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 guys, this isn’t about security. Sony may think so, but they’re deluding themselves.
What are Sony afraid of? Let me try and guess why …
* That the Other OS will allow the PS3 to get hacked. Sorry, too late. It can’t be taken away from the hackers. So, taking away the Other OS does nothing to prevent this.
* In running Linux, you allow pirated game. This is so wrong. I’ll only say this once: You CAN NOT play PS3 games via Linux. It is impossible, for a raft of technical reasons. So why is it being removed? Knee-jerk fear reaction, is the only thing I can think of.
Basically, there’s no real reason for removing the Other OS feature. The damage is done. It is too late to recall. The only people that are hurt by the removal are people who legitimately use it. This is a very disappointing decision by Sony.
@1954 – there’s a difference between voicing your opinion and being a mindless troll shouting, “sue! sue! sue!”, citing false advertisement simply because a feature (that has no bearing on the console’s primary function, nor was it advertised as a core feature) that they claim to have “paid” for is being removed. does it suck? sure, for the embarrassing minority of PS3 owners that actually used that feature, it does. does it warranty a flurry of BBB, FTC reports and a series of lawsuits? certainly not.
@1958 – good one. linux is a free, open source OS, so you didn’t pay for anything. nice try, though.
This is not good, i think sony can do a better job. We have been waiting for months and we get this crap what bull.
One word, five syllables. Re-freaking-tarded. That is you Sony, retarded. Thank you for taking out one of my favorite features. You know, one of the features that pushed me into getting a PS3?
My sympathies to those who are heavy users of the “Other OS” feature. I definitely agree with everyone for Sony taking away from what they have already given to us. If they are going to remove such a powerful money maker back when loyal Sony customers first bought this console, some sort of at least $5 PSN payment should be made, to give us something back.
Also, cross game voice chat, BC (Backwards Compatibility) for PS2, more music visualizers, more abilities to listen to your own music in game (WIP3OUT HD FURY is awesome for that btw), more codec support and Skype are just some small things I can think of that would make a lot of users happy, and may be a use of compensation for this disappointing update.
Hope that you, Sony, make a better update and have a good reason for only taking away and not adding to a pretty freakin’ awesome console.
Anyone interested in playing Wipeout HD or COD online add me to.
Or just voice your opinion about this injustice being dished out on the PS3.
Chris
that’s bull****
a main selling point of the system WAS linux, now you are gonna take it away?
great going
also where the hell is cross game voice chat? ive been waiting for this god damned feature for 2 years
The PS2 had a Linux kit, and I loved that the PS3 enabled Linux install. Playstation always seemed like the pro-Linux choice, and XBox the anti-Linux choice (since it’s Microsoft!)
The Playstation’s friendliness towards Linux is really a big part of the Playstation brand to me, and a big factor in why I chose to go all Playstation (I have a PS2, PS3 60 GB original, a PSP-1000, and a PSP-2000.) Linux is important to me because I’m a Linux developer – I work on Fedora.
This is a really big blow. I’m deeply disappointed in this decision.
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! NOTHING GOOD FROM THIS UPDATE AT ALL AND YOU THINK THAT MIGHT HAVE ADDED IDEAS FROM BLOGSHARE! =[
Get your Portable ID!
im a true ps3 fanboy and i will be embrassed to be one after this update let it be a april fools joke.
@1968 – When it first came out it WAS SOLD—> I paid for it!
“YDL 5.0 prices are already listed on Terra Soft’s web site. YDL 5.0 will ship with 2 DVDs for $49.95.”
see link: http://arstechnica.com/open-source/news/2006/10/linux-20061018.ars/2
Point is, it was advertised as being able to install other OS, such as linux. The original PS3 also plays PS2 games, what if they remove that with the next update?
I mean I have no problem with them removing it to save cost on the Slim version – but I PAID launch price- I paid more, why now will I get less???
I have an iPhone, & I have it jailbroken, & Apple constantly releases firmware updates to undeo the Jailbroken phone- however I HAVE A CHOICE at least! With Apple if I don’t update my iPhone I just won’t be able to do any of the new features – but Sony is blocking my access to play ONLINE games if I don’t update!?! My jailbroken iphone can still use the internet & App store?
Think about this logic: Sony is #1 making a very small but LOYAL (we paid launch prices!) group of customers angry + it’s BLOCKING people from BUYING things from the Playstation Store? If I don’t update Sony will not allow me to GIVE them money online? what?
(@1958 continued)
you may own the physical console, but sony owns the rights to the content of the system software, it is their intellectual property, which does allow them to add or remove features. you may not like their decisions from time to time, but they are certainly within their legal right to remove the other OS. the gearshift analogy isn’t valid because this the other OS isn’t even an integral part/core feature of the PS3. you can still watch dvd/blu-ray movies, play games, listen to music, store photos, and so on… just fine without it. a more proper analogy would be the beaded seat cover.
