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’s irritating are the fanboys in this thread. Why do you have such allegiance to Sony? They’re not on your side, they’re just trying to get into your wallet. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, it’s the capitalist way. However, if you think that your loyalty to a monolithic corporation will be repaid, you’re wrong. Just wait until they disable a feature you actually care about and don’t listen to your protests. Sony doesn’t need you to debate with us; let them respond on their own.
From reading this thread, I see a few common rebuttals from the ignorant fanboy contingent:
1. No one uses Linux on PS3 anyway.
– This is clearly not the case. Admittedly, it may be a small percentage of PS3 users (phat model owners, and only some of us at that). But even that small percentage makes up a large number, and it’s wrong to take it away from the people who do use it. See the user stories in this thread for examples.
Ridiculous. So, sony is removing features because of their own security problems? I use Ubuntu on my PS3, one of the reasons I bought a PS3 instead of an XBox was because I could run Linux on it.
I’ve been a real advocate of the PS3 to friends and family but now I feel like sony is kicking it’s loyal customers in the nuts.
2. Linux is only used by “hackers.”
– There are a ton of legitimate reasons for running Linux on PS3, and no “hacking” possibilities to date. I’m not a hacker. I spend a ton of money on PS3 games on PSN content (probably over $1k a year). I have no intention of pirating PS3 games if it’s ever possible, largely because of Sony’s open stance on the platform (upgradable HD, OtherOS, Folding, UPnP, etc.) and I want to support that. There’s really only one “hacker” and that’s that geohot guy. I should point out that his “hacking” has been pretty sad, and doesn’t allow anyone to do anything of substance, and likely won’t. There are other ways Sony could lock down the efforts of those trying to hack or enable piracy.
3. You should have read the TOS/EULA.
– Come on, really? I expect that from CS drones or official Sony press BS, but not from consumers. Honestly, not many people really read those things, and I am certain that 99% of the people in this thread haven’t. They are intentionally long, confusing, and full of legalese, because they are designed to be weasel clauses for just such a situation. And it doesn’t matter anyway; what they are doing is ETHICALLY WRONG. I can’t hand you a 300-page document that you won’t be able to understand most of, and then get away with kicking you in the shins or taking your favorite shirt the next day, with the excuse that it was on page 256 in the document I gave you yesterday. I can’t do that, because it is ethically wrong.
I don’t use that feature… I thought about it. The videos I’ve seen and articles I’ve read about show it’s use to be limited and very slow.
Still, an update to remove something won’t be met with fanfare. It would have been nice to include new features… like Bluetooth profile A2DP for those interested in listening to their movies or games, with headsets, in stereo. This is possible, correct?
I am sure there are other requested updates that could have been added in this firmware to offset the removal of the “Other OS”.
4. Personal attacks / general idiocy (calling others “cry babies”, “fat”, “an insult to humanity” or random cries of “SONY RULES” or “don’t listen to them, sony”
– There are a handful of articulate comments within this thread that support the removal of Linux from the PS3. For the rest of you: you’re not adding anything to the discussion. Please stop diluting the signal-to-noise ratio. There are clearly people upset about this, give them a chance to speak their mind without a 12-year-old jumping up and down and spewing verbal diarrhea everywhere.
This is absolutely ridiculous. As someone who camped outside of a store for 3 days before the PS3 launched I’m outraged by this. It’s a shameful thing to do to your customers, Sony.
Loyal & Undervalued SONY Customers–> If you are unhappy about this contact your state’s attorney general and complain. Also complain to your better business bureaus locally and nationally.
Get involved with the class action lawsuit that is certain to come. You may be able to be COMPENSATED for being sold a product under false pretenses with NO GOOD FAITH EFFORT to fulfill the terms of the sale.
It’s a shame SONY has turned on its most loyal customers with this cop-out ‘fix.’ Many of us bought early at the higher price to enjoy a good feature-rich product. Now we have an overpriced product that SONY is devaluing and a slap in the face to go with it.
Where are the good features at?
