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)
I love how my valid argument is “trolling” because you don’t like what I have to say. Like your opinion > mine because you disagree with me.
you make me happy :)
whatever.
way to lose even more loyal customers, Sony..even early adopters like myself who though Sony could do no wrong back in the fall of 2006…
heh, congratz sony, geohot now will be forced to release a custom firmware now, that may in fact take piracy many more steps ahead then that almost impossible to do hack that you are trying to eliminate did…
no average user would ever be able to successfully accomplish that hack, and serious hackers that would be taking advantage of it to create some kind of modchip can just NOT update and keep doing their thing, while we legitimate users will HAVE to choose between keeping our linux or having online/new games etc.. Sony’s suits are so intelligent…
“one often meets his destiny on the road he takes to avoid it”
words of wisdom indeed heh…
and of course, if this IS in fact a joke (worst joke ever btw), it’s really epic, because geohot himself got fooled, or maybe he’s just playing along, who knows.
If you want to compare this to a sandwich…removing the other OS feature wouldn’t equal meat. Other OS would be like…you know those toothpicks they put ontop of the bread? Yeah its about as important as those…just for flash.
I wish they would at least tell us for sure if we have to find someone to backup all of our data and reformat our drives
How about you Sony employees/apologists explain this? Your company has lied again.
“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.”
– Sony’s Geoff Levand
wow ,, the only thing more annoying than this patch is Aspect. been a while since someone has been this ignorant. does your tongue get dry when you breath?
LOL @ you all claiming to be loyal customers. You became “Loyal Customers in 2006/2007 when your Xbox RROD. Ive had a playstation system in my house since 1997. Does this make me better then you? Yeah, afraid so.
I will not update my PS3. I’m not play on line and will not buy new software.
In last case, I will sell my PS3 and get out of games forever.
Actually if this is true i want my money back.
have installed linux from day one so i hope its a big joke.
must be some rule that they brake when doing this ..
if so im never ever gonna buy another sony product.
its like when one of the swedish cellphone operator (tele2) changed from flatrate to that u only could surf for up to 5gb/month in full 3g speed then u would only get 300kb/s maximumspeed.
they lost soo many customers .. my hopes is now that ppl do that same with the ps3.
bet there are even companys that will loose money on the removal of install other os like for example yellow dog linux runners.
as i se it the only big thing sony could do is keeping it and saying it was aprils fools day joke…
guys whether or not you actually use the feature has no bearing on it being an illegal action. none of us have ever agreed to limit our ps3’s abilities should we choose not to update the system. that’s because this is NOT written in the tos or eula. technically if my ps3 was still running firmware 2.0 every single game that came out prior to that updat eshould be capable of working AND playing online as these are still the functions i agreed to at that time. at no point did i agree that if sony comes out with a future i update i have to update my system or forfeit my ability to play online. this is why this move is illegal. the eula and tos are both a sort of contract and sony is violating them. not us.
“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.”
@ Aspect of Light
I think you missed my comment since I didn’t hear anything back…
When the Yellow Dog Linux Case says “For the Playstation 3 system”
It does mean I bought them to go together.
@ AscpectOfLight are you actually assuming in that post? because I thought that fact and assumption could be together.
@ AscpectOfLight are you actually assuming in that post? because I thought that fact and assumption couldnt be together.
But it is not made by Sony Paid, nor is it endorsed. Its like saying “Mad Katz” or another third party developer made something that stopped working with it. It can work with it, but Sony does not guarentee that it will.
Sony ASEKD Yellow Dog Linux to make an OFFICIAL VERSION of Linux for PS3.
Soy ASKED (sorry) Yellow Dog Llinux to make an OFFICIAL VERSION of Linux for PS3 to havet the OS AT LAUNCH.
soo, sony could make an update making it impossible to play any 3rd party game then.. the “its not made by sony therefore they have no responsibility” is just wrong.
the saddest thing is, SOny doesn’t give a crap about the gamers and the users who will miss the OtherOS support, all they care about is the “idea” that somehow GeoHot’s exploit will lead to game piracy…it’s all about $$$…
so far we have several things taken away-
*60 gig launch units emulation of PS2 games (so Sony could sell them to us via PSN of course)
*Sd/Memory card slots for easily viewing media
*the 2 additional USB slots
*OtherOS capability
when will it stop Sony? Do you even care about your customers?
Interesting. I did not know Yellow Dog made a Linux OS specifically for PS3. I need to get a copy of that!
I think TechieXXDivaX’s post has been selectively ignored.
Well ok I will bend a little bit. I do feel for people that use their PS3 as a computer when their normal one is down. However I still don’t feel that it justifies that anyone should be refunded for it. Really, if anyone bought a PS3 for the Linux function and that was the only reason you bought it, then I just don’t know what to say. It doesn’t function all that well compared to an actual desktop or laptop, and if you bought it knowing this..shame on you and if you didn’t know this, shame on you for not researching it.
Truthfully though, I support this still. The only thing I am against is the option that you can’t go online unless you update. New games? Yeah I support them requiring the firmware. PSn games? Yeah support it there too.
Sony thinks if they don’t reply and just ignore us, that we will go away….they are correct.
I don’t buy from a theif a second time. They promoted this feature, and it was listed on the box and in the manual. They even pointed us to an approved distro, that you had to buy if you wanted the latest release.
ToS doesn’t protect an entity from bait-and-switch laws, both federal and state. I think this is going to cost them some $$$ for years to come….