¿Cómo puedo decirles? me compré un xbox360 y me aparecieron las luces rojas, entonces compre PS3 por ser mucho mejor, pero es horrible que le quiten cosas que uso y que pague por ellas, creo que gastan mucho dinero en personal que no puede hacer las cosas bien, vean cuantas personas estamos descontentos con ustedes, nunca a sido mi intención ni lo será comprar pirateria, pero si bajan un poco los precios de los juegos está claro que las ventas seran muy superiores a sus competidores (claro esto no solo es de ustedes).
How can I tell? I bought a xbox360 and showed me the red lights, then buy PS3 to be much better, but it is horrible that you remove things that I use and pay for them, I spend much money on staff who can not do things right, look how many people are unhappy with you, never been my intention to buy nor shall there be piracy, but if prices drop a bit of the games is clear that sales will be far superior to their competitors (of course this is not only of you).
Just when we were picking up steam…we get slowed down by this non-sense. It did only used to do everything.
@1967 – Core or no core, it is something that was advertised as part of the console. Lets say that you buy a car with a GPS tracker included, and 2 years later the auto dealer says “Hey, I want you to give me back that GPS we gave you”… would you give it back? Well, in this case it would be similar to the auto guys coming into your house late at night and RIPPING the tracker out of your car.
I expect them to get sued. They probably will get sued, either in the US or in any of the European Union member states.
no response from sony…oh of course, they never respond on here!
I paid for my linux support…i paid for my BC…i want them there…even if i choose not to use it….dont make me go Microsoft…
3 more days till we find out if this thing is real or not.
i believe it is but there really is a slight chance that it could be an april fools joke.
New features or GTFO.
(1/2)
Wow…Sony rips the media card readers out of their consoles, then they rip out the backwards compatibility, then they redesign the console to look like a cheap black market car stereo amplifier, and now they’re going to rip Linux support out of the older consoles? Am I retarded or are we seriously getting to watch the de-evolution of a console before our very eyes? This just doesn’t make sense to me. Microsoft (sorry for swearing on in this blog) has been trying lately to make their console better after all their hardware woes and here Sony is crippling their console left and right?
Telling us that we don’t have to update is like telling us that we either get to be hung or shot. Sure, we can choose to not update but then as soon as the next game comes off the line after the update we won’t be able to play it unless we update. That’s not a choice, that’s a “You either update your console or you no longer get to play new games” slap in the face.
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gearshift analogy isn’t valid because this the other OS isn’t even an integral part/core feature of the PS3. you can still watch dvd/blu-ray movies, play games, listen to music, store photos, and so on… just fine without it. a more proper analogy would be the beaded seat cover.
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You’re both short-sighted and narrow-minded. Every feature the PS3 came with when you bought it is a “core feature.” Just because it isn’t something YOU use doesn’t make it any less important than the people that do use it. Folding @ Home isn’t used by everyone. But it’s *extremely* important to people that do use it. Hell… Not everyone uses the Internet Browser. But I bet a lot of people would be upset if they took it away.
As well as the free voice chat… maybe even the ability to play DVDs.
You’re fine with it now because it doesn’t effect you. That’s the way most Germans were during the Holocaust.
sony could ban people who hack the ps3 system…or something else …but to remove a feature…that’s stupid….
(2/2)
Yes, I realize that just like the games themselves I don’t own the console due to copyright law/DMCA/etc that Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo paid off officials to pass and that I’m just leasing them indefinitely but for f*s sake – how would you guys feel if the company who built your car came to your house with an ultimatum that said ‘Either we get to rip the tires off of your car or you no longer get to drive’?
Cry all you want about it being a security concern. Big whoop, emulators and powerful multimedia players could be created for the PS3 by the homebrew community (oh no!), wahh. So a few people might pirate games (with the current cost of blank blu-ray discs I kinda doubt that); what are you going to do? Go after everyone who records monday night football on their DVRs too because that’s copyright infringement? Of course you wouldn’t. If there’s any truth to this firmware update you wouldn’t go after those people, instead you’d just take away the ability to record TV from their DVRs because that makes a lot more sense…
come on sony what’s wrong with you i thought tha ps3 only does everything even though you guys upload a forum to share our ideas of how to make the ps3 better but taking away 1 of the main reason that everyone prefers a fat ps3 is not the best move yo know so i hope thi is a joke.
(3/2) Lol. Stupid word count restrictions…
Honestly though, I’ve been a huge playstation fan since the PSX and I really really hope that this is just a sick April Fools joke because otherwise I’m going to feel like I showed up to a party at your house that I was invited to and ended up getting kicked in my balls when you answered the door.
