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)
bad move, sony.
twoinches, are you dense? what sort of world would you create? one where sony can advertise a set of things to purchase and then take them back after they’ve collected your money? get out of here.
Offline games……
Really, does anyone own a PSP? I bought a PSP in the Dissidia bundle only to immediately have the game, offline, force me to update the system in order to play the game. That update, I should mention, crippled my PSP into a useless 2-game brick rather than the PSP that it should be: the functional, app driven, impressive multi-use mobile hardware.
So…we can all shut up about the “oh you can play games offline” thing now, because that’s factually wrong.
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;
– Playback of PS3 software titles or Blu-ray Disc videos that require PS3 system software version 3.21 or later
If it requires you to update in order to use the PSN, then yes, it is mandatory.
Anyway, may I ask why you’re okay with this, 2″? It’s obviously not a feature you use, but others do. Removing the Other OS feature will do little, if anything, to stop hackers; that barn door has not only been opened, it’s been blown off its hinges and is now in the next county. They’re doing this to placate their stockholders.
im ok with it because I DONT want the ps3 to turn into the psp, i like the fact that developers trust the ps3 and right now its the ONLY secure system on the market that I cant go to any torrent site on the net and find games for.
I like how Sony is trying to keep it secure it took a team 3 years to come this far into cracking it the slightest bit and I think sony shutting that door helps it even more. So I am glad that a system i bought solely for gaming with some neat bells and whistles added on will still continue to offer me what the system is made for Gaming.
The only hope is that they’re gauging reactions. The fact that they haven’t closed this comment thread yet maybe means they’re still thinking about it. Otherwise, they would have just posted this with comments disabled. “We’re doing it, go away.”
I won’t be upgrading to the new version or purchasing anything that requires it. Who’s with me?
i see games still coming out for the wii and 360, often outselling their ps3 counterparts, so spare me that ‘sky is falling’ nonsense.
I see another Sony employee/aplogist has arrived. Why don’t you explain how Sony said this feature WOULDN’T be removed and why they can’t keep their promises to consumers?
What the [DELETED] Sony. You not adding anything just removing features.
1. PS2 emulation gone for newer user with new PS3 models.
2.ACD support gone for new PS3 users with newer models.
3.Third-party OS install gone soon for some if they update to the latest firmware.
You even took 2 USB off and the ability to have Flash memory readers inputs, i know they are still readable via USB card readers and at least for this things you took the price down.
But in the end the only one getting majorly screw if you by urging people to make the PS3 like PSP.
I will not be updating and i don’t care. I hope you guys get [DELETED] up.
It better be an Aprils Fools prank.
If not, Sony, you will be making sure you stay at the 3rd in the race.
There’s a much bigger issue going on in the PSN games that REALLY needs to be FIXED or detected: Lag Switch/Standby Switch or whatever you guys call it.
It’s ANNOYING and really puts the fun factor out of the games.
I’m with you.
I will not be applying this “upgrade” at least to see what happens in the next few days in the news.
I am going to reset my network settings to not look for the internet, and play Just Cause 2 offline.
A game that I F’n paid for and didn’t try to steal.
i saw we all mail some feces to sony… anyone?
i say**
Does everyone remember how much bad press Amazon.com got when they removed 1984 from people’s Kindles (even though they had paid for it)? This is the same thing! Let’s make sure everyone knows that and get this onto more of the big sites today.
The more negative pressure Sony gets the more likely they are to relent on this.
@ thepatcat
Regardless if this will help or not…it’s got to be the reason why they’re doing it…so I see no point in arguing about it.
Hi All,
On 02/26/2010 04:30 AM, David Woodhouse wrote:
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.
Please understand that in my position as PS3-Linux maintainer
I can really only provide users with technical support for
Linux and the LV1 hcall interface.
The text above was provided to me by SCE management. If
you have any questions regarding it or any other feature
of the PS3 please contact the Playstation Customer Support
in your country. Using Playstation Customer Support will
insure your inquiry is processed through the correct
channels within SCE.
-Geoff
Thanks for lying to us Sony.
When this occurs on Thursday, I will be one of the first to sign up for a Class action lawsuit.
