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)
Linux on PS3 = 256mb of ram, no access to RSX GPU, limited to saving onto USB drives, no burning cd/dvd/bluray, Slow
why do people use it?
Linux on PS3 = affordable Cell development system, and a toy for geeks. Sorry if you don’t understand. Seems that nobody understands that it’s the CPU we’re after, not the 3D hardware.
Where at Cobra?
@ Jia_Harlow
you can continue to use it
don’t update
@ 2833 thats not the only point. It’s the principal. Sony starts removing all of these features why not just let them take away movie playback? get rid of the music icon. no more psp compatability. 100$/month psn. games older than 2009 wont work anymore. See? when they start doing [DELETED] like that I doubt you’ll be too happy.
@Jangaboo: His feutures would be limited then, so sony offends him.
Jangaboo..
If by “It” you are referring about the PS3…
No he can’t because the PSN, certain games, and blu-rays will be crippled.
We are having to choose one Loss over another.
Which is for the rage against this.
@ 2833 thats not the only point. It’s the principal. Sony starts removing all of these features why not just let them take away movie playback? get rid of the music icon. no more psp compatability. 100$/month psn. games older than 2009 wont work anymore. See? when they start doing stuff like that I doubt you’ll be too happy.
2835: There’s a topic titled, “FW 3.21 and Consumer Right’s Law: No Conjecture, Just Facts” in the Playstation 3 Updates section of the forum.
I paid $600 for my 60GB PS3. I’ve spent at least that in software purchases, both retail and PSN.
How do I get a refund, Sony? Do I just pack up my stuff in a box and ship it back to the SCEA office? No problem at this point.
I won’t miss your [DELETED], but I will miss the system as it was in 2006.
i didnt install the otheros.
and i think i wouldnt do.
but i wont buy any sony again.
2840 – better then that lets just let Sony kick in our doors unhook their ps3’s from our TV’s. Then smack our wives in the face and kick us in the balls some more. Because They know we like it. Oh and steal our puppies….PEACE
$100 a month PSN? you are all very drastic in how you are taking this
Sony sucks at PR, Microsoft removed 3rd party support for memory devices a few months back and it never got this much slack for it and i bet more people used those 3rd party memory devices than people running Linux on PS3
cant wait until my ps2 emulation or media server is gone via firmware update.
@AspectOfLight Get over it why don’t you cry to the developers who put MAME out on the internet. Don’t you think there are alot more serious piracy issues than 30-year-old games that few people even care about anymore? By the way I bought a complete set of MAME.101 on DVD because I got sick of downloading them. That ought to give you something else to cry about in case you get bored. Besides I agree with the one who said MAME and Linux kind of suck on PS3 anyway.
People FAIL to relize this is not about Linux, It’s ABOUT PRINCIPLES….PEACE
Don’t update your PS3. Custom firmwares are coming. You can use a custom firmware without Linux. If you don’t use the official firmwares, you will be able to keep Linux.
realize my bad…PEACE
MS probably wasn’t stupid enough to advertise and promise a feature that they may want to disable later… I don’t know this for a fact though, did MS advertise the XBOX in any way as being able to accept 3rd party memory devices? I would guess they always said they are not officially supported, use at your own risk, quite different
good find Cobra
2845- It’s called exaggeration. It helps to explain a point you’re trying to make.
Yes, Microsoft was in the wrong earlier, and they still are, but that doesn’t change the fact that Sony is now, as well.
@Jangaboo
My choices are:
1) Stay with linux exclusively. If I do this, I can either buy another PS3 as a console and move all my stuff over to it or sell all my games and buy a standalone Blu-Ray player. Neither sounds appealing, and downloaded games (like MK2, Flower, etc) can’t be re-sold.
2) Update the system(s). If I do this, I retain the console functionality but screw up my linux environment.
2) Get some new or used PS3 phat systems to move linux to and go on my merry way with the old ones.
Any way I approach it, I have to spend more money to keep what I already have. I’m losing functionality I was sold on and paid for in the first place.
If this update turns out to be reality, well, Sony was already a straw away from a dead camel with me.
Anyone wanna buy my PS3 with all my games? $1000 right now.
Gonna get an Xbox.
Didn’t anyone notice it says JST instead of PST? why would we get a firmware update on Japan Standard Time? because its an April Fools joke and everyone with their noses bent out of shape fell for it.
I don’t care about the feature so go ahead SONY just keep deliverying the great games we are now used to and everything will be just fine! I bought the PS3 to play games, the OS stuff was the less interesting
Browser, fre eonline , rechargable batteries, the franchises I love, Bluray and DVD upscaling, built in Wi-fi, upgradable HDD, HDMI, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD, native 1080p, universal USB support, real currency in the PS Store, Media storage,etc ,etc are the reasons I got the PS3.