Infuriating? C’mon people, don’t make me laugh even harder. It’s just a joke. What do you think (JST) stands for? April 1st, 2010, Joking Standard Time? Lol, seriously, chill out and have a cookie. You’re not losing anything.
@ 1977 -“you can still watch blu-ray, play games” -> FALSE!!!
it says “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”
That means OLD existing games can’t be played ONLINE anymore!!! I can accept not playing NEW PS3 Games made after the update, but games BEFORE the update!!! NO WAY that’s BS!!! Deny -read my below example!!!
I can think of no other example where a company that owns an OS ‘forces’ an update.
I’ve used Windows computers for years, & updates were always optional! Sure, eventually most new software wouldn’t be available. Like I had Windows 95, & eventually as time went on new games & programs would say “Windows XP only”. However, I couldn’t imagine where Microsoft would ever say if you don’t download our update the online features of YOUR OLD PROGRAMS will no longer work?!?
Do you see the difference? The above OS example is valid! I’m a Microsoft hater (old Amiga/Mac user) – I think Microsoft is shady & an unfair monopoly – so this is big -> Microsoft has never done anything this crappy!!!! OMG – wow –
Sony = most epic fail company ever. I am now boycotting them for the next 3 cross platform games I would have bought for their last place console.
Upvote the request for cancelling this bad idea:
https://share.blog.us.playstation.com/ideas/2010/03/29/dont-remove-ability-of-other-os-in-future-update/
I dunno. This just stinks. I’d assume many of Sony’s own staff is ticked about this. I’ve consistently followed Yellow Dog & information security news marvelling in how big companies are able to utilize this hardware for once unattainable reasons. To me, Other OS was a gift and I hope Sony finds some more creative ways to protect themselves and return this neat feature once things get reevaluated.
I, for one, will upgrade to any new firmware in support of this principle. If anything I think those people who utilize the Other OS feature would be greatful for a more crippled Other OS feature than completely removing it.
I’ve read Sony loses money on console purchases in hopes that we’ll buy games and whatnot so I’ll take what I can get. Just add some more slick bells and whistles. I just bought a PSP and Remote Play looks neat. Hope it finds some more purposes
Don’t update! Contact your state’s Attorney General about this!
@1990 Japan Standard Time.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan_Standard_Time
Sony is a Japanese company.
weird to not add features, just a big downer.
@1968
actually when a new Distro of Linux is FIRST released, it actually does cost money to get a copy of the distro. known fact. it’s not til usually a few months or so before public mirrors are released and it becomes free to the public.
on another note, can u imagine the possibilities this new firmware will create?
think about it. we want in-game voice chat, voice messaging, access to the PSN, ETC, we’ll get it all. we will be given endless possibility thanks to CFW (custom firmware). If things continue the way they are, we could be seeing things such as the new in-game xmb interfaces made by users. seriously, think about wat all will result from Sony doing this, w/out compensation for this feature and all the others that were removed. we might really be in for sum new surprises if CFW production starts for the PS3. look wat it did for the iphone and PSP. with the PS3, imagine endless possibilities. b4 we know it, we’ll be having Windows 7 on PS3 and the current PS3 browser in the GameOS changed to something like FireFox.
I’m really interested in seeing where this will take the PS3….
Like Sony said, “PLAY B3YOND” & “IT ONLY DOES EVERYTHING”.
Soon, we might just see EVERYTHING become a reality!
Some good lawyer in this place?
ps3 only does everything less ps2 games and os :$
Wtf everybody ranting and raving over not being able to use Linux really?None of you have a pc laptop?I cant believe anybody is worried about losing this except hackers.The browser that is built in is ok not great but ok.Dont blame Sony the fault lies with hackers and the people that support them by using pirated software.99.9% of owners will never use this feature so if it foils hackers and pirates lets do it.Ive never used it and never would have.Cant believe so many people are acting as if this is some major issue.My PS3 is for games i watch movies from time to time and use its browser less often.My concern is games thats why I own a ps3.I saw a couple people post that they bought the ps3 because of this other os feature really????Thats crazy buy a laptop.As many others claim I was the early adopter bought the 60Gb resistance and a 2 year warranty which was around 750-800 dollars after tax.Had a housefire lost my 60gb.Bought a 40gb a bit later was all I could find and waited for the mgs4 80gb and bought that.Now I have 2 ps3 and removing this function is fine with me never used it never will.You want a pc sell your ps3 and go buy one.NERD RAGE FTL
I have something to say. Sony I am sorry to say but no matter what you do you will never stop the pirates because they are here to stay just like you all are here to stay. No matter what you do you are useless to the power of the hackers hence the name HACKERS!
