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)
you know the only reason i bought a ps3 to begin with was cause it had the option of using the OtherOS and the backwards tech (only to find out that i bought the 80Gb to late for that feature) and now they are taking away another choice they gave us? next thing they’ll do is make us pay to play online? and as someone that has been a faithful customer (owning every system they’ve made(STILL)) I’m very disappointed in their inability to over come some hackers. i have a feeling that if they tryed they could hire the hackers they’re so scared of to fix their firmware to close any holes in it.
I agree with katsuo7171, I also noticed that it was posted by PR here and Marketing at EU blog, where the hell is Eric on this one?
You tards…its no joke sad as that is
Varxx fixed
how did he ruin it?
Did his hack enable piracy?
It is one huge step closer
Did his hack ruin PS3 sales?
no he didn’t write the code for piracy, but he made it easier for someone to.
I reckon this is an April Fools joke. They haven’t even released v3.20 yet.
I’m sorry, but the Playstation Blog all too often proves that Sony is deficient in dealing with customers and community. Thanks for announcing that when 3.21 comes out I won’t be able to use the 3.21 features unless I upgrade to 3.21. I already assumed that.
And linking to a page that will eventually contain some details is useless. Tease the features here to get people excited about what is coming up; don’t just do a whole negative post about the feature you’re removing. Either that or delay this post until the details are available. This sort of abysmal marketing messaging and community management is why I spend more time feeling “interested” in my other game systems.
is this just in time for April Fool’s Day??? i hope this is just a big joke coz just like what the other folks are saying, this so called “update” is not actually adding anything…
Wow, this is terrible. Linux is over half the reason I bought a PS3 in the first place. A quarter goes to backwards compatibility, while the remaining quarter is split between a media center and actual games.
re: VarXX | March 29th, 2010 at 12:18 pm
how did he ruin it? – Showed the world and other hackers the possibilities of one way of hacking the console that will ruin the user experience of many of us gamers because Sony will take action to delimit the features we have invested in.
Did his hack enable piracy?
No
Actually, yes. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Hotz – “Hotz also detailed that his work could allow homebrew, PS2 emulation and the capability to run pirated PS3 games and game backups.”
Did his hack ruin PS3 sales?
No
This remains to be seen. Of course not slims because they do not offer this, but for those of us (myself included ) that have invested in an original 60GB model, now I see my features dwindling away, and at this point with no point of resolve from Sony, except “take it out”
Ok Twoinches but again. Why did sony advertise this feature if they didnt want people using it?
So, if someone made a modchip, and sony removed all support for playing games and reading discs, this would be okay?
This is GARBAGE!!!!!!!!!! this fearute was one of the reasons I purchased a $600.00 console! Now they are taking that away? B.S. You can’t stop cheaters or hackers. Just look at the 360. It is overwellemed with hacking and cheating. You can’t play 2 games in a row without running into hackers. Bad move Sony Bad Move!!
[DELETED] Sony!
And no, this hack is no different from a modchip at all.
The hack required you to open up your console, void your warranty, solder in 2 pins, and then install Ubuntu in order to get access to root of the system.
@Jangaboo
If I don’t accept the update and new “terms”, then I can’t play any games online anymore, which is a major function of the console. (Along with Linux, which I also use, and I’m certainly not willing to reformat my console to get the space back since I don’t want to lose what I’m doing with that space now)
Are you [DELETED] kidding me?! I just installed Ubuntu two weeks ago. This is [DELETED] Sony!
apparently SDkngsht has not read anyone’s posts. and Smallerz, 3.20 is out but only on limited machines. google it
WOW! Talk about an anti-consumer move, Sony. This is terrible and you are not putting your customer first. What about all the people that bought the PS3 for this feature? Are you going to give us a refund?
Varxx that is the dumbest thing ever.
“So, if someone made a modchip, and sony removed all support for playing games and reading discs, this would be okay?”
are you that stupid. please tell me sony fans are smarter then this?
THE SYSTEM WAS NEVER ADVERTISED AS A LINUX MACHINE. it was a blip in the instructions, “haha you can install other os’s cool” flip page. saying they would stop games from being played just makes you sound stupid.