Repost:
Everyone who is pissed off at this update should call SONY and complain. In fact, let one guy know how mad you are. I got to level four tech support, his name was Mike #7904009. Request him and tell him how mad you are. I was his only complaint all day. EVERYONE CALL HIM! 1-800345-7669 ask for Mike #7904009
After reading this. I have a feeling this maybe a April Fool joke. This update doesn;t make any sense. Since when does other OS are considered a security risk. Why announce it now instead of few months ago. Anybody who is a computer Science expert please explain to me how can other OS be a security risk? I think this a April Fools joke. I bet you tomorrow, Sony will come out and say “April Fools, everybody LOL!!!”
@1232 this is no joke, i have confirmed with SONY this is FOR REAL
SONY should just cancel this update PERIOD.
I’m not using this feature at all but:
1) If you are going to take away a feature you should give something else in return, if not, it feels like a step back.
2) You are punish everyone for the “sins of some”, that’s just plain wrong. Result? Hackers will find another way to crack the system (like they are doing over and over and over again with the psp) and users that use this feature for other purposes get punish without a reason.
3) It feels really weird that you suggest “making a backup before the update” meaning really? so much for confidence!
@1232 It’s a “security risk” because the guy who jailbroke/hacked the iphone compromised one of the security layers on the PS3, and needed to use the “other os” feature to do it – but that is SONY’s problem, not yours, or mine
I’m still hoping they are going to pop up and say it’s just a joke. Sony has to know that they are going to get sued a few thousand times, don’t they? Maybe I should just get back into PC gaming. I was really into what Sony was doing with the system, too. Sad. Very sad.
You buy a pizza online with the toppings you want.
It’s a better pizza than the competitor so you pay more $$$.
When you get the pizza it has the wrong toppings, so you tell them to take it back and give you your money.
They point to the receipt, that you got AFTER you gave them their money online. It says, “We reserve the right to substitute toppings at our discression.”
That would be bad enough…but here…WE ALREADY HAD THE PIZZA, and the came in and took our topping. Sony, here…take my peparoni too.
oh.. and I should add, its not a security risk to YOU, its a security risk to DRM’ed video and games, which is an important distinction (as you have no need to fear the latter)
Created a facebook page to keep “Other OS” on the PS3.
Just do a search for “Other OS” and you should find it.
Sony, please dont do this. People paid for the option to use PS3 with other OS… It´s not legal, no judge will acceptd EULA or TOS in court…
I paid for the feature, will be reimbursed?
I hope there is a class-action lawsuit against Sony for removing the “Install Other OS” feature of PS3. I purchased my PS3 specifically because it was advertised as a personal computer that could run Linux. If running Linux now means I have to give up the other functionality of the device then that is not workable. Sony, you owe me $400 if you remove advertised features from my property. Giving me the option of which feature to lose is not acceptable.
@lint21: nice said
Sony shouldn’t take away features, they should update them, make them better, I buy my PS3 because all the features in it, BC, Other OS, BD/DVD player (that the DVD player must be region 0 but it isn’t), with this “update”, I just think that would be better that I buy an Xbox instead the PS3 if I only want a console to play video games, what is the next feature that you take off? to reconsider to buy an Xbox
I’m agree with n3utr0nRU
SONY PS3®, It only does EVERYTHING*
(*except for one or two things that we said it would do when we sold it to you.)
April fools joke…..
…. i hope.
i got the picket signs & touches let’s go protest against Sony computer entertainment on their own property!
I WILL BE RETURNING MY £425 PS3 TO THE RETAILER FOR A FULL REFUND THEN BUY A SLIM AT £250 AND WILL HAVE AN EXTRA £175 TO SPEND HOW I LIKE.
I WONDER HOW SONY WILL FEEL WHEN RETAILERS START GETTING ON THERE CASE LEGALLY TO TRY AND CLAW BACK SOME OF THERE LOSSES?!?
Thanks Again Sony for **CKING US over yet again…..
How about keeping functionality you provided in a device.
I bought a ps3 due to OtherOS option now you decide to remove it…YEARS LATER. This is why people will stop buying your products, who isn’t going to tell their friends about this.
Michael
Repost:
This is for REAL!!! CONFIRMED WITH SONY!!!!
Everyone who is pissed off at this update should call SONY and complain. In fact, let one guy know how mad you are. I got to level four tech support, his name was Mike #7904009. Request him and tell him how mad you are. I was his only complaint all day. EVERYONE CALL HIM! 1-800345-7669 ask for Mike #7904009
I wouldn’t be surprised, not to say that most of the people that is pissed off with this is the one that rips bluray movies. I don’t see much of a problem with this. Buy your movies cheap hackers!!!
