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)
Dumb, retarded retards?
And he says ‘we’ have to go back to high school? He might want to finish his then maybe he can give more grown up comments. LOL
I typed like that on purpose, I figured I had to talk on your level for you to understand.
@aspectoflight
so again just to confirm u have no legal or technological training only medical. again how is it ur qualified to have such a strong opinion as to the legality of sony’s actions???????
we all have an opinion.no need to get ignorant.
@aspect
why do you feel the need to demean people.that actually shows your intellectual prowess.before you try to get started on me.i am a high school graduate with an associates culinary arts and bachelor degree in social services.i have been loyal to sony with the original playstation that i bought myself.it wasnt a gift;i earned it.please use something other than my supposed lack of education or loyalty to explain why i disapprove of this.when you have to resort to name calling and character bashing.since everything i am typing will probably not reach you in the capacity it needs.i will take my leave of you.
Good Day To You
sorry aspect, i got an IT degree but that doesn’t make me any better than the others here!
Oh well, I guess when you deal with kids…child like reactions is all you will get. You guys cant change this, it is happening. Your options are to update and deal with it or not to update and then don’t play new games or play online. Its being done for your benefit, for your security…you could show a little gratitude.
Aspect says this to his Patients:
“Why are you taking Generic Drugs? The Drug companies are telling me that the Brand name is way better. You should know better than that. Why are you taking their great decisions for granted?”
guys, all questions will be answered in 21 hours – ‘the update comes out 1 april JST’
Way to kill this thread aspectoflight and all others involved
I really hope this is a joke.
I can post about the legal issues of this because anyone with half a brain knows this will never hold up in any court. I can see this showing up on an episode of Judge Judy for laughs, but thats about it.
If this did turn out to be an April Fools Joke…this is what will happen:
“Damn it sony, you made me waste 2 days posting in that blog about how I didnt like this, you are going to give me money for the 2 days I lost or I will sue you!”
I would not go so far as to say what Sony is doing is either clearly legal or clearly illegal. However, removing an advertised, paid-for feature after the fact would seem to fail any smell test right out of the gate.
Also realize that there are 50 states–each with unique laws. On top of that there are 12 federal judicial circuits–each following their own precedents absent germane guidance from the Supreme Court. So, a court in one jurisdiction may find Sony in the clear while another might find Sony’s actions wholly unconscionable.
they can. If a certain person sued sony, for he couldn’t see, then all of us can
guys all jokes aside this could easily be done with any feature of the ps3 that doesnt effect gaming ability. they can do it with digital video/music playback, wifi connectivity(since u can still play with an ethernet cable), the ability to put pics on it anything. This is a serious issue. Do not make it a joke. Please file a complaint with the ftc and bbb. Sony is not allowing the links to show so please google them and help the cause. Again them removing the feature in the update is not what makes this illegal them limiting ur ps3’s capabilities should choose not to install the update that removes this feature is the illegal part. remember this when filing ur complaint.
Didnt Sony block off areas of the RSX etc to avoid security concerns? Linux doesn’t have full access to the processing power of it, I know that much.. ‘security update’ doesn’t cut it for me.
I wish I worked for the ftc and bbb, I’d get a good laugh at the asinine complaints some of you have probably put in.
Sony is only adding to the value of the phat ps3’s I mean think about it don’t update and just sell the mother online to a collage or institute. They don’t use them for gaming. LETS MAKE MONEY OFF OF SONY CRAP IDEA’S PEACE
Ok, so back on track here:
1:) Sony wants to remove a feature that they promoted as a major feature of the Playstation 3, Had it Printed on the box that it was possible to do the OtherOS function. Contracted Terra Soft Solutions to Custom Build a version of Linux called Yellow Dog Linux specifically for the PS3. I paid $65 to purchase this software BEFORE I bought a PS3. I installed linux on Day One of having a PS3. Have been using it for 3 years. Then ON MY FREAKING BIRTHDAY decide to announce that they are going to remove this function because of a “security” hole, which is really their security of gaining more profit.
and…
2:) A ton of people aren’t going to let them do it.
actually again aspect if u did work for them this would make ur day cuz u would get to take a direct shot at a major corporation attempting to manipulate its consumers which is pretty much why both were started.
I normally do not comment or post much, but I believe this is a very dumb move. There are a lot of us Linux users that use the feature a lot.
I love it when Sony makes a Black market from they own products…PEACE
The release date of April 1st is a bit suspicious.
let me state again.
if you spent 600$ on a VIDEO GAME, VIDEO GAME, VIDEO GAME (I heard if you read something more it sinks in better thought I would try it) system to run linux on. you should rethink your finance choices. that’s like me running out and buying the newest Alienware laptop (I would never buy those by the way) just to run SNES Roms on.
“disable the “Install Other OS” ” wtf
bad bad bad sony
Sony, this is pathetic!
Now a lot of technical sites and projects will be closed because of your action! I won’t be able to use my Cell book I bought just because of this!
You say you want people to get some hands on the Cell and now you’re blocking the only way to it! I’m very disappointed!
Why do the select very few keep posting the same garbage over and over. MADZEN81, AspectOfLight (basically abuse), Paid-Assassin, Me, and a few others?
Quite amusing that none of us seem to have anything better to do that sit here on a blog and complain all day long.
also what happens to the military or universities using ps3’s for research they obvioulsy wont be able to update the system. yes i know its sort of a dumb argument since they wont update the system cuz they dont care about games but still. a consumer should never have a product limited after they already paid for it. by accepting our money they agree to provide thaeir service unhindered unless we violate the tos. i’m not violating by not updating my system so y cant i play online if i dont? think about it
I work for SONY THATS MY JOB…PEACE
We lose the feature tomorrow, so unless a “ton” of people stop “them” by tomorrow, we are hosed.
lol I wish I did
@AspectOfLight
seriously man, go stick a flag saying “I heart Sony” up your [DELETED] or something.