Sony for your sake I hope there is something more involved in that update. If there is not hopefully you all will lose some money because you deserve it in my eyes. I have payed for my system I don’t want you [DELETED] touching my [DELETED]! you [DELETED]!
ps3 only does everything??? and now taking away 1 of the main reasons that diferences fat ps3 with the slim u guys must be joking
Come clean and fix the first gen Blu-ray lasers on the Phats for free too!
My PS2 Phat’s laser is still going strong after 7 years! Why have I had TWO lasers go out on my launch PS3?
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Infuriating? C’mon people, don’t make me laugh even harder. It’s just a joke. What do you think (JST) stands for? April 1st, 2010, Joking Standard Time? Lol, seriously, chill out and have a cookie. You’re not losing anything.
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Wow… That’s the dumbest post I’ve read here so far. I *expected* all the “Nobody even uses it (except for the people that use it)” posts…
…but I must say: I did not see “Joking Standard Time” coming.
An April fool’s joke is “Duke Nukem Forever: Release Date Announced and its a PS3 Exclusive”. Not… “We’re going to disable Linux support, now everyone in the world please call our customer support number listed below and just start screaming at somebody we pay minimum wage to.
@2000 – Get me a Cell-powered PC or Laptop. Then we can talk.
@1967 zigg
” does it warranty a flurry of BBB, FTC reports and a series of lawsuits? certainly not.”
That’s your opinion, and your entitled to it, I disagree with you.
@ ziggurcat
They said they’re crippling the console for Blu-ray discs and games that “require” 3.21, whatever that means(I’m guessing newer games and discs). But who’s to say they won’t decide to just mess up the functionality entirely if you refuse the “upgrade”, no matter what you have? They already remove PSN access. This is a FORCED DOWNGRADE, no matter what kind of spin they put on it, because you effectively can’t continue to use the PS3 for what it’s usually used for without the new firmware. I’m really hoping this crippling won’t apply to older games and discs, but I’m not convinced. And I, for one, don’t appreciate them crippling the console at all. They’ll screw the “fat” owners and now that they’ll turn every console into a Slim, we’re ALL going to get screwed next somehow!
BTW, I want to know if they’re actually going to add anything, or just take away. All the post seems to say is “take away” with only vague references to improvements.
JST = Japan Standard Time
Sony firmware updates are posted and released by SCEJ.
WOW! 2000+ comments and 95% of the comments are complaints or are negative and you know what? I don’t blame people for complaining on this ridiculous UPDATE/DOWNGRADE.
To all those m*rons calling everyone that is angered by this pirates:
*The 360 is one of the biggest selling console (unit and games) and is heavily pirated. Go figure.
*The psp failed only because of the game selection. Again, the DS is more easily pirated and still thrive. Go figure.
*EVERY ONE HERE OWN A PS3, THUS WILLING TO PAY AN AWFUL LOT OF MONEY ON THIS MACHINE, A MIGHTY BIG TESTAMENT THAT WE ARE WILLING TO SUPPORT SOMETHING WE FEEL IS SUPERIOR TO THE 360.If I wanted to pirate so badly, I’d go MS way.
The reason why you should be angered that a feature is removed instead of patched is simple: Hackers will always be there and love nothing but the challenge. It was a question of time before this happened. Removing the feature WILL NOT deter them nor stop them. Blaming the hacker is futile. But Sony not willing to patch the feature a lot use (I was waiting for something worthwhile) smells of demagogy and of contempt for their users.
Say someone find a way to hack the PS3 via an homemade BR disc. Will they remove BR movies viewing ability because it’s a “Gaming” console?
Or someone manages to infiltrate the system by way of an injection exploit on a web page? Will they remove the web browser?
What other feature would go the way of the dodo because Sony has deemed them unfit? I’m looking at the backward compatibility and The very real future of Ps2 downloads.
what about us that use Linux to string together several PS3’s to render animation?
this is just ludicrous that they actually intend to take ANOTHER feature of our PS3’s away..
@2000 – nerd rage? sure maybe. It’s really just injustice rage.
I don’t own a microphone/headset for my PS3 – imagine if cross game chat was included from the start. And this new update would remove all cross game chat & in-game chat? See now I never chat with my PS3, I don’t know if you do – but what if you did?
Would I be a jerk if you complained about losing chat ability? I’d be like you and say “hey I got the PS3 to play games, if you want to chat just use your cell phone – voice rage boy”-Exactly!
But, even tho I could care less about chatting, I’d agree with you – if you bought a PS3 with an ADVERTISED FEATURE & later they removed it -that would be bogus, end of story.