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 is worse than Amazon’s deletion of books from their kindle products after they have been purchased…
The customer service rep I spoke with suggested selling it online. He said I would make more money off it than I would getting a full refund.
I had to explain to him that’s not the point. Linux was a selling feature when I purchased my PS3.
He stated they will not give any refunds. He stated it was within there right to make this change if you read there EULA.
He did give me an address to take them to send a certified letter if I want to take them to small claims court.
SCEA
ATTN Correspondence
PO Box 5888
San Mateo, CA 94402-0888
I really enjoy my PS3 with Linux. I do not want to pick between having the Linux functionality or the ability to play online games. I have quite a few games that are online only or require online access for the DRM to allow me to play.
Once 3D tv’s catch on instead of buying a Sony 3D I’ll be looking at other brands.
Sucks for people who actually used this feature. I could care less. Besides i only use my ps3 to game, that’s why i bought it.
Sony explains PS3 Slim’s loss of Linux option
That had some worried Sony intended to remove OtherOS compatibility from the original fat PS3 in a future software update. Fortunately, a report on the blog GamesILike indicates old models will keep the functionality. Another Sony rep wrote on a developer mailing list 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
Looks like you said you would keep it.. I wonder what your definition of “Not be disabled” is?? Maybe it’s that you expect us to believe SCE meant “ya you can keep it.. we just will make you wipe your HD and the SO off if you want to continue gaming”.. NICE ONE!!
Apparently Geoff Levand has fled to Mexico :D
Here’s what I got in reply to an email to him:
“This is an automated mail.
Please send any PS3 firmware inquiries to the the Playstation
Customer Support in your country. Using Playstation Customer
Support will insure your inquiry is processed through the
correct channels within SCE.
Sorry, I will be on vacation in Baja, Mexico for a while, and
won’t be able to reply to your mail. If you are interested in
my vacation, I put a few photos here:”
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Stop-PS-3-Version-321-removing-Other-OS-feature
Why cant Sony give us an update that will make us happy they always make an update to disappoint us when are yall finally gonna listen to us? Even Microsoft has better features and yall call yourself the number one gaming company yeah right!!!
I just spoke with a sony customer service rep and her supervisor. First of all, this is no joke. Second of all, the customer service has no impact on Sony’s decision. Thirdl, they do not know how the hard drive will be repartitioned if the update is installed. Maybe it will wipe out all your data if it is not backed up (including all those copyrighted game save files that you can’t copy to a USB) or maybe not. I suspect that once the drives are repartitioned, thousands of people will be flooding their customer service saying that they have lost all their data after they installed what they thought was a normal update. Lastly, they said that there is no way to stop this and no way to file a formal complain with Sony aside from writing a letter (which would take too long to stop the process). So, the best way to go about this is to contact your logal business associations and complain.
Please sony dont do it, as a sofware engineer and currently finishing my MD this is the only way i can have access to the cell CPU which i have been playing for a while, you’ll make me have to choose between gaming or cell playing..
why remove features? is like i buy a car that can make 220 km/h and suddenly the car manufacturer tells me i have to update it so i can only make 160 km/h or else i will lose the air conditioner, the radio and the airbags..
@1619 shaolinpunks:
I’m not sure what the filing/court fees for a small claims action are like in your jurisdiction, but you might consider going for it. Oftentimes, large corps don’t even show up to defend small claims actions. Easy money.
Sony why would you do that Please give us a real update to look foward to Please:(
LAME!