Don’t get what people is complaining about….losing a “feature” :S
http://boardsus.playstation.com/t5/PlayStation-3-Updates/FW-3-21-and-Consumer-Right-s-Law-No-Conjecture-Just-Facts/m-p/45454241
Using a custom firmware will likely jeopardize gaming online, so that wont work. Taking this out ruins a lot of work that I have done to get it to work and do what I want. I don’t play MAME, I run a server from my PS3 in my house. I like it, it’s been very handy, as well, I cruise the internet etc from my Other OS. The given browser on PS3 is a total piece of junk. I object major to removing this feature from my PS3. This is stupid and a serious turn off! Sony better get their act together and change this stupidity or it will have a huge recourse from those like me who have gotten quite used to this feature. Check the internet, see the multitudes of guide for putting all kinds of OS’s on them, check to see what people are doing with their PS3. Oh man, I just cannot get the idiot logic behind removing this.
***FANBOY ALERT***
You go, MazzingerZ.
Anyway, here’s hoping “JST” stands for “Joke Starting Time” or something like that.
hey mazzinger how would u feel if they decided to remove storage capabilities for anything but game data or restrict u from accessing wifi cuz u might connect to an unsecured network. they could just write it off as a security concern and u wouldnt care i guess? again its not about what feature their removing its about them changing what we initially paid for without our consent.
@2856:
Yes, definitely an April Fools joke, everyone knows that the real day for April Fools day is March 28th! And certainly everyone knows that when pulling such a prank they must inform everyone in their Customer Service department that this is in fact NOT a joke. And last but least, everyone knows that Sony has no affiliation with Japan, nor would they ever develop system software for their PlayStation 3 in such a place…
Haha! April Fools!
My response from sony:
Hello Glenn,
We apologize for any inconvenience you are experiencing with the functionality removal of the “Install Other OS” feature. We value your input and appreciate you bringing this to our attention.
Per the PlayStation®Network: Terms of Service and User Agreement, Article 11, Maintenance and Upgrades:
From time to time, it may become necessary for Sony Computer Entertainment America (“SCEA”) to provide certain content to you to ensure that PSN and content offered through PSN, your PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system or other SCEA-authorized hardware is functioning properly in accordance with SCEA guidelines.
Some content may be provided automatically without notice when you sign into PSN and such content may include automatic updates or upgrades which may change your current operating system, cause a loss of data or content or cause a loss of functionalities or utilities.
I wonder how many posts there would be if the update release would have been on 3/31 or 4/2 instead of April Fools day.
2nd part:
Such upgrades or updates may be provided for system software for your PlayStation 3, the PSP system, or other SCEA-authorized hardware. Access or use to any system software is subject to terms and conditions of a separate end user license agreement found at http://www.us.playstation.com/termsofuse. You authorize SCEA to provide such content and agree that SCEA shall not be liable for any damages arising from provision of such content or maintenance services (…).
The following Knowledge Center article(s) may help resolve your problem:
Article Title: Installing a different OS or system software
Article Link: http://playstation.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/469
Article Title: Terms of Use and User Agreement
Article Link: http://playstation.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1109
Again, we apologize for any inconvenience and please rest assured that we will convey your feedback to Sony Computer Entertainment America’s (“SCEA”) appropriate management.
Well I guess that pretty much is it. I’ll keep arguing the point but sometimes little brother just cant beat big brother…
@tpsioulas
Yes, is for all EU members:
Directive 1999/44/EC, May 1999 from the European Parliament stipulates that by 1st January 2002 all member states must have altered their legislation to comply with new consumer laws
It is suspect that they would skip 3.20, when we are only at 3.15 right now. Also, wasn’t there some kind of stupid April Fool’s prank last year. I can’t remember, and JST (as far as I know) isn’t a real time zone, at least for the states. If it is real though, I’ll pick up a cheap used slim from my used gamestore and use it online, while seeing what the notorious iphone hacker can do with a real system.
For those out there that continue to say this is a joke why is it when I call Sony customer service they say I understand what your saying and feel bad for you but there is nothing that we can do about it.
JST = Japan Standard Time
@roajin
i need to keep repeating this. the terms of service wording is very important because it is the one thing that makes it illegal. while it does clearly state that they may remove functionality with a new update at no point does it say they can limit the features of ur hardware should u choose not to update. this is the key. since they are not given permission to limit ur ability to play onine or connect to the internet in anyway this update is illegal because it clearly state if u do not update you wont have internet connectivity. THIS IS THE KEY POINT. By limiting any function of ur ps3 without ur consent should not choose to update they are breaking the law. It is advertised with psn connectivity. By them accepting ur money and allowing u to accept the tos they are in essence agreeing to give u acccess to the psn unhindered.
I cannot believe this. I paid for this feature. We are all getting scammed here. If i bought a cup and the box advertised that it held water, and then someone updated my cup so it couldn’t hold water then i would the victim of a scam. And that’s what this is, a SCAM plain and simple. This should (if it’s not already) be illegal. I have yellow dog linux installed on my ps3, and now i am screwed if i update, and i’m screwed if i don’t update. Thanks ALOT SONY GRRRRRRR!
CONTINUED….
Limiting ur ability to connect based on you NOT updating ur firmware is not mentioned or advertised anywhere on the box or in the terms of service or eula. This could render this and actually nearly any update illegal.