I bought a ps3 to play video games
Omg guess what I also did….built a pc to….OMG HAVE A PC. its weird huh?
TwoInches it IS on the box.
And I’m not a sony fan boy btw.
I go on the PS3 occasionally. When a game comes out every blue moon.
Usually I’m on my PC or 360.
I can see how removing the “Other OS” might upset some users, especially since Sony promoted this originally as a feature.
Sony, if you’re listening, while you’re removing features…please REMOVE that damned “news ticker”. IT’S ANNOYING!
VarXX–you can’t use logic with a fanboi, plain and simple.
Sony is in the wrong here, but only the most ardent of fanboy supporters will admit as such.
Based off of Sony’s actions, how would folks feel if Sony removed Media Center support (or started charging for it?) in an upcoming update? It’s a feature that was documented on day one as being part of the system, but Sony can change their mind and remove it from the PS3–it’s only software, after all.
It’s a slippery slope that Sony goes down with these actions. First backwards compatibility, then OS support–what’s next?
Varxx and matthew.
logic? Varxx why does this effect you if you have a pc?, or if you dont use your ps3 that often?
I wouldnt care about media center support because media center is trash. just because it lets you use something doesn’t mean you should. why would I want to Stream when I can just put it on my system?
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
OK… Creo que está bien que se preocupen por la seguridad de la consola, seria mejor que dijeran que se suspende el servicio hasta conseguir una solución, y que en cuanto logren aumentar la seguridad rehabilitaran el Other OS, ¡por Dios! es Sony!!
and backwards compatibility was never promised. after the 20 and 60 and limited 80, new stuff came out and it didnt have it, same thing with linux, no one had a hissy fit when slims came out and you couldnt use linux on them.
“Without limitation, services may include the provision of the latest update or download of new release that may include security patches, new technology or revised settings and features which may prevent access to unauthorized or pirated content, or use of unauthorized hardware or software in connection with the PS3™ system.” – PS3 EULA
Sorry, you won’t be suing anybody today.
this is realy be a aprils fool!but unfortunate not a joke!
the formula is simple
ps3 owner=fool!
GREAT! Another reason for PS3 owners to HATE their own system!!
Looks like I have 2 days left to sign into PSN. I should charish these days.
I really hope Sony doesn’t get through with this. It would take quite some guts considering the potential of lawsuits. If the OtherOS feature disappears, I will view this as a product defect. After all, the feature was advertised when I bought the system and its use is described in the manuals. If the menus suddenly aren’t there anymore, it’s a defect and I’m eligible for a new device or my money back. Case closed.
You are a d-bag TwoInches, that’s not the point. Its the fact of the matter that Sony is taking away something many people payed for. Just because you don’t use it doesn’t mean everyone doesn’t use it. “I bought a ps3 to play video games” Well good for you but thats not true for everyone.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Sony sees all these comments and comes back and says “it was a April fools joke”. Just to cover their rear.
I bet that’s what this post is. They want to remove it, but wanted to test the waters beforehand. With Thursday being April 1st, this is the perfect timing for them to test the waters and just claim it as a Aprils fools joke so they don’t get criticized.
By the way also think of all the work put into the Linux kernel, open source distribs etc. just to get them to run specifically on PS3. It’s probably many man years, now all in vain because of you Sony. This better be a joke!
This is fricking garbage.
****I PAID $600 FOR MY 60GB PS3 AT LAUNCH.****
I learned how to use Linux because of Other OS.
When everyone HATED the PS3 I was there trying to get people to buy one because of unique features like Other OS.
***I’ve spent hundreds of dollars on games.***
In the last year I’ve had to open my PS3 to fix your crappy thermal paste job out of fear of getting the YLOD due to overheating and I had to replace my Blu-ray laser, twice.
I did this because my 60GB PS3 is one of the few PS3s that can play PS2 games.
Now this?! WTF Sony?
I think it’s time for me to grow up and sell this junk. I’ll use the money to buy gold.
This economy is beyond repair anyway.
God this so sad it’s almost bad as health care bill pass as people calling threat law makers passing the bill. This so sad. People need go out side go bike riding or read a book.
