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 THE [DELETED] IS SONY THINKING???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? OMFG! i think! the main reason i have a ps3 is that i can use linux too! [DELETED]
Ok, just got off the phone with my state’s Attorney General’s office. They want us to submit our complaints so that they can collect them together. Go to your attorney general’s website. They said this was the first that they’ve heard of it, but since this just happened yesterday, they’re expecting more complaints.
If you want your voices heard, fill out the complaint form at the website of your State’s AG’s office. They’re asking us for input so they can collect the data.
So this is the true face of Sony fans. Not even confirmed yet and things get blown way out of proportion. Since when was there ever a date given for an update and being on April 1st JST? Wait and see what happens. You guys are like a room full of screaming children.
Will the firmware update erase the Other OS partition and extend the PS3 partition for those of us currently utilizing this feature? Or do we have to completely repartition and reformat our hard drives manually ourselves?
Let see if this be on the Feed on Attack Of The Show? hehe.
So I take it I can’t use my Yellow Dog Linux anymore after this update or what. Oh well at least I got a chance to experience my PS3 as a Linux computer. Doesn’t matter to me because I purchased my PS3 for the gaming and not the OS feature.
This is just unbelievable.
That’s the worse thing ever after I bought my PS3. It’s like downgrading my PS3.
I am not using the feature yet, but how can you take away something that I paid for away from me? I paid for the console, it’s my console….
Damn.
@decimalator actually to your developer comment. as a visual and game programmer i do use the other os for writing code when i feel that i need the privacy to do so with out distraction.
as for the hacker comments i’ve been reading keep in mind people before Sony was a great game system designer for the build of the PlayStation they too where a bunch of “Hackers” figuring out how to make a great gaming machine for the gaming industry.
Sony can at least transfer a lot of the good media features & functions of the ps3 version of Linux onto PS3 if they are going to take off the option to install Linux to PS3 at the very least.
I just finished complaining to Sony about this issue. I bought a later model PS3 specifically to use this system for a computer for my 11 year old son. (I did this specifically for the OS) We enjoy playing the games together and I don’t want to loose either the game play, internet, movies or the secondary OS. This company marketed this product to be compatible with a secondary OS. If you going to take an OS away at least have the professionalism to replace it with one that could be used and have the same benefits as the one your removing. This is the incorrect way to run any company as we the users deserve what is promised from your product. If you can’t deliver please don’t promise. God, I feel like I just bought a lemon.
@1475 No, it will gladly reformat the entire drive (both the PS3 and Linux partition) erasing everything… seriously :(
@NeoX360: Thanks for the tip, I didn’t know that iMac’s were that cheap. Now they are probably not 3.2 GHz but it’s much better than nothing (the code I write is highly sensitive to performance but to me it is only important that I can see the code works and the relative speed compared to prev. builds). $1000 was just the retail price for the chipest available commercial system I could remember seeing in recent times.
@1474 NoisyNieghbor
I’m taking anything that is being posted on the official PlayStation Blog as confirmed and no joke.
Seems like the gloves are off now: http://bit.ly/a3c3kE
Sony’s done shot themselves in the foot, assumed something the wrong way and t’ed off the enthusiasts who never wanted to open the system for piracy.
@1474
It’s already been confirmed that this isn’t an April Fool’s joke. Several game developers confronted their contacts at SCE and got confirmation that this is real. The heads of theses game development firms have tweeted on their twitter accounts confirming the story.
This better be an April Fools joke, or bye-bye PS3. You can’t remove a feature that you put on the box and one of the reasons I bought it!
It’s official. Enthusiasts (including Geohot) who wanted to open the system NOT for piracy are now really looking into giving the PS3 the “Custom” treatment if this update goes live.
There’s your warning Sony. DO NOT RELEASE THAT UPDATE!
you better replace this feature with another (like cross games chat). this update suck even if i don’t use this feature, there’s nothing new, just something less.
@CobraA2168
“Sony is forcing hackers to hack the system. Nice job Sony.”
Exactly. They say they are doing it for security. I realize why. But removing a feature that I paid for. Sure I can keep it, but lose access to PSN store and my PSN content.
You just gave the “homebrew” crowd a reason to attack.
I am also sure they knew this would lead to a Class action suit, and probably realized that the millions they would lose would be nothing compared to piracy.
AKbluntfir
If you read it correctly, I was explaining why people are mad you complete dumb nut. I was explaining that to others, you would have been on the same page as me, had you not have said the last sentence.I was explaining this may be one of the reasons people are upset at hackers and Sony.
Again please read my sentence before making yourself look rude. You also look completely foolish , saying im crotch riding sony, read my freaking sentence before accusing me. I on the side of the angry people for your freaking info.
aliendude5300
Forgive me, as I should have worded my stuff right. I’m not in anyway saying your a hacker, I’m neutral as to the whole update. If it isn’t a joke anyway to piss people off. If you use for non hacking purposes by all means I’m for ya.
