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)
@drfreshey
Nah, nothing new….and I went through everything pretty thoroughly
so is the timer officially ticking for Geohots fail fix? and first banned account? cuz I cant wait to see how long it takes for someone to trust it and lose there account.
All SONY is trying to do is eliminate us campers of the FAT PS3 in hopes to boost sales of the stripped down slim version.
Can we just lock this thread please?
There are no accoutns to lose. We already cannot legitimately log into PSN.
That was the whole point. Now there is no reason not to support hacks.
Yeah I upgraded because had no choice… Even thou I did not use linux, but I bought the “fat” version because maybe I wanted to have that choice in the future.
Since I do not have a choice on the PS3 since you imposed it on us, but you cannot impose which next TV or laptops or camera I will buy! My Sony camera is actually due for replacment and guess what it won’t be a SONY!!!
I will definitely think twice before buying any other sony product. There are lots of other choices out there!
Im mostly surprised that comments haven’t been disabled for this post yet…..
Without an “Other OS” the PS3’s Internet Browser is garbage!
Linux actually converted a PS3 into a functional PC.
Microsoft & Mac wanted none of that.
Corporate greed strikes again!
“We the people” stand down yet again.
is anyone elses ps3 not updating to the 3.21 version or what
mine is going really slow and i have like the best internet known and it just keeps going to slow im at 40 percent and its been 30 min or so plus it kept saying that i wasn’t connected to the internt even though i am using my comp right now
This is crap, I was planning on using this feature too…no it’s not an April fools joke…this is real, and it sucks.
How is disabling this making my system more secure if I’m using linux? Oohh big bad virus especially since its on a partition? Riiight. Thank you Sony for this downgrade. This was a nice feature sony HAD that the 360 never touched on; those who modded lost their xbox live accounts, but now we all see you’re right behind microsoft. I for one am pissed.
@4482…I think they’ve learned…last time they shut down the comments everyone moved to every new blog post that came up and overtook the thread.
@turnip and doncalzone21
i was just thinking that same thing lol
Someone will just hack 3.21 put it on the net with the features restored and let ppl get on psn. For all these things soe spews out, ppl will just reverse engineer just like the iPhone. So enjoy this nerf while it lasts sony. In a few months a hack will be out restoring the features u just took out. You never take out features prople specifically paid to have. U find other ways to make rhe system more secure
the update took like 10 mins to download and install
@FantomPhox
“dude you arnt me. you can try to be but never will be able to.”
lolz
This is complete and total B.S. I didn’t wait out in the freezing cold for more than half a day of my life to pay $600 for a system that’s getting it’s features cut out constantly. The “Other OS” feature was one of the coolest features of the PS3. I understood when Sony decided to remove it from later models but TAKING AWAY a feature I PAID FOR, WITHOUT my PERMISSION is THEFT!!! Plain and simple, no two ways around that. If anybody at sony is even reading this or the other comments they should easily be able to see this is pissing of the PS community!!! Give us our “Install Other OS” feature back! We PAID FOR IT!!!!!
my [DELETED] is only 45 percent and its been 10 min since it was 40 percent
So you pulled the trigger huh? Now I know Sony is a bunch of lying scumbags (oh no its in ToS and EULA, blahblahblah) I suppose I should just start buying boxes with big question marks and price tags. What are you buying? Nobody knows :P Its a surprise. Time to explore my alternatives, I have not, and will not update. I think probably the biggest slap is that Sony has the audacity to do this, but without including ANYTHING we have been asking for to soften the blow. Way to go, way to show your true colors. Reap the rewards of your lazy actions (applause)…
anybody else having a hard time installing the update or what
i don’t know what the problem is really
can’t be internet cuz i’m using it right now
guess i should just leave it on all night and see if it finally downloads or what kept saying that i wans’t getting a connection
fight the power! boycotts work, just look at Left4Dead 2 and Activision’s Modern Warfare 2. oh wait, forget the second one, that ended up being the biggest selling game of all time. nevermind.
So basbeball season starts in 4 days…. can’t wait!
guess i could switch it to wireless and see if it would go faster like my usb port is fuct up or something but it wouldn’t just keep on downloading the whole time
Post #4477 is correct.
Sony wants to phase out the CECHA01 (Holy Grail)
Because it is superior to their cost-cutting slim model.
Other OS, 4 USB ports, Memory Card Slots, Removal HDD cartridge, etc….