Bad PR move. The PS3 is the only device that looses features during its life cycle. PS2 emulation = GONE, SACD support = GONE, now Linux on non-slim consoles = GONE. You could at least give us some new features now and then. Why not create public polls of possible new features and allow the community to vote on what they’d like to see added? We are long overdue for some new features. What’s the next new feature to be added? I hope you don’t say 3D TV support. Give us new features that can be used by everyone. Here’s some ideas of new features or improvements:
* Better web browser (Firefox,Chrome,Opera)
* XMB redesign (Hide all unusable features on XMB while in-game) (more customizable player cards)
* Screen shot support mandatory for all current and future games
* 30sec Audio/Video messages that can be sent to friends
* Internet radio integration
* In-game and XMB integrated report feature (to report cheaters and offensive behavior)
I could think of many more but I think you get the idea. Stop wasting so much time on waiting to release new features. Get rid of the selective surveys, post public polls.
cant really sue…
“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.”
http://www.scei.co.jp/ps3-eula/ps3_eula_en.html
update FAIL.
its just an april fool day joke everyone. Sony wouldnt TAKE AWAY from their loyal customers. Right Sony?
The “Other OS” option was the only reason for what I’d buy a FAT PS3 before a slim one. Now I know that I not going to buy any PS3 :/
I just posted the response I got from Geoff Levand… but it’s awaiting moderation. The gist of it is: Send any PS3 firmware inquiries to the Playstation Customer Support, and he is in vacation in Mexico.
Could you at least have given us SOMETHING to justify this filthy thing?
At least have included the patch that would prevent what happened at the start of March from occurring any other non-leap year?
Given us Solitare, or some other simple but enjoyable game for free?
Just outright lie and say it didn’t do anything?
You, sirs are the reason that DRM and other stupid ideas fail. Instead of controlling and restricting piracy and manipulating hardware to suit the users needs, you are encouraging it.
Probably 2 days after this patch comes out, someone will find a way to bypass it. And all you would have accomplished is opening the door and and getting a lot of angry people to see just what is outside.
Is this a JOKE ?
What type of improvement is it to REMOVE functionality? I’m for sure NOT upgrading. I bought it because it also runs Linux which I use.
Now you tell me that I cannot play new games , watch new Blu rays unless I remove the ORIGINAL functionality and CRIPPLE MY DEVICE?
@1638 April fools day jokes aren’t posted 3 days in advance, especially ones that generate this much negative publicity…
I bought my ps3 to play games not to watch movies,install a different os,browse the internet or to download movies. I bought it to play games like God of War 3. If they take the away the ability to play games then i would be P.off. So stop complaining and just go play a game.
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.
————IT ONLY DOES HALF OF WHAT IT USE TO————-
No SACD support
No PS2 Emulation
No Linux
This update makes me want to find a PS3 exploit, and create custom firmware including the OtherOS Feature, without hypervisor restrictions… :/
Taken from Games I like
Aug
27
2009
Why PS3 Lost that Linux Feeling?
Many view this news as evidence that support for OtherOS on ‘phat’ PS3s will be dropped when a new software update is installed. However, another Sony representative had this to say to quell everyone’s concerns:
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
So there you have it. 3rd party OS support will continue for ‘phat’ PS3s, but Slims are left in the hands of the hackers.
Oh Geoff.. Care to answer?
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.
@morris1129
It is irrelevant what you bought your system to do since you are not affected by this. So stop complaining and just go play a game.
@1561:
Of course I don’t know for sure about what will happen… but judging from Apple’s history with screwing the end user and applying it to Sony’s carbon copy screw-over, it makes sense. Custom firmware will be coming in a matter of months, mark my words.
To those who want to trade in their PS3 for an Xbox 360, you’ll be worse off, as the hardware itself is so unreliable that you’ll be lucky to have the unit operate for six months of use.
LLLLLLLLLLAAAAAAAAAAAAMMMMMMMMMMMMMEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
Sony best right this wrong asap!
Repost:
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.
Thanks for the info Butchunk3s I called the number you provided…. Everyone should call.. put in a complaint and ask that they respond by e-mail.. When I get their response I’ll post it.
Morris, with all respect I think my son deserves what I paid money for to give him.
@1654 maybe you should have bought a computer instead.
@Sponge-worthy
“@1619 shaolinpunks:
I’m not sure what the filing/court fees for a small claims action are like in your jurisdiction, but you might consider going for it. Oftentimes, large corps don’t even show up to defend small claims actions. Easy money.”
That’s what I’m thinking. Will be call them Thursday if the update really does come out. I hope they have a change of heart.