This is BS. When Sony advertises the PS3 as supporting Linux, it should never lose that functionality. Why can’t Sony just PATCH the bug instead of removing an otherwise nice feature?
I’ve spent countless hours setting up my Linux (YDL 6.2 specifically).
So to have this removed from a measly update would SUCK! Come on Sony, 1400 negative (mostly) comments and you’re still gonna go through with this? I’d be surprised if you did.
Think of all the DLC $ you’re going to lose from all of the people that won’t update! I was planning on getting the MW2 DLC in April, but not anymore, if I can’t play online anyway.
Please reconsider. OtherOS was the best thing for the platform. Now PS3 is closed proprietary just like the rest of Sony. I don’t think you understand your install base very well.
I just called unity & they confirmed it that unity3D is going to be supported on PlayStation 3 & here’s unity’s contact information if you would like to contact unity yourselves.
http://unity3d.com/company/contact
http://unity3d.com/company/news/unity-unveils-3rd-generation-platform-press.html
Varxx
I know the hack didn’t do nothing, it’s just a way for Sony to stop hacks in the future. Look at the PSP, that poor handheld has been hack many times with people downloading free games and it hurts not Sony, but 3rd parties as well. It’s business.
Sony don’t you dare screw this up!
I would expect such a short-sighted and totalitarian action from Micro$oft, not Sony. Please, please, please – rescind your decision!
To everyone hoping that the PS3 gets hacked, your all ****s.
Why the hell would you want the PS3 hacked, say goodbye to new and good games. Say goodbye to firmware updates, all were gonna get after that, is patches to stop the piracy. All those features you wanted gone. Not only that but due to the power of the PS3 , it will take a hell of a long time to even get homebrew hacks on there.
To those wondering why people are complaining about linux being taken off even though they don’t use it. It comes back to the security patches, because someone may have hacked the PS3, everyone has to suffer, it’s only a matter of time.
The PS3 isn’t the PSP, the wii or the 360, the devs and programmers have taken there time into putting up complex firewalls(expression wise) around the ps3. So it will take longer for them to dish out anything.
Not to mention the sole fact, that you may have to make your own programs for it. Which most of you know jack squat about programming (Which I don’t even know). So you’ll be screwed.
Hackers: They only ***k up everything.
This is terrible. Way to fail Sony. Can’t believe I ever defended you.
PS3 it only Does Nothing, Damn where is the PS2 store, Where is the FREE CROSS GAME CHAT, yeah u have to pay to use this feature on the 360 u don’t..
1409: I think you’re missing the point. A lot more people have Linux installed than you think.
Yes it’s being removed because of the hack. But how many people can even use that hack right now? There is no software hole yet, so I don’t know why they’d do this now. I doubt anything else will come from the hack.
Plus, now this is only going to make hackers work harder to beat the security so that us non-updaters (myself, included) can get online again.
TwoIncheS | March 29th, 2010 at 12:37 pm
and backwards compatibility was never promised. after the 20 and 60 and limited 80, new stuff came out and it didnt have it, same thing with linux, no one had a hissy fit when slims came out and you couldnt use linux on them.
I know there is no use reasoning with you, 2″er, but you are talking about apples and oranges. The models we have WERE promised backwards compatibility (as well as updates that would include b/c for more ps2 games) AND the use of linux. “No one” had a hissy fit when the slims came out because it “was no promised” and not included nor advertised. Buyers knew what they were getting. You can’t remove a feature that was never included. Some “new” PS3 buyers even specifically went out and got the older models, over buying a slim, just to use Linux. Who gives a crap if you have a computer already. We ALL do. There are other reasons people used it as I’ve said already. Read the freaking posts.
Seeing as no Devs or Blog moderators have responded, I am hoping this is an April Fool’s joke. I know that PS3 wants to protect its userbase, but to pull a “stunt” just seems too much of a PR disaster waiting to happen to be true.
Just the potential legal ramifications(whether won or not) is too much to risk.
I hope you guys are takin note
http://geohotps3.blogspot.com/2010/03/dont-update.html
@ Azure_FT It’s not about the ability to hack they are taking away something people payed for. To use this functionality does not mean you are hacking. Why do you care if people are mad anyway? Stop riding Sony’s D!ck.