection.”
They baited at least one of you to buy a system with promised functionality then removed it.
Pretty much a blatant, regardless of however they want to defend themselves, bait and switch.
And yes, under many precedents, this act has been declared illegal across a multitude of industry sectors.
I’m fuming! I’m not a hacker, I’m not a pirate, But I am a DAD.
I brought a PS3 Phat when the slim just came out. I got a Phat because it COULD run Linux instead of the cooler power saving slim. It was proved to be the right thing to do just after Christmas when both kids were fighting to use the main computer, as once again they had both left the homework till the last minute. That weekend I installed Linux onto the PS3 and we haven’t looked back! We’re so glad I did it. Last weekend I brought a £50 voucher as the youngest had been pestering me to buy some Little Big Planet extras from PSN.
So now I’m being forced by Sony to make a decision between a rock and a hard place!! If I keep the PS3 as a 2nd computer, I loose online gaming and over £40 on PSN and no game extras etc.( Will I get a refund for the rest of the voucher that i now cant use!!??) If I update, I loose the use of a 2nd computer in the kids room (and so will need to look into getting another box that will sit next to the PS3 with another screen also sitting next the Tv )
Why?
It’s not coz Sony wants to help me out by making my PS3 Safer.
a single ps3 is nowhere near as powerful as a super computer dont give me that bs ive seen linux run on ps3 and again its nowhere near the performance of a regular pc using linux.
many of the people using ps3 as a mathematical super computer are linking like 8 ps3s together even something like folding at home is more efficient using a more recent gpu.
yes the ps3 is the most powerful console available but its nowhere near the capabilities of current pc hardware
the system as a whole is capable of 1.8 theoretical tflops utilizing all of the systems hardware cpu spus ram and gpu , a single ati hd 5970 is capable of like 5 tflops just on the gpu side and the i7 cpus are capable of like 4 to 6 tflops accompanied with an insane amount of ram the consoles cant touch whats inside a top of the line pc.
sony claims they are making a profit off the ps3 now at 300 bucks so your telling me a ps3 is more capable that a 2000 dollar pc ?? its all lies and no one needs the ps3 to use other os , a lot of you are just finding excuses
go build a pc to run your programs not a gaming console get real
To all those posters saying we shouldn’t be whinging and complaining:
I say, if Sony can’t show us common courtesy and acknowledge/respond to the situation, then why on Earth should we show any courtesy towards them??
All those people swearing and posting insults are no worse than Sony themselves.
Can’t trust on you anymore Sony. Very disapointing… I am going to avoid any of your products for now on, and the sad thing for you is that i think many will do just like myself.
@flowjo69
“go build a pc to run your programs not a gaming console get real”
As mentioned earlier, Sony said the PS3 *IS* a PC as well as a gaming console. Are you saying they’re liars, or just too stupid to tell the difference?
TO EVERYONE ELSE: For more cla.ss-action su.its Sony gave in to, Google search for “sony settles”.
(The lawyers involved in those suits might be willing to consider this one).
This was actually one of the key features that attracted me to PS3 over the Xbox 360. What next? Disable the browser? Open is better than closed – more features are better than less. Don’t use the “security” BS excuse to prevent people from using the hardware as they want – especially since WE PAID FOR IT. The gaming world is way to competitive for Sony to start removing features.
WorstCompanyEver: Thanks, I’ll keep an eye out. I’m guessing customers outside the US cannot participate in a US cla.ss-action suit, by the way?
This is what sony did to themselves.
h.t.t.p:/./.w.w.w.p.s.3.n.e.w.s.c.o.m./.P.S.3.-.H.a.c.k.s./.p.s.3.-.h.y.p.e.r.v.i.s.o.r.-.l.v.2.-.g.a.m.e.o.s.-.d.u.m.p.e.d.-.a.n.d.-.p.u.b.l.i.c.l.y.-.l.e.a.k.e.d./.
@ flowjo69:
You know what? Sony marketed it as a game console AND a computer. Can you really blame people for buying into it? Just because you don’t use/like/care for the feature, doesn’t mean it’s not important for other people.
I don’t particularly care about the Blu-Ray playback, but I would understand that people would be upset if that was lost.