If any Lawyers need some reference materials from me for a case, I have my receipt for Yellow Dog Linux, purchased one month BEFORE I bought the PS3 in 2006. (You know, because they touted this as a feature and it was a selling point for me.)
I also have these corporate emails that state their support for OtherOS as well as a PDF of Sony’s very own Open Platform webpage stating their support for Linux.
As I intimated in my previous post, the system’s already been opened. Hackers are looking at information that was once hidden, and will pry wide open any hole in Sony’s security. Removing the Other OS feature will do nothing to stop this, as the hackers won’t update. It’s just putting pretty curtains over a hole — it’s completely cosmetic, and makes Sony’s stockholder’s happy.
As others have mentioned, this may not be the end of Sony’s actions. Let’s say another problem is found — for example, in the Blu-ray part of the console. Sony could go through the effort to fix the problem, sure, but given what they’ve done with the situation at hand, they might just say, “We’re disabling playback of all BR movies in the next update. As always, you’re free not to update, etc. etc.”
Absurd? Perhaps. But I’m gonna let you in on a not-very-well-kept secret: the aforementioned example is not just theory — there actually is such a problem.
Still, who really watches movies on the PS3, right? It’s just for games.
For those who like the idea of Sony keeping their system secure, can you please explain to me how removing the Other OS feature does this? I believe that it does not increase security at all. I believe I can prove that. Can someone try to convince me otherwise?
And the joke continues… 2200+ posts so far and Sony think they will get safe? The Sony’s board of directors should be inquired by shareholders what is this DEVOLUTION they are about to do. Are they ready to face this massive class action and compensate at least 2K customers?? And the worst about that is the way they are doing this. Give a notice in this Playstation Blog? Another fatal error that will lead more lawsuits.
If they are crazy to continue with this DEVOLUTION, the changes they are about to force should be very carefully informed worldwide to all fat model‘s customers, putting information in magazines, newspapers, websites and so on, at least with 30 days notice and with instructions an tools to make the users don’t lost any information stored in their Linux partition.
THEY MUST KNOW THEY CANNOT CHANGE THE RULES JUST BECAUSE THEY COMMAND THE SOFTWARE ONCE THEY SOLD THE HARDWARE AS WELL.
We need someone to file for an injunction based on possible damages to our investment (data and ps3 hardware).
I will be sending a registered mail ‘cease and desist’ letter to SONY to create a paper-trail for any class-actions, or complaints that I have initiated through the Better Business Bureau and my state’s consumer affairs office.
It only does everything: Except Linux.
Really Sony? Not happy at all. I have to choose from buying and enjoying my system as a multimedia hub and being able to use a feature that I paid for?
This is only going to make the PS3 scene start talking about things that you’d really rather not have them talk about. Nice job Sony. I’m so very disappointed to have been a fan of this company for so long.
They advertised it at E3 2005 now what TRiKkey and i quote “Sony stated that it would ship Linux pre-installed on the PlayStation 3’s hard disc” Case in point Sony advertised it and as we all know they LIE to THEIR Customers. PEACE
Sony stop thinking about the $$$ nobody wants a hacked PS3 anyway,. why not spend the time to finally make some new music visualizers!!
New feature’s!
New Music Visualizers!!!!!
Seriously? People still whining about this? And the lawsuit happy clowns still making idiotic threats? I hope in retaliation to your threats you all get perma banned from the psn.
@ 2268
If you like people taking away your rights..
Move to China.
Seems Geohotz has responded exactly as I thought he would. Once again, nothing stirs rebelliousness like a corporation who punishes their loyal fanbase who paid good hard earned money just to have features taken away. I’m certainly not updating to this. PS3 proxy for a while, and hopefully we’ll have custom firmware before too long. As for the future, I have my doubts now as to whether I’ll be buying a PS4 when it comes around. You’ll notice the only features Sony seems to be leaving in are the ones that make them money (they earn royalties from the sale of Blu Ray movies, so that feature is still there, they make money from the Playstation store, so that’s also still there, etc….). The features that we so rightly deserve (as we’ve paid for them) that they don’t stand to make money on is the ones they’re eliminating.
THIS IS AMERICA 2268 WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO SAY HOW WE FEEL AS DO YOU FUKING TROLL!!! PEACE
2269 Dam Stright
WAAAAH WAAAH I WANT TO SUE AND TYPE IN ALL CAPS, BECAUSE I AM A CHILD AND SONY IS TAKING AWAY A USELESS FEATURE.