Removing the install other OS option eh? Well, I’ll be removing any plans I had to purchase PS3 games, accessories, or anything that gives Sony money. Screw you guys.
I think the issue is, more than the disabling of the option itself (one option used by very few users), is that Sony just crossed the line here. No one ever saw the disabling of a feature before, so if Sony now is willing to do this it make us wonder what will happen next?
Sony show us they can go as far as they want… from now on be ready for ANYTHING.
I’ll never buy any sony product, or games for my Playstation 3. I bought my Playstation to run Linux and play, and it will continue. You will be prosecuted! This is a crime, you will know justice. Thieves!
I bought the PS3 instead of the 360 precisely for this feature. Forcing removal or denying access to other features if I don’t update is probably illegal, I shall eagerly await the Class Action suit.
P.S. I hope this is an April fools joke.
how great is this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!you are AFRAID OF LOSE SOME MONEY so the easiest solution is srew your customers who suport your product and company!shame on you sony!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I’m usually a big fan of all things Sony, but this is a little disappointing to say the least. I know the reasoning behind it, but I wish it could be resolved another way instead of just removing the functionality all together.
I was sold a gaming console with list of features. On this list of features was the ability to install another operating system. That was the deal. You have broken the terms of our agreement, even if you claim that the EULA allows you to hack my personal property. Can you imagine Ford telling people they will be removing a car seat, and they won’t be able to drive on the highway if they refuse?
Sony, I want my money back. All $600 I paid for this thing when it was released with this feature. I am not a hacker, and I pay the $60 for your games. This update is a load of crap. I will gladly return my PS3 for a full refund.
I guess with all the other lawsuits from firmware updates they must have money to toss around. How long before a class action appears?
Sony continuing to prove why they are determined to stay in third place.
Dear Sony,
Thank you!
Love,
Microsoft
so if true (and hope not), what will happen to the 15-20 gigs of linux space on my hdd? if i backup, it also backups the linux, if i reformat my hdd, it wipes everything, including the movies and shows i paid for along with the games, photos, music, themes, everything! i can get the games back but my movies and most of my music will be gone forever.
sony, i’ll tell you what, go ahead and go through with this update, so i and others can sue you into stoneage, and then take that money we won and but a 360, a wii and ds.
go ahead with this and you will definetly lose one more consumer. me.
up until today no one has cared one lick of difference if linux was on ps3 or not, and I would be shocked if half the people jumping ship even know how to install or USE linux. this is such a joke.
boo hoo buy a pc if you want linux by a playstation TO PLAY GAMES!!
Sucks for the minority, life goes on.
PS3 – It no longer does everything.
Will this firmware “enhance the blu-ray playback for certain game titles” such as the GOW Collection for us 60GB users? You know, the ones that can actually use the “Install other OS” that is getting removed?
Thanks for letting us know that we won’t be able to use that feature going forward, but why remove it in the first place? Other than the hack scare, there’s no need to remove it.
All weekend I was debating on whether to buy a 1600 MS card for Toy Soldiers or save my money to see what PSN was gonna have on sale…thanks for my making the choice simple as pie! I am now 1600 MS points richer, and downloading Toy Soldiers right now!
Three weeks ago, bought PS3 80gb “fat” from 8 games, and just yesterday put Linux on it and now this news. Sony – disappointed from that, you only lose, you’re tightening in its console, it soon will not need anyone like that! Goodbye Sony PS3 “fat” R.I.P.!
TwoIncheS,
I think you underestimate the size of the opensource crowd.
We are pretty big now. In fact, Linux darn near runs the intertet, and I promise you it is on your router at home.
I have 8 computers if you count laptops. Linux on the PS3 gave it better codec and streaming ability than Sony could build into their “professional” front end, sad to say. I will replace my PS3 with a Popcorn Hour unit. If it wasn’t going to do what they advertised, they shouldn’t have advertised it.
How about a petition?
wow terrible move that makes you guys look like idiots
so all those comments and ideas on playstation share and this is what you guys come up with
PATHETIC!!!