2753
Don’t give up. Just because Sony feels something is legal and within their rights does not mean it is so. I urge every member of the community band together. Call Sony costumer service, put a freeze on new game purchases, put a freeze on new blu-ray purchases, when the update comes out don’t turn your system on (Sony can track how many people are updating and if they see there are not large numbers updating maybe they will get the message). Additionally file formal complaints with the FTC and BBB. I would also suggest writing a letter to your elected officials (both house and senate or your countries respective government) If Congress can haul the banks and the oil companies in to testify they certainly can call Officials in from Sony and have them explain themselves infront of cameras (this is one instance in which I would be infavor of some political grandstanding).
i need to keep repeating this. the terms of service wording is very important because it is the one thing that makes it illegal. while it does clearly state that they may remove functionality with a new update at no point does it say they can limit the features of ur hardware should u choose not to update. this is the key. since they are not given permission to limit ur ability to play onine or connect to the internet in anyway this update is illegal because it clearly state if u do not update you wont have internet connectivity. THIS IS THE KEY POINT. By limiting any function of ur ps3 without ur consent should not choose to update they are breaking the law. It is advertised with psn connectivity. By them accepting ur money and allowing u to accept the tos they are in essence agreeing to give u acccess to the psn unhindered. Limiting ur ability to connect based on you NOT updating ur firmware is not mentioned or advertised anywhere on the box or in the terms of service or eula. This could render this and actually nearly any update illegal.
Improperlyaged,
I agree, I’ve called Sony, requested response in writing, e-mailed about everyone I can find to try to stop this. I’m their customer as is everyone on this site. We deserve to be treated fairly. Unfortunately, I don’t see that happening. I was just forwarding the response as I said I would do yesterday.
2)i need to keep repeating this. the terms of service wording is very important because it is the one thing that makes it illegal. while it does clearly state that they may remove functionality with a new update at no point does it say they can limit the features of ur hardware should u choose not to update. this is the key. since they are not given permission to limit ur ability to play onine or connect to the internet in anyway this update is illegal because it clearly state if u do not update you wont have internet connectivity. THIS IS THE KEY POINT. By limiting any function of ur ps3 without ur consent should not choose to update they are breaking the law. It is advertised with psn connectivity. By them accepting ur money and allowing u to accept the tos they are in essence agreeing to give u acccess to the psn unhindered. Limiting ur ability to connect based on you NOT updating ur firmware is not mentioned or advertised anywhere on the box or in the terms of service or eula. This could render this and actually nearly any update illegal.
1)i need to keep repeating this. the terms of service wording is very important because it is the one thing that makes it illegal. while it does clearly state that they may remove functionality with a new update at no point does it say they can limit the features of ur hardware should u choose not to update. this is the key. since they are not given permission to limit ur ability to play onine or connect to the internet in anyway this update is illegal because it clearly state if u do not update you wont have internet connectivity. THIS IS THE KEY POINT. By limiting any function of ur ps3 without ur consent should not choose to update they are breaking the law. It is advertised with psn connectivity. By them accepting ur money and allowing u to accept the tos they are in essence agreeing to give u acccess to the psn unhindered. Limiting ur ability to connect based on you NOT updating ur firmware is not mentioned or advertised anywhere on the box or in the terms of service or eula. This could render this and actually nearly any update illegal.
Part of me is sort of shocked that this announcement has not been retracted yet. The other part of me thinks… not really a big deal. Ask anybody whose actually tried to use a Linux for anything but number-crunching on the PS3… and they’ll launch into rants into the lack of support from Nvidia-GLX, the use of a Vesa-Driver, the low system memory, and the need to run minimized window managers versus desktop environments like KDE.
Right off hand the only “casual” loss will be those using the PS3 as a media server, as the PS3 does not currently support any of the Ogg codes, such as .flac, vorbis audio encoding, or theora video encoding. Adding these patent free / royalty free codecs should have been done a long time ago, so maybe this is an olive branch Sony can offer the fanbase they just ticked off.
What an ugly thing.
I would like to return my PS3 now, so they bought it in order to move on LINUX, and power play when he had the will. And the keyboard and mouse wireless, since you bought to use LINUX. I bought it thinking about games, PC, online, and media.
From now on, never buy the brand SONY, lost another customer who loves playing video games.
lucky I did not buy a better router, would be more money thrown in the trash.
I will not upgrade, at least not while you need.
SONY Goodbye, my money will never for yours
So uhh people are STILL complaining about this… and Sony didn’t even reply. :(
3)i need to keep repeating this. the terms of service wording is very important because it is the one thing that makes it illegal. while it does clearly state that they may remove functionality with a new update at no point does it say they can limit the features of ur hardware should u choose not to update. this is the key. since they are not given permission to limit ur ability to play onine or connect to the internet in anyway this update is illegal because it clearly state if u do not update you wont have internet connectivity. THIS IS THE KEY POINT. By limiting any function of ur ps3 without ur consent should not choose to update they are breaking the law. It is advertised with psn connectivity. By them accepting ur money and allowing u to accept the tos they are in essence agreeing to give u acccess to the psn unhindered. Limiting ur ability to connect based on you NOT updating ur firmware is not mentioned or advertised anywhere on the box or in the terms of service or eula. This could render this and actually nearly any update illegal.