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)
@TEAM-CRO
The firmware on the 60GB/20GB/80GB is stored completely in Flash RAM (256Mb). The firmware on other systems, part of it is stored in flash (128Mb) the rest is stored on the HD.
If you had whatever current version was installed it would have taken that, it did not need to be 3.15.
@maninashed That’s the year, lol
@3839: Those adamantly against FW3.21:
-have a 1st- or 2nd-run PS3 (a “fat” model) AND
-either use Linux now, or are considering it.
-or they may not have known the feature exists, but dread the thought of its removal for the simple reason that Sony is in control of the PS3 and can do as it wants, which may include disabling other features for reasons it sees fit, no matter how flawed.
@sickcivic Yes. It’s 22:30 in the UK so it doesn’t happen here until midday tomorrow.
WRONG sKCroza95.
This just encourages hackers, they like challenge. Geohot will now try for custom firmware and maybe some others will too. Smart move Sony.
And MSFT does care enough to permanently lock out of XBL about 1 million hacked machines the last time. That was a bit of a crappy move too IMO, but at least they didn’t penalize EVERYONE by taking off features.
@maninashed That’s the year, lol
ROFLMAO
Don’t I feel like a ^&*()(*&
7:00am JST – Alarm goes off.
7:15am JST – Take a shower.
7:35am JST – Drive down the busy streets of Tokyo.
8:00am JST – Arrive at Sony head quarters for work.
8:15am JST – “Now where is that ‘rape our customers’ button?”
8:30am JST – Customers rapped.
POOP
I have logged a complaint with the FTC:
Thank you for contacting the FTC. Your complaint has been entered into Consumer Sentinel, a secure online database available to thousands of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies worldwide.
Your reference number is:
259867xx
I suggest everyone who currently uses Other OS go here and file a complaint as well — enter your complaint, including this blog URL and ask them to read all the responses thus far.
https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/FTC_Wizard.aspx?Lang=en#last
im looking at the jap website off and on when they go live ill let yall know
In my defence we normally get updates here around midday on thursdays which translates to about 8pm JST
COUGH COUGH
Geohot is smart kid and not sure to be mad at him or not. No one has produced a hack. He just showed that sony’s PS3 can be hacked. This kid is smart and Sony pissed him off by what they did so he can will hack the PS3 and help us out, as he does feel bad.
Remember one inportant factor. The PS3 system runs on Linux so even if they remove the option someone could still get into it.
No code is unbreakable.
the final countdown dododo..dodo.do.dodo
look on this website this person explains it all
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDzmIaJXP_s
@ TechieXXDivaX
Eh, you’re probably right, but it’s not April Fool’s Day yet, and they don’t normally give out updates until 6pm-ish on the days of updates, so we probably won’t see this until about 10am tomorrow if there is one. They may not want to kill their (sick if it should be described) joke until it really is April 1st. Well, if they do remove it, they may say, “Hey, we did remove Linux, but we also added theez cool feechurz….! April Fools!” Just a guess and speculation though. :/
1) I used this feature, (I used Yellow Dog Linux) so am annoyed that you’ve removed it
2) Once the update is installed will it recover the disk space used by OtherOS?
Thanks (sort of),
Martin.
Also, if something gets coordinated anywhere, this facebook page will probably let you know.
http: //www. facebook. com/group. php?gid=108684749155032
Digg this as well, as it’s the most Dugg story.
http:// digg. com/d31N5kV
“And MSFT does care enough to permanently lock out of XBL about 1 million hacked machines the last time. That was a bit of a crappy move too IMO, but at least they didn’t penalize EVERYONE by taking off features.”
They at least run a check to determine if the user’s system has been modified. It only punishes those who actually break the rules. Something similar would have actually been a far more appropriate course of action for Sony to take in this case. Considering the exploit involves a hardware mod, I believe Sony could have figured out a way to check for that, and if found, ban the system/user.
We’ll know for sure at midnight EDT/9:00p PDT, so stay tuned to this saga.
How is this an update? Seems like a downgrade to me. Very disappointed with this move. Extremely lame. The fact that you could load a second OS was one of the impressive things about the PS3.
Does anyone know if you need to be online to play FF13?
i’m getting it tomorrow, but if i can’t play it without PSN, i guess i have to get the 360 version, since i am going to not update to keep my YDL
This might be a joke but I am not amused! SONY, please stop treating loyal customers this way. Shame on you!
another post i like
“QUOTE”
“Sony will have to sit up and take notice. What they are doing is illegal here in the UK under the sales description act. It’s akin to buying a fully furnished house, then having someone enter and taking back pieces of furniture you own!”
And you know what, it’s illegal in EU too…
You’re near loosing tons of $$$$$ SONY …
I hope this either a joke or that Sony employees are not allowed engines in their cars because they might speed.
Sony,
Not sure if this post will make a difference, but please reconsider removing the Linux boot option. I have linux installed and even though I don’t play around with it all the time, I will avoid the 3.21 firmware update.
By not installing the 3.21 firmware I won’t be able to log into PSN anymore, so this means I’ll be buying all my multiplayer games for the XBOX 360. I also won’t be able to purchase games and add-ons in the Playstation Store since I can’t log into it. (This might make more of a difference to you.)
Thanks for listening.
@3883
It is not illegal when you update you have to read a legal document which when you accept you aggre to the terms and in the licence it states “under the act of law if needed we can remove any features” U AGREED TO THAT
I don’t know if the email is real or not or legally binding or not but if someone has it in writing that they have promised to provide support for otheros for the lifespan of the system then what sony has done is create a set of expectations for a set of services that they have now violated/broken and as such….well idk but seems wrong to me lol
Hope it’s AFJ. Instead of removing performance-crippling restrictions from Other OS, like access to graphics chip, and running OS without hypervisor – Sony desides to remove the feature. “Smart” move, Sony.