Next someone will discover a way of running unsigned code on the ps3 using a bug on that crappy mess they try to pass on as a internet browser, so they’ll release an “update” the will disable it, an you’ll go:
“oh, but it sucked anyway, who cares, they can do whatever they want”
then someone will find a way to glitch the system using a movie codec, and sony will disable media playing on the system for “security reasons” and you will go:
“oh come on, who watched movies on their ps3s anyway? durrrr, go get a laptop”
and I could go on indefinitely here, but I think you get my point.
it’s not about linux, it’s about they taking a feature OUT of the system, and making it so you pretty much have no choice whatsoever other then downgrading your system in order to keep using psn and playing new games, and they have no right of doing that.
AmeenUS, Ialso bought a cell book and was developing a project(no hacks or illegal thing, a multi-player game for me&friends)!
Then This Sh1T won’t be going on if I had a say…PEACE
So now i can offficially demand payback for console bought from SONY, as PS3 product breaks EU regulations by changing the official specification? sweet :>
You’ll probably find most EULA’s / Terms of use contracts breach themselves – eg, the first version of Safari for Windows, legally, was only installable on a Mac, even though it was a Windows version. EULA’s themselves probably won’t stand up in court, however, an executive stating it will not be removed, effectively signing it too, will. That counts towards a contract.
Just remember, I’m of the ‘its a hoax’ side of things, I’m trying to rationalise it for other people. I just can’t see it to be honest.
The Wii changed the type of music it could play in its Photo Channel (from Mp3 to Ac3), as an optional update, but fixed for newer consoles. To this day its still an optional update.
Removing a feature that ‘sold’ the console to certain people (the ‘geek elite’ from Uni here bought on purely for Blu-ray and Linux. They have never bought a game for it!) would cause an influx of sales on eBay, those who daisychained them at colleges will be seeking news articles, dirtying Sony’s name etc. It would be a very ‘last and only option’ kind of thing to block it off entirely.
No PlayStation Move for me.
I was always impressed with Sony for the PS3 having the feature of installing another OS. A while back I bought a 250gb 2.5″ SATA disk and installed YDL.
This is bad beyond belief…
Tulkas108 I’m going to get MOVE that is I’m moving the japcrap the hell out of my house, If Sony pull this Shat…PEACE
How do we return our crippled PS3s for a refund? I bought my PS3 specifically because of this feature and now I either can’t use it or I can’t play the games I’ve also paid for. I’m going to need my money back.
THIS IS ABSOLUTE BS SONY! I AM USING MY PS3 NOT ONLY TO GAME FROM BUT ALSO AS A SERVER ON THE SIDE! YOU ARE IMPLEMENTING SOMETHING THAT WILL DESTROY WEEKS OF WORK!! I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED SONY! VERY!!!! THIS IS NOT RIGHT! Hackers my butt, this is just some dumb empty headed person in Sony who hasn’t even come close to thinking this through, not to mention we have official statements from Sony saying they weren’t taking out this feature like not even a month or two ago! Now all of sudden they are taking it out. ABSOLUTELY STUPID MOVE! YOU HAVE JUST REMOVED A MAJOR REASON I BOUGHT THIS. IF YOU TAKE THIS OUT, I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER SONY PRODUCT AGAIN!
For me removing of the Other OS is illegal in the EU,
EU Directive 1999/44/EC:
The goods must
· comply with the description given by the seller and posses the same qualities and characteristics as other similar goods
· be fit for the purpose which the consumer requires them and which was made known to the seller at the time of purchase. <——
· are fit for the purpose for which goods of the same type are used
· show the same quality and performance, which are normal in goods of the same type and which consumers can reasonably expect. This will also take into account any public statements made about the specific characteristics of the goods by the producer, seller or in their advertising.
I think that this Up(Down)date clearly violates the second point, every person in the EU should report to their local consumer authority.
Man everyone should call up customer service and complain. Blogging does help, but their lines being tied up for DAYS might do further to push the point that the otheros feature isn’t a bad thing.
I can’t believe they would decide to take the feature away, especially when in earlier updates Sony stated they would not take the feature away.
Hell even if they take it away I’m sure someone out there will figure out a way to pirate their games, even without the otheros feature.
This is just bad for ANYONE that went with Sony for the ability to install Linux, BSD or an alternative OS. I’m sure there weren’t too many of us, but this REALLY pisses me off if it’s true.
Is anyone else interested in a class action suit?
lewiathan, does this apply in all EU countries
Awful Update – this better be a joke!!
I WON’T UPDATE!!
Can’t use OpenOffice.org anymore?? or Read PDF’s, edit and compose pictures…Why are you doing this…
Please find a way not to disable my ps3… this news really pisses me off…
If that dude is a doctor, then I’m a rocket scientist.
It will soon say “It only does nothing” now go out and buy it.
Or it should say “It only does what you want till you buy it then we take it all back” MONEY,MONEY,MONEY,TAKE,TAKE,TAKE….peace
It’s not just gaming that gets blocked if you don’t upgrade. Stop ignoring that, trolls.
There’s an interesting topic in the forums that has facts and legal documents proving that what Sony is going to do in this update is in fact against the law.
There it is the phone number and email. COME ON PEOPLE USE THEM. We can’t just let sony have their way and rip us off without a fight!