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)
This better be an april fools joke, because a lot of people have already lost respect for SONY and this is just making it a lot worse. honestly i will be extremely upset if this is true. not sure what i will think of you guys anymore if this actually happens. i mean just look at the response here on the blog. probably one of the most commented posts on the blog and the lowest rating. dont make a big mistake, there’s still time to not get rid of it.
Don’t castrate our consoles!
Yes BOYCOTT indeed! Sony have announce it per information below and you are screw! Doesn’t matter about legal documentation BS. You guys should keep your word!
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
why dont they fix stuff thats important. things that would make more people want to buy, own, and enjoy the system istead of making it more useless. stop people that are still glitching in modern warefare 2 or other games for a start. some of my friends lost all there trophys updating last time so why would they even think about it now. and what about all the colleges and university that bought ps3 for the reason your deleating. and last i knew the goverment bought a couple thousand ps3 for the same reason of using strickly for a supercomputer.
So what we have now? Definetly Sony downfall(or SONY EPIC FAIL).
what proposed to us:
users
PC functionality
New Games&sequels
New Features (usual “Wow cool!” Cell,GFX,etc.)
Old yet famous world-known legacy support(PS2,PS1)
more enduser friendly behavior(region-free,online store)
business
new security system
new business models
fairly priced cell chip for development.
what we have now.
Not that alot of new quality games(mostly sequels.Short of G publishers/devs/products? need pc one? PSN Home give good view)
No PC functionality(oops sorry i got problems, so backoff.BTW i got new candy of course you need to pay for it).
Features?Sixaxis and eyecam is new! Watch into my eyes and belive!.
Legacy support? Ahh sorry wanna have it bring $ to store.
EndUser friendly behavior=difference between “provide to customers paid features” and “just make them pay for it”? hmm
idk ken or geohot persons but they get great hype because of sony managment dep./board actions. And i can’t say they done anything wrong.
The reason I went with a PS3 instead of a 360 is because you offered the option to officially install linux.
I have been using it as my primary home PC for years. I do not have any other computer because my PS3 works just fine for all my needs.
Removing functionality that *was a selling point* is absurd.
@BrianMcGuiness is just a troll dont feed him. Not everyone is using this to hack Sony’s PS3.
Sony name is worthless.
Boycott Sony Products. People in the US can start a class action suit against Sony.
> 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.
>
> Although it’s disappointing that Sony have removed the feature from new
> models, It’s good to have this public assurance from Sony that at least
> the feature won’t be removed from older models which are already
> working.
If it’s a security concern explain it first ! (or provide an alternative security method)
To remove a feature without a complete explanation is just incomprehensible…
One of the main selling points when the PS3 came out was the Linux feature – early adopters paid good money, and now they are being ripped off.
We deserve explanations !!
Must be April fools! >.<
Hey Sony, I love my PS3 and dont even use the install other OS part of it at all but, screw off.
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
LMAO to comment @1576 LOL dont castrate my console lmfao
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
It’s not an April fools joke… this is obviously VERY real. Seriously…
I just finished talking to a supervisor at SCEA call center and it’s confirmed: Sony does not care at all about their consumers when it comes to this issue. They kept claiming it’s to block an unspecified vulnerability with OtherOS and even went as far as to retract that Sony had even said they’d never remove this feature in the first place. I guess it’s convenient to say this when all they can do is delete the pages on their website pointing to this line of information.
And what does that mean for someone that’s an avid user of the PSN, makes purchases in the PSN Store, and uses Linux via OtherOS. It means nothing to Sony as they say screw you and chose between having to play games or losing the ability to use it for what you had originally paid for.
I say I’m filing a formal complaint and hope that others follow suit.
Terrible news.
One of the things that make the PS3 better than the X-box, removed.
Why don’t they bother to do things that they actually promised, like the FULL backwards compatibility.
You shouldn’t make your insecurities as a company detract from your customer base. There is absolutely NO benefit to this update. I also take issue with the bullying language.
Poor show SONY, poor show.
this is for you sony
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v95/qtip58/Pics/son_i_am_disappoint.gif
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.
Let me just take a moment to express my extreme disappointment with this move. One of the main reasons why I purchased a PS3 over the other systems was the Install Other OS feature, and now that it’s being taken away, I feel hurt and somewhat misled. Removing pre-existing functionality is not ok, especially when it will only harm those of us who have no intention of using it for ill-means. The folks who intend to hack the PS3 will always find methods.
But you have me over a barrel. At this point, I am so invested in the PS3 (games, Netflix, PSN downloads) that to dump my PS3 would be a huge waste of money, and I still like the device, but you’ve done a fine job of taking some of the shine away.
I’d love to end this post with a vulgarity followed by a “you”, but I don’t feel that would add anything to the discussion.
This is the most retarded idea ever. Find another way to fix any vulnerabilities.
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
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=108684749155032
**********************************
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.
**********************************
This is NOT an april fool’s joke.