Telling people to just get a computer doesn’t cut it. We were already sold a computer. Sony now wants to take that away. And if they get away with this, who knows what will come next?
windows has taken away some functionality due to security risks its no different from sony taking away linux due to security compromises, im happier knowing that the system will be safer cause i use it for “gaming” like 95% use it for not installing pc software like.
its been compromised and i dont want ps3 to become this open sourced platform that is full of glitches and security holes like the pc is currently.
@flowjo69
1: Can you give an example of an advertised feature being remo.ved from Windows due to security concerns? There could be something, for all I know, but I can’t imagine it happening without people (rightfully) complaining as they are here.
2: Is there any proof that this move will help to prevent that? Hackers will simply refrain from updating their firmware, and can continue to hack to their heart’s content. This as just increased their motivation.
@flowjo69 regardless of what they do, this move was an invitation from sony to hack their system. they took away other OS ok hacker will find another way of get into the system. the problem is the politics that instead of enforcing a better code source to protect the ps3, they are r.e.m.o.v.i.n.g features. mark my words, when hackers fidn out another loophole, sony will r.e.m.o.v.e more features or restrict the service (like making psn subcription based). i’m just mad because they took away my ability to play online. i don’t want to upgrade i don’t car if i loose access to videos and download or play futer games but my decision shouldn’t affect my ability to play online games that i bought prior to april 1st. do you get the idea?
im done talking about this there is a lot of stupid people on here why buy a ps3 to run another os i will never understand, IT RUNS LIKE CRAP !!!! you could build a pc for 400 bucks thats runs it 100% better 5 years ago!!! you people are the small misinformed and very ignorant minority you clearly dont do any research before you purchase something you hear the word pc and you jump all over it cause the cost seemed fair, if you would have taken the time to learn something you could have made a pc or bought a used one for 200 to 500 bucks that ran a multitude of programs and given you full access of its resources.
i dont believe anyone is really using linux on their ps3 i think its just a matter of wanting the ability to pirate software and most of you on here would have gladly done it.
give me more blurays and games and im 150% satisfied with my purchase of a ps3.
your lawsuit wont see the light of day lol.
Remember everyone: If your purc.hased pro.duct doesn’t run well, it should be ta.ken away from you.
@Sven_viking no, you can return it if you don’t like it
@flowjo69
“The PlayStation 3 is a computer. We do not need the PC.” -Phil Harrison (Google search for proof)
Thank you for calling the president of Sony Computer Entertainment’s Worldwide Studios a small misinformed and very ignorant minority who clearly doesn’t do any research.
@arkrf21
Never said anything about not liking it. I’m saying that if flowjo69 doesn’t like it, it means Sony should take it from everyone else.
Even though the Sony Defense Force is out in full swing, I’ll just point out that the CodecSys H264 encoder (to run on Linux on the PS3) is one of the fastest H264 encoders on the market. Google “ps3 h264 encoder” and click on the first link, since I can’t post links without getting modded.
There is a huge difference between a GUI running slow because it can’t have any sort of hardware acceleration and a slow “computing” speed. The PS3 is a screamer, even in Linux, for computational stuff. Other stuff is slow because of the limits Sony placed on it.
You’re either being naive if you believe Sony’s lame excuses (and defend them), or should do some reading on some of the neat stuff a PS3 used to be able to do. Hint: get a computer science degree and come back and try to claim those who like what the PS3 is capable of are an “ignorant minority”…
@ flowjo69
“there is a lot of stupid people”
try not to become one of them yourself. Check google for “cell processor” If you can find a regular pc which has cell – let me know. If one just run Linux on PS3 – on the 256MB – it’s fairly pitiful. However using cell SDK on PS3 one can access the “supercomputing power”. But one does need Cell processor for this – and without OtherOS you can’t get access to it.
@sven_viking
please answer this are you willing and ready to run pirated software? if not why do you really care?
are you poor? can you not afford a 300 dollar pc to run linux?
has microsoft not said a billion times that there newest os will be the best and then they release a new one a year later because the last one was total garbage?
if your gonna base every purchase off of what PR people tell you then you my friend are one sad human , do some research but essentially i dont believe anyone that claims to care about this , such a small insignificant loss which is better for the real consumer and company
no i will not run pirated software, never have never will.
yes i am a poor network engineering student