Watch out for the PSN update tonight, who knows what Sony will try to disable.
I’m disconnecting from the internet as soon as I get home.
Sony this really has to be a joke right? If not this is really disappointing………its like you start off well and then proceed to shoot yourself in the foot on a regular basis…..Even if the Ps3 is hacked who can afford to pirate games for it? Do you know how much blank blu Rays and Blu Ray burners cost. Im a 60 gig owner and the other OS support was one of the high selling points in my purchase. These are the reasons why many of us decided to shell out almost 700 dollars for your system at laungh. And yes it was almost 700 with tax included and everything. Not pleased Sony……Keep your customers happy because it seems that the people have spoken and its not in the favor of this update.
I DON’T WANT TO SUE I JUST THINK GUPPIES LIKE YOU 2273 ARE THE REASON WHY WE GET TAKING ADVANTAGE OF. little guppie!!! Peace
Okay, So I am a guppy because I hated the stupid Other OS feature and think it is utterly useless and am happy it’s going away?
Yeah okay, whatever. Goes to show how much of an entitled little turd you really are.
Great.
I use Linux on my PS3 and also play games on-line. Now I have to choose which of these features I no longer want to use.
Thanks a lot Sony.
I want my money back!
I am also willing to bet, the majority of people complaining are nothing but filthy liars anyway. Not even wanting to use the feature or hell are just Xbot trolls who have nothing better to do that start crap.
2277 Yes sir hey bud you have a nice day litte gup PEACE
******************************************************************
That’s it!!! We must demand Sony to compensate all fat model users with a new PS3 Slim right now!!!!
*******************************************************************
Wow guys, hackers? Reallly?
Will you crybabies stop threatening Sony with your immature hacking games? Im sure you would just get pwned anyway.
That is illegal, and arguably even the threats are. But what they are doing is not illegal, suck it up.
I for one, will continue to support Sony to the fullest. Have you ever seen a Nintendo Wii update?? Xbox 360 customer service? Nuff said.
Over 2K posts of open rebellion…fanboi’s, where is Sony to reply? LOL That is how much they love you the customer.
Even if they reverse this, I am done with Sony.
They really have no problem with assuming their default customer is a theif, and treating you accordingly.
They already made the $500 – $800 sale for the early adopter units…why not F ’em now? I mean, they got their money.
If you did me like that on some smoke, took my money and sold me light, I would cut a smile in your front from sack to chin.
Wow I’ve never seen a thread grow so fast … amazing publicity Sony
11/10 for marketing
minus several squillion for common sense
legendaryphoenix, i’d love for you to be my customer. i’d sell you all kinds of things and then snatch them back while keeping your money…it would be so nice…we need more people in the world like you…
Simply not acceptable. Removing something that was a feature when i first purchased it. To say the least, it looks illegal.
Dear Sony, do you expect to do that with no compensation but threats to those who refuse to accept it? Better prepare yourself to an avalanche of complaints – if the comments here mean nothing to you.
Great deception, shame on you.
See it is ignorant chumps like you that have basically ruined society by thinking you are entitled to every little thing. I truly hope that when the feature is taken out all of the people complaining/threatening are subsequently banned from the network.
Last thing we (people who have better things to do than complain about a useless feature the vocal minority use) is you on the PSN ruining our experiences with your complaining.
And yes you people are the vast vast minority.
Also no, I am not a guppy. In fact you are more of a sheep than you claim I am. Seeing as you are just complaining for the sake of it. Typing in all caps and such, with the exception of your last post.
Guppy
@2288
If the feature was worthwhile, and useful I would be angry. It is however, not the case with the other OS removal. You can delude yourselves all you want in thinking its useful. It still doesn’t change the fact that only like .0001% of the total user base even uses the stupid feature.
I stream more kinds of media than Sony ever mastered with their front end. That’s useful. I won’t take the update. I don’t know the last time I used this thing to play a game.
and like i said, legendaryphoenix, you sound like a terrific customer. would *love* to do business with you! love love LOVE to! i wish we had more consumers like you.
pure complete bollix..