No one has responded because what could they possibly say to thousands of pissed of PS3 owners? This thread will be up to 2000 posts… most of them negative… before it’s 24 hours old.
I’m very disappointed.
First – they added the ugly “what’s new” screen (and made it default). Then, they made all titles fade out (while you’re reading them).
Now, they are removing one of the single features that made the PS3 stand out.
That’s BS. My next console will not be from SONY.
too bad I bought a second console this week :-(
This is real, folks. It is NOT an April Fool’s joke. April 1 is the beginning of the Japanese fiscal year, for one thing and is traditionally when many types of software/firmware/general computing changes are made. Scroll down this thread on Kotaku ( http://kotaku.com/5504123/ps3-loses-linux-support ) and you can read exactly why this is happening. If you want me to save you some reading, it’s basically because renowned iPhone hacker, “GeoHot” has found a backdoor into the PS3’s inner workings via the Other OS option. If you want to blame anyone, blame him. Sony is now merely protecting their Golden Goose.
Adding or removing features may or may not be legal, HOWEVER, removing a feature and CRIPPLING THE SYSTEM GOING FORWARD if the user opts not to do so, SHOULD be illegal.
Imagine:
fw3.31 – Bluray movie playback removed across all models for SECURITY reasons. To retain BR movie playback, stick to the old fw, but you won’t be able to sign into PSN or play new games.
Would all of you protecting Sony over THIS now still feel the same? Is it really okay for them to –REMOVE ADVERTISED FEATURES– that –YOU PAID FOR?!
Thats clearly bull. This is no different. Of course, we all know they won’t remove BR movie playback, HOWEVER, backwards compatibility could be next ‘FOR SECURITY REASONS’ as well.
Imagine buying a car, where you could only take it to the dealership you purchased it from for maintenance or have your warranty voided. Then when you take it in for its scheduled maintenance, they say “well, we have to remove your radio system, cruise control, and nav system because WE SAY its a security risk to your ECU. You can opt to skip the maintenance indefinitely and enjoy the mileage you’ve had on your trip with the car thus far, or you can do the maintenance and drive on with less features”
Pure bull.
Im really dissapointed by this…
I used Ubuntu for Internet Messaging, Frefox browsing, media player with VLC, eMail and some Word Editing with AbiWord.
I never tried to install even an emulator and, from April 1, I wont be able to use those amazing features anymore.
I lost my faith in Sony. The next gen I will buy another brand console.
F.
Ahem Sony Developers, I’ve read today on the interwebs that that special someone has gotten past having to use “other os”. So this in essence is useless for you guys to do. Getting rid of Other OS is a Bad move. I am writing this post right now on my ps3 in other os. It was the ps3 that got me into using Linux and having a decent albeit a little slower pc. Please for the love of people around the world can you not do this I have a few people on my list that got the PS3 just for that feature. To have a computer/gaming console.
What about people using the ps3 for legitimate research, this will leave their ps3’s useless to them and possibly render Years of Research useless. Be prepared for lawsuits I say.
How about giving us cross game chat or private party chat in Home? If you’re going to free up some space in the ps3 by removing OTHER OS. I for one will not be updating. When I do it will be a new PS3 Slim….
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
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=108684749155032
From: http://lists.ozlabs.org/pipermail/cbe-oss-dev/2009-August/006965.html
Geoff Levand geoffrey.levand at am.sony.com Sat Aug 22 02:58:33 EST 2009
Hi François,
On 08/18/2009 02:33 PM, François Galea wrote:
> Is this hust a rumour or is it for real ?
>
> Sony seems to have dropped the otheros feature on the new ps3 slim hardware.
>
> If anybody has reliable news, I’d be glad to hear about.
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.
-Geoff
I just emailed Geoffrey Lavand:
Hi Geoffrey,
I have not corresponded with you or Sony in the past. As is unfortunately the usual scenario for a satisfied customer. I have been a happy customer for over a decade of Playstation consoles and games. However things have changed with the announcement of the 3.21 firmware.
I am incredibly disappointed that I have been lied to in such a fashion. I am one of those who uses both operating systems frequently and am dismayed that I will no longer have the ability to purchase content from the Playstation Network or support the Blu-Ray format in order to retain my ability to use the OtherOS. I will not be updating my firmware, and thus you have lost any potential sales that you had from me over the Playstation Network. Combined with the recent failure of my Playstation 2 and PSP’s disc reading capabilities I cannot in good faith remain a customer of Sony.
Good day,
Stephen G. Tucker
Geoff Levand geoffrey.levand at am.sony.com Sat Aug 22 02:58:33 EST 2009
“Hi François,
On 08/18/2009 02:33 PM, François Galea wrote:
> Is this hust a rumour or is it for real ?
>
> Sony seems to have dropped the otheros feature on the new ps3 slim hardware.
>
> If anybody has reliable news, I’d be glad to hear about.
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.
-Geoff”
note that I quoted Geoffrey’s promise that otherOS would never be tampered with in the middle… but couldn’t post it here due to character limit.