@3887 i haven’t agreed so its still illegal.
nearly 4000 comments…i don’t think sony really cares to hear our voices :-( Once again proving that they are anti-consumer. Companies seem to forget that if not for us their CEOs wouldn’t be making 100’s of millions of dollars let alone even have a reason for existing.
For far too long consumers as a whole have let companies walk all over them, we need to stop this if this update is in fact real.
@3890 (add on) what eula do u mean if its the one for softwere 3.21 then i haven’t agreed but if u are talking about the one u have to except at first boot then i have.
OK here is a good one that is not mentioned.
They say the PS3 is for 6 & Up but you have to be a certain age for this to be legal. Say my 8 year old upgrades. This is not legal as they are not a legal age to be held to those terms. in Canada legal age I think is 16 or 18.
So if my kid upgrades and accepts the terms of this Sony could be sued as a minor agreed and that is not valid contract. SO they would have to provide a way for me to get my software firmware back the the original one.
the police have just called to say that they are going to board up all my windows and doors to my house because its a security breach , i can choose to be inside or out when they do this however .
well i think thay are starting to sound like the ps3 song
http:// www. youtube . com/watch?v=R98qC0fd_1w
you’re missing the point when you say their license agreement says they can remove functionality at any given point, i dont know how that works in the USA, but in the EU that kind of license or EULA can be rendered void because it goes against customers rights.
else anyone could just make a 10.000 page license agreement when selling a product and somewhere in that document i would write “well we have the right to make the custumer pay us 100€ whenever we want”, its called fine print and its considered entrapment and its illegal. in this case its even worse because they promoted the PS3 with both options to use OtherOS feature AND connect to the PSN, from now on i cant do both so thats a double entrapment.
the problem here whos going to spend millions in lawyers and courts to fight them over it, because they have the money and we dont..
@lostinplainsight
ROFL. I had that playing in my head.
It’s the final countdown.
@3888/MadCat – yeah.. misleading advertisement designed to give it an edge over the competition at the time.
I don’t care how flaky it is, technically it’s sound enough, and an issue for any trade commission..
—
The other issue is between Sony and it’s interests. Sony has – if it really goes through – made a decision that’s not based on technical analysis, or with any clear picture of the customer relations question. It’s incompetence, simple as that.
I do use my PS3 for Linux. I will not upgrade and I will lose the ability to play any future PS3 games –(no doubt GT5).
Screen shot [proof] here proving I’d been using PS3Linux Since Nov 24, 2006 (Remote X-windows from PC > PS3)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilpenguina/317484535/sizes/l/
Apologies to my PS3 friends – I don’t think you’ll be able to contact me after 4/1/10 (aka Sony Fools day)
Pengy/Penguina PS3 Tag
sony suck and EPIC FAIL
3893
You make an interesting point. I believe here in the US there are similar laws excluding minors form signing contracts.
A TOS does not, never has, and hopefully never will cover something that is already illegal.
On the Sony forums someone posted about how Sony tried to get the PS2 labeled as a PC so that it would not have to pay import taxes to the EU, does anyone know if the PS3 was classified as a PC and not a gaming console for the European markets? If so the removal of linux support should require a reclassification on all current and existing PS3 sold in the EU and as such Sony should have to retroactively pay the import taxes on all those units.
I very much doubt this is a joke. First, the outrage generated by letting this fester for days, and second, making everyone back up their data and possibly eliminate the other OS partition in anticipation of this would further stoke said outrage. A good April Fool’s joke would be something like “God of War IV is announced.”
I read that too. I’d ROTFLMAO if that happened. Sony deserves it for being such liars! Pay those taxes Sony LOL!
@MadCat_McMeows Not exactly all. They removed Other OS on the slims. And it’ll only be removed on the old models when you opt-in to the update, which I’m sure will have some legal jargon about removing Other OS and that you must agree to it. So they still have their legal bases covered. Many are still using PS3s as server farms and they won’t be affected since they don’t play games on those PS3s while they’re provisioned for research or dedicated server space.
@3902: *nods* lol, I remember the noise around the privacy thing with storing sensitive information about internet traffic, back when the first isps showed up. There were a few ISPs who genuinely thought they were justified in storing logs and – regardless of whether that was possible, the kind of content and other details about their customer’s traffic.. just in case. All kinds of good reasons for doing something like this, they said.
A few years later, the same companies would.. on reflection, after consultation and much discussion.. admit that they may perhaps not insist it is a good idea after all. Regardless of whether it is legal in a strict sense, obviously.
..progress, man..
@ DJAzzurro, no it’s not legal, its allowing a hacker to hack all our ps3’s and lock out the fat ps3’s capability..
as a proud owner of ps3 fat boy I would like to say i never used the other os feature. I know as much about linux as I do about quantum physics that is to say nothing but I know d-baggery when I see it. sony what you’re doing is wrong most of these fine people use it as it was intended you know supercomputing, doomsday device, web browsing, coffee maker,ect,ect,the list goes on. so I beg you don’t squander the goodwill and momentum you’ve built up all these years with one massively stupid decision. thanks
3897
I don’t have millions of dollars but I do have lots of free time and am really pissed off…not to mention I can hold a grudge for an extremely long time lol
Dear Sony,
If you think there won’t be consumers out there that will put their lives on hold to sue you…well I have been looking for a purpose in life, perhaps you just gave me one