Again I agree with those that are upset, I was just explaining why some people are upset, and what will begin to happen is a cat-mouse game, like the PSP. Which may end up with sony cutting support for the PS3.
update is on april 1st which is april fools day….THIS BETTER BE AN April FOOLS JOKE>>>>SERIOUSLY!!!
1493: Glad finally someone sees it the way I do. If they hadn’t done this, everything would have been fine and I doubt any kind of hack would have been developed any time soon. As we speak Geohot is trying to come up with a solution to get “Custom” firmware on the PS3 so we can continue using Linux.
Removing the Other OS feature is nuts! This is one of the reasons I bought my playstation! Is Sony just trying to piss people off. This will make for a lot of bad feelings for ealry adoptors like me that use this feature!
@1485: Do you know this for sure? It was my worst fear because other I can’t see how they can reclaim the space used for the Linux partition. But it REALLY sucks. In some games like Heavy Rain the games are locked so you can’t backup to external media. This means anyone who installed OtherOS (even if just to experiment) will now have to lose save games without opportunity for backup?!
What makes them think they can treat their customers like this? It’s beyond description. Also remember also how they sort of tried to obfuscate the truth on the clock issue, trying to make it seem like it was just the network that was down and later claiming to have fixed the issue! Sony, sony why can’t you be good? :(
On Fri, 2009-08-21 at 09:58 -0700, geoffrey.levand at am.sony.com wrote:
>> The feature of “Install Other OS” was removed from the new
>> “Slim” PS3 model to focus on delivering games and other
>> entertainment content.
>>
>> Please be assured that SCE is committed to continue
>> the support for previously sold models that have the
>> “Install Other OS” feature and that this feature will
>> not be disabled in future firmware releases.
Uh huh….
Utter bull…that’s all there is to it.
This either better be an April Fool’s Joke, or people better start a lawsuit, because this is removal of features we paid for.
Send a Tweet to @thekevinbutler VP Feature Removal on Twitter and let him know how you feel.
Sony, please disable BC on older PS3’s too. You might as well go for the gold when screwing over your early adopters.
Sony dont do this. Your stupidity is gonna lead to CF if you release that update. I dont want CW i just want linux
CF=BAD
linux = good
1502: Haha, nicely put. Very clear cut. Sony, read that comment!
Just saw this: http://www.ps3news.com/PS3-Hacks/geohot-dont-update-to-3-21-promises-ps3-custom-firmware
Wasn’t planning on hacking my PS3 since I pay for all of my games and could already run Linux on it, but Sony’s leaving us with little choice. I won’t be upgrading my firmware.
I assume the next move will be for them to force the firmware “upgrade” installation without asking me first. Guess I’d better disconnect it from the network for a while until the “fixes” are released by third parties to bypass the downgrade… (And it goes without saying that I’ll be reading up on any new games to verify they don’t include the firmware on the disc before I buy them)
I’ve never seen such a bad PR disaster since RROD. Good work Sony!
There are 3 major reasons why I spent so much more then what the competition was offering.
1. Blu-Ray
2. Backwards Compatibility with my large PS Library
3. Linux/OS Option
Even though its a fattie, its powerful, upgradable(Consumer HDD) and I took account of what I paid for. The Model with Most Ports/Features and you’re robbing me of them. Its like coming into my home and stealing aether my computer or game system cause with/without the update, one or the other is no longer going to work.
Wasn’t planning on hacking my PS3 since I pay for all of my games and could already run Linux on it, but Sony’s leaving us with little choice. I won’t be upgrading my firmware.
I assume the next move will be for them to force the firmware “upgrade” installation without asking me first. Guess I’d better disconnect it from the network for a while until the “fixes” are released by third parties to bypass the downgrade… (And it goes without saying that I’ll be reading up on any new games to verify they don’t include the firmware on the disc before I buy them)
On Fri, 2009-08-21 at 09:58 -0700, geoffrey.levand at am.sony.com wrote:
>> The feature of “Install Other OS” was removed from the new
>> “Slim” PS3 model to focus on delivering games and other
>> entertainment content.
>>
>> Please be assured that SCE is committed to continue
>> the support for previously sold models that have the
>> “Install Other OS” feature and that this feature will
>> not be disabled in future firmware releases.
WOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW… Nice find!!!
For the next wave of systems I am not supporting SONY out of the gate.
I will wait and probably get the microsoft nex gen and once the PS4 comes out at about 200 or less I might just MIGHT pick it up…
My clan will move from the SONY to MICROSOFT! We are about 30 so there you go SONY keep losing your once upon a time loyal fanbase.
You really disgust me!
If anyone has any information on a class action suit PLEASE let me know so I can attach myself to it!