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.
this is worst update………
Ahem Sony Developers, I’ve read today on the interwebs that that special someone has gotten past having to use “other os”. So this in essence is useless for you guys to do. Getting rid of Other OS is a Bad move. I am writing this post right now on my ps3 in other os. It was the ps3 that got me into using Linux and having a decent albeit a little slower pc. Please for the love of people around the world can you not do this I have a few people on my list that got the PS3 just for that feature. To have a computer/gaming console.
What about people using the ps3 for legitimate research, this will leave their ps3’s useless to them and possibly render Years of Research useless. Be prepared for lawsuits I say.
How about giving us cross game chat or private party chat in Home? If you’re going to free up some space in the ps3 by removing OTHER OS. I for one will not be updating. When I do it will be a new PS3 Slim….
Incredible, hugely disappointed by this move.. instead of adding features you are cutting features used by your customers. I will not buy your products anymore.
this sucks
As a user of this feature, I’ve got to this is very upsetting…
Quote from Geohot:
“A note to people interested in the exploit and retaining OtherOS support, DO NOT UPDATE. When 3.21 comes out, I will look into a safe way of updating to retain OtherOS support, perhaps something like Hellcat’s Recovery Flasher. I never intended to touch CFW, but if that’s how you want to play… ”
You’re antagonizing linux users and hackers. They were perfectly happy with their Linux sandbox. Stop this update.
This is actually illegal in some countries, where there are consumer protecting laws which don’t allow taking away functionality that existed in the past.
Haha, i bet this is the opening of the door way to allow a lot of talk and anticipation of the upcoming Firmware that’s being released on April 1st. The plan is simple. Convince all the users that they will be taking away a feature, which was heavily promoted and constantly demonstrated back in the day, that way a lot of buzz about the firmware is created.
Then when the release is here, everyone updates only to find a huge surprise. a new list of new features brought to us by the Firmware.
Common logic, how would they cope with users who already have Linux installed? are they going to somehow delete the partition via the Firmare Update? Interesting concept really. . .
In the end, only ONE truth prevails. . .
BTW, i ACTIVELY use Linux, YDL 6.2 (which was just released and specifically enhances the experience on the PS3 for the OS, interesting enough that support for Linux on the PS3 would be dropped just a few months later…).
Sony reheats Linux on PS3
So it was a little surprising to see Sony being very forthcoming about the use of the Playstation 3 (PS3), in conjunction with Linux, as a development and general computing platform. What you can’t do with it is produce software which hooks into the unique hardware of the PS3 to accelerate performance, because that would make studios who pay insane SDK licensing fees very angry at Sony.
Some cynics might see this as a bit of a backhand across the face of the fighting men and women of Microsoft Xbox division – kind of “see, our console runs Linux and we’re not afraid to use it”. I think that it’s more of a tacit acknowledgement of the fact that, in this day and age, you make a console and it’s going to get hacked – usually within about 10 minutes of it being placed on retail shelves.
By doing everything but encouraging users to buy Linux for their PS3, Sony is ensuring that any “hacks” can be lauded as great work, not derided as evil that will kill your console (and probably a fluffy kitten too). In doing so, they get developers on side, present a friendly face to their customers, and… they also get to stick it to the Xbox folks.
Taken from apc
Microsoft must just love this..
@JT1826, or they’ll just remove OtherOS and give us nothing in return?
@1576 SeyHey: “Don’t castrate our consoles!” > 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 believe the executives at Sony have underestimated the cost of trusting their engineers’ flawed assertion that the “Other OS” option exposes Sony or its users to undue risk (in fact hackers will now be more motivated to circumvent the whole PS3 OS). The PS3 was a stratigic pearl that (even though Sony management doesn’t see) stood to eliminate all other systems over time…it even stood to lead Sony’s domination of 3D movies, games and TVs.
If v3.21 releases as is, Sony will be traveling down a slippery slope which will be equivalent to seppuku of the PS3 and indeed perhaps the Sony name. Competitors will correctly claim that buying Sony products leaves customers vunerable to the possibility that at any time Sony might remove features not only from new products but of existing ones as well. Even if it doesn’t release with “Other OS” removed stating that a feature is about to be retroactivly removed will cause much loss of face and will cause me to consider very carefully whether or not I can trust Sony products in the future. This is the sort of selfish and dishonerable behavior I would expect from a lessor company.
Sony you suck.. I hope theres a surprise feature in here that you are implementing while you take the OS feature away.
@1576 SeyHey: “Don’t castrate our consoles!” lol nice.
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.
Wow….Sony this obviously has to be an April Fools joke as you can’t possible be this STUPID. I don’t personally use the other OS option but you can’t be serious that you are not only taking backward compatibility away from the launch crowd but the ‘other os’ option too!!!! Those were some seriously cool ideas. I’m betting the person that made those smart decisions isn’t around anymore…shame.
————IT ONLY DOES HALF OF WHAT IT USE TO————-