I’m really curious what the max is I can file for in small claims court. I have 100+ Blu-rays and tons of PSN and normal games.
LOL all the little hackers can’t play burnt games LOL
Oh noez, I can’t use a feature anymore on my ps3. Seriously, other OS? Who cares? The slims don’t even have this option. Sony doesn’t even sell consoles anymore that support this feature.
News flash: If you bought a Ps3 simply to run linux or whatever and use the Ps3 as a crap computer, oh well, your SOL.
Go buy an Xbox Plzfixme if its that big a deal to you, I’m not going to miss you.
@morris1129
We did buy computers: From Sony Computer Entertainment of America. It’s called the Playstation 3.
Real Classy Sony,
Now the guy who single handedly hacked your console is going to start releasing custom firmware all over again…… Well i could use the time not playing online to finish single player in MW2. Its not an April fools joke. Sony just did this because someone found an exploit and since they still lose 17 cents for every ps3 sold… They want to stop pirating games at any cost including removing functionality from their trademark console. So now the man who vowed wouldn’t be making an ISO loader or anything that could lead to pirating has incentive and all the more reason to now. Checkmate Sony.
REMEMBER FOLKS: The real story here is that Sony is removing any features from existing systems at all.
The question this raises is that of whether or not they will remove other features from existing systems and if so what features would go next. Is this the sort of thing we can expect to see Sony continue doing in the future? If they assure us otherwise, can we really belive it’s true? How about their slogan: “It only does everything?”…
(Apple has always conducted business this way and that is why they come and go from the tech scene.)
1657: You obviously don’t use Linux on the Ps3. Also there is no hack yet available to consumers, which the reason for main concern. I could see if we COULD play burnt games to give them a reason to remove the feature, but right now the average user can’t do jack with the hack by Geohot.
….maybe the best way to counteract the loss would be to re-add support for PS2 lol if not, then, i guess i’ll be buying a new gaming console if Apple ever creates one — or streams apps through Apple TV from iPhone OS! lol
@1650 who is complaining? not me!! This is stupid I’m going to play God of War 3 then some warcraft you guys have fun complaining.And I thought all the complaining about the video store coming to Canada was bad….
And for anyone mentioning “class action lawsuit” your a bunch of idiots.
Your not winning any kind of class action lawsuit because Sony discontinued a feature on the Ps3, I don’t care what your intent was when you bought the system.
@1657 (mani8387) Really? an xbox plzfixme? stfu fanboy. this is just a stupid move by sony if true. Jesus christ.
Morris,
I have one. The ps3 was bought for what is said it could do not what they said it could not do. So I bought it for that reason and the ones listed above. It’s bad business for any company or spokesmen of the company to openly lie to their consumers. If you bought one of these systems and they removed you ability to provide a service then you were lied to. I would expect that alone would make you consider…
@mani8387
your right slims dont have other os but guess what WE DIDNT BY ps3Slim WE BOUGHT PLAYSTATION3s for 400-600 bucks
hey Sony i want my money’s worth how about you hurry up on those promises you made for PS3 before this gen is over!
@morris1129
“And I thought all the complaining about the video store coming to Canada was bad….”
There was another complaint from you.
@1661
“you obviously don’t use linux on your ps3”
Yeah me, and the other 99% of ps3 owners who bought the console to play games, and watch movies.
take your lame-o linux and GTFO.
@1658 so you bought a Ps3 to use as a computer….that’s stupid. I bought a computer to use as a computer and I bought a ps3 to use as a gaming console. I guess you can’t afford to buy both.
@1662 Apple will NEVER make a good console. Sony had a good console out at one point in time, but by firmware 4.0, BC, DVD-Playback, PSOne, PSP connectivity, and surround sound will randomly disappear due to “Security Concerns”.
@l3lackCalamity
fanboy? plz, I couldn’t care less about Sony, they could remove the ability to play games and release a paper weight firmware for all I care.
Life goes on, apparently not for the cry babies on this blog though.