We can’t let sony just do this without consequence!
[DELETED] SONY!
So horribly stupid to remove existing features.
For me, one of the reasons to buy a PS3 was the fact that it has this specific feature.
**thumbs down** :-\
Texas has, like many states, an attourney general’s office that protects consumers. EULA’s that are revealed POST-PURCHASE are not enforcable documents in most states, including mine. Go to your state’s AG’s office and file a complaint, like I just did…
“Your Complaint has been saved. You may modify it below.
This complaint and the information you provide are records open to the public under Texas Law.”
On Fri, 2009-08-21 at 09:58 -0700, geoffrey.levand at am.sony.com wrote:
>> The feature of “Install Other OS” was removed from the new
>> “Slim” PS3 model to focus on delivering games and other
>> entertainment content.
>>
>> Please be assured that SCE is committed to continue
>> the support for previously sold models that have the
>> “Install Other OS” feature and that this feature will
>> not be disabled in future firmware releases.
Everyone copy paste
I truly feel that the 360 and the Wii have better libraries yet I own a PS3 for Blu-Ray and Other OS. On the packaging material, this was a feature I paid for and now that it will be taken away I expect reimbursement for this loss. I interpret this as theft and/or marketing fraud and expect to see a class action lawsuit unless plans are laid out for it to go back in once any vulnerabilities are addressed or it doesn’t get removed in the first place. EXTREMELY disappointed. First the system can’t perform a simple leap year calculation that every coder learns in middle or high school and now a feature we paid for is forcibly removed. I’m afraid of what’s next.
lol this is the most comments i’ve ever seen on one post
Proper Title: “PS3 Firmware (v3.21) Downgrade”…
On Fri, 2009-08-21 at 09:58 -0700, geoffrey.levand at am.sony.com wrote:
>> The feature of “Install Other OS” was removed from the new
>> “Slim” PS3 model to focus on delivering games and other
>> entertainment content.
>>
>> Please be assured that SCE is committed to continue
>> the support for previously sold models that have the
>> “Install Other OS” feature and that this feature will
>> not be disabled in future firmware releases.
On Fri, 2009-08-21 at 09:58 -0700, geoffrey.levand at am.sony.com wrote:
>> The feature of “Install Other OS” was removed from the new
>> “Slim” PS3 model to focus on delivering games and other
>> entertainment content.
>>
>> Please be assured that SCE is committed to continue
>> the support for previously sold models that have the
>> “Install Other OS” feature and that this feature will
>> not be disabled in future firmware releases.
Everyone copy paste
On Fri, 2009-08-21 at 09:58 -0700, geoffrey.levand at am.sony.com wrote:
>> The feature of “Install Other OS” was removed from the new
>> “Slim” PS3 model to focus on delivering games and other
>> entertainment content.
>>
>> Please be assured that SCE is committed to continue
>> the support for previously sold models that have the
>> “Install Other OS” feature and that this feature will
>> not be disabled in future firmware releases.
Copy and paste if you think Sony totally lied
ok I’m definitely taking legal action against sony. People and Sony might think I wont win. but I have a valid case.
When the System was being advertised, prior to launch, it was deemed a Multi-media Computer FIRST and then secondly a game console. By disabling a FUNCTIONALITY of being a FIRST HAND MULTI-MEDIA Computer, Sony has robbed millions of people of their hard earned money.
@1519, let me know when you do, and make it a class action lawsuit, so I can get some of the settlement! :D
HELLo !
On Fri, 2009-08-21 at 09:58 -0700, geoffrey.levand at am.sony.com wrote:
>> The feature of “Install Other OS” was removed from the new
>> “Slim” PS3 model to focus on delivering games and other
>> entertainment content.
>>
>> Please be assured that SCE is committed to continue
>> the support for previously sold models that have the
>> “Install Other OS” feature and that this feature will
>> not be disabled in future firmware releases.
I do not believe in firmware downgrading, What happened Sony ?
nz
Yes, the degradation of the PS3 in the face!
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
On Fri, 2009-08-21 at 09:58 -0700, geoffrey.levand at am.sony.com wrote:
>> The feature of “Install Other OS” was removed from the new
>> “Slim” PS3 model to focus on delivering games and other
>> entertainment content.
>>
>> Please be assured that SCE is committed to continue
>> the support for previously sold models that have the
>> “Install Other OS” feature and that this feature will
>> not be disabled in future firmware releases.
On Fri, 2009-08-21 at 09:58 -0700, geoffrey.levand at am.sony.com wrote:
>> The feature of “Install Other OS” was removed from the new
>> “Slim” PS3 model to focus on delivering games and other
>> entertainment content.
>>
>> Please be assured that SCE is committed to continue
>> the support for previously sold models that have the
>> “Install Other OS” feature and that this feature will
>> not be disabled in future firmware releases.