@coreyfarkas, yes Yellow Dog Linux was gonna be included in the 60GB units but was scraped at the last second
Wikipedia entry for Fixstars Solutions (formerly Terra Soft)
“In 2006, Terra Soft was contracted by Sony to provide a Linux operating system for the PlayStation 3, used by several University researchers as an inexpensive, powerful cluster compute node.”
See why Sony can’t do this?
I didn’t buy a PS3 JUST to be a computer, but that function, listed on the box is why I bought this system rather than a Wii.
This hits the early adopters that paid extra the most of all.
Yes. Sony wanted the PS3 to have Computer-like cababilties so it (Sony) could have less texes to pay in Europe and England, so they REQUESTED a company to do an OS and touted this ability EVERYWHERE.
The company responsible for the OFFICIAL PS3 Linux Version was yellow Dog Linux and they had the pressure to complete it in time for launch.
That’s history and can be traced easy via internet.
Wikipedia entry for Fixstars Solutions (formerly Terra Soft)
“In 2006, Terra Soft was contracted by Sony to provide a Linux operating system for the PlayStation 3, used by several University researchers as an inexpensive, powerful cluster compute node.”
As I said though, in a court of law you will need evidence that you bought it for this function. Not updating to the newest firmware isn’t a valid reason why you PS3 stopped working.
Its like buying an antivirus software for your computer, never updating it and then trying to sue the company because you got a virus.
I’m too tired to read 2700+ comments and there are paid persons for that. So here’s my question : Do I have to remove the OtherOS partition before FW update ?
@bigkif
Yes
Fabrizio….you are totally correct!
I remember that the underlying reason for the OtherOS was to dodge taxes and import laws.
No in court you just have to bring the box in that lists the feature as an inducement to purchase. If it was an inducement to purchase, it has to be real. Otherwise best case is “bait and switch” and worst case is conspiracy to defraud. ToS will not protect them from that.
that’s right..didn’t they try desperately to classify the ps3 as a pc during the beginning??
2709 what? i have to prove that i bought it for this function? I have proof that i use this function. So yes if you take my current ps3 i use the other os AND Play and buy games off the PSN!!
@ Aspect of Light: You think you are right, when you aren’t. Does Sony pay you to talk nonsense? Because, when you buy a product and a selling point gets removed later, you have every right to complain and protest.
Sony needs to back track on this decision if it is real. You never take away features promoted for a system and people pay money and you take it away. Bad Sony!
@AspectOfLight
I dont want any form of retribution from Sony, nor free games or a new PS3 Slim. In fact, I have an external HDD prepared to backup my Game OS partition tonight and then reformat my PS3 to delete my linux partition.
Yes, YOU ARE COMPLETELY RIGHT when you say that Linux on PS3 is NOT a speed demon but is pretty functional AS A BACKUP COMPUTER. I’ve been using Ubuntu on this and is very nice to have a console that really “does everything”.
I will be terribly sorry when this happens but, as I said before, if I have to choose between PS3 security or Linux with a possibility for it to be hacked, then I will always chooe PS3 security.
But it doesn’t mean I will not miss this incredible option.
F.
“As I said though, in a court of law you will need evidence that you bought it for this function. Not updating to the newest firmware isn’t a valid reason why you PS3 stopped working. ”
That is not the point. I don’t think ANYBODY here is 2700 posts said the bought it SOLELY for this function. Yes it was a decision factor for some. It WAS advertised everywhere and IS on the box. I still don’t believe EULA or TOS overrules consumer/customer protesction law
Actually i dont need to prove that i bought it specifically for this function. Aspect please read SOMETHING. All i have to do is prove that i bought a system WITH this function. By removing this or any feature without my consent not only is it bait and switch it also renders the eula AND tos void. No i dont have to choose either. By not allowing me to play online without updating they are again removing functionality that i originally paid for without my consent which is a violation of the law and also renders their own eula and tos void. sony is in a lose lose situation. u can add to its functions sure. u can not strip away something from it without my consent. period. should i choose not to sony is obligated by law to adhere to the previous list of abilities which include online functionality and the ability install another os should i choose to.
I, for one, am not worried about PS3 security
I had DSL Linux on mine with some extra modules. I could stream any codec and was using it as a DVR to record TV’s. It has been saving me $50 a month not to have an HD DVR from the cable company.
Am I going to get a rebate for this removed functionality Sony?
Thought not.
Seriously, thanks a bunch. I love being bullied into losing functionality because you’re incapable of securing your products properly. Makes me wonder, if the product development is so poor, maybe I just shouldn’t, y’know, buy them.
it would be very different if the OtherOS option was part of a firmware upgrade or something and then they took it away. Unfortunately this is far from the case.
@FritoZ ok so you want all of those features, BUT would you pay the $600 price tag that the original 60gb had?
If not, then you have no reason to complain at all. Aside from Other OS and (partially ps2 emulation) the other features removed were done to cut the cost of the system.
@Odrec : Thank you for your reply all the more so I suspect you’re not paid for that.
I did pay the price tag for an orignial 60g
seriously guys not to be stupid but for everyone talking about law and eula and tos please open a book so u understand exactly what these things entail. sony is in obvious violation of numerous state and federal laws. now if u guys choose to update u are in essence agreeing to remove this ability from ur system. however for those of us who choose not to update sony CAN NOT UNDER FEDERAL LAW remove any functionality including the ability to install another os or online funtionality. the eula and tos are indeed a form of contract but so is a receipt. and by the way a contract works both ways. by allowing us to accept the eula and tos sony agrees to provide us with a service. by limiting our system abilities should we choose not to update they are violating the terms of the agreement.