Who needs an elite gaming console? ;(
_____ _ _____
|_ _| | | / ___|
| | | | _____ _____ \ `–. ___ _ __ _ _
| | | | / _ \ \ / / _ \ `–. \/ _ \| ‘_ \| | | |
_| |_ | |___| (_) \ V / __/ /\__/ / (_) | | | | |_| |
\___/ \_____/\___/ \_/ \___| \____/ \___/|_| |_|\__, |
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can’t even play any madden10 or nuthing im super pissed off
Now I’m just going to buy used games and peripherals, and the next gen system I get won’t be a Playstation, it will be something else, goodbye Sony. Its been a fun 15 years, but you are an evil corporation now who doesn’t give a [DELETED] about your most loyal fanbase. The ones who paid 600+ for your system. I will pray tonight you end up like Sega. I despise Microsoft but you broke my heart Sony. There will NEVER be any new Sony electronics or music in my house again.
it says, win, but as you can see it failed…kinda like the linux fans here did.
He is not EpicNotion. I AM EpicNotion!
All other EpicNotion’s are imposters, including the real EpicNotion.
p.s PS3 Linux is dead. Long live PS3 Linux.
OK…
1. For everyone who thinks this is an April Fools joke, you guys are idiots.
2. For everyone who thinks this is a bad decision, you guys are bigger idiots…half of the people complaining about this feature getting removed, has never even used this feature or know how to use this feature even if they wanted to. The other half are probably stupid ass hackers anyways. This is a great move by Sony cause obviously they found out that people who are installing OS’s onto the PS3 are finding ways to hack the system and network or loading cheats for games. We don’t need a bunch of retards auto-aiming in MW2 now do you we?
3. Shut up and enjoy the best console ever made, to date, IT ONLY DOES EVERYTHING (but get hacked)
@no1warr1or
hey it’s true. i as the person that i am. i am unique and to tell the truth i don’t like em if he works for sony. the removal of the other os completely severed my game i had planned for install on the other os function for play. but now i have to look into PS mini. not to happy about that.
@don
what team do you root for?
I am very upset. I bought this system when it came out, I paid heaps of money. Now you are removing one of my favourite features. It’s time to get rid of my ps3 and my games. Anybody interested feel free to email me.
@Lacey2583
Try it again a little later, the PSN might be flooded with too much activity
Dont know if thats the case but seems logical
Not to interrupt the rampant trolling, but has anyone else had trouble with their system after the update? Specifically, the screen saver and system auto-off aren’t working. Both are set as they were before, but nothing.
Ps3 – It only does everything…It wants to!
Ps3ology FTW!
They won’t even post what I really say LOL F U C K Y O U SONY
@ jerk_man & doncalzone
that sucks.
@SONY
I expect an UPDATE(additional features, not less) to be soon and it better be something BIG (cross-game chat, please). I can live with this but i may not be so forgiving next time.
this was a great move by sony, because i love watching nerd’s rage.
@jerk_man
METS
i know……I know….
Everyone call 18003457669 and make a complaint to Sony. Complaining here will not help. Even if you do not own such a PS3 or do not use this feature, please consider calling. This affects us all as consumers and will set a nasty precedent for the manufacturer’s power in the future. Keep in mind some of us (some might argue the most loyal customers) spent $600 on this thing and this was one of the few cool things that set these units apart from the $300 PS3. This is bait and switch plain and simple. This update has NOTHING to do with your security. Now bc this is important feature to me I must forfeit my ability to play new video games ever again. Please do your part everyone and call.
@pipking01
my system is working perfectly fine
Well, I’m calling Sony tomorrow and complaining. If the slogan for your marketing campaign is “It only does everything” then the removal of a feature that promoted the freedom of the PS3 owner by allowing the installation of a third-party operating system alongside the standard OS contradicts that very slogan that the owner likely bought into initially.
Whats worse is that the decision seems to have been made with little regard for the customer in mind and rather more concern for “content partners” who benefit by reduced likelihood of monetary detriment in the wake of this “more secure system”.
If content partners want a piece of Sony’s customer base they should have to suffer the potential risk inherent within the PS3. (Now previous)Customers and loyal PS3 owners should not be forced to sacrifice freedom that they purchased when they bought a PS3 so that content partners can feel more secure in their coalition.
The PS3 is the last device I purchase from Sony. I usually give advice on gadgets and devices for my friends, family and people that has been referred to me for that purpose.
I will never recommend a Sony product to anyone, customer experience and support, is much more important than just having above average hardware.
This quasi mandatory update is a testament of how little this customer cares about their customers.
I rather be with Microsoft that at least gives you good value for the money you investment and also threats right customers that have not broken their end user agreements.
Thanks God the internet is full of blogs and I’m an avid blogger, I will spread this story to as many people I can. I hope you keep losing customers.
i’m going to call sony to complain that my system is working perfectly fine right now.
@FantomPhox
i hate sony now.
their company has just been going downhill for awhile
and btw: i planned on using linux as a better media device, since the ps3 has to use applications like windows media player, wish it had support for something like itunes sharing or windows media center extender
@doncalzone21
i’m a mets fan too
man they dont mess around its like 2:06am and it already out!
Cast your vote here – > http:://naturalbornskinner.com/topic/299421-ps3-firmware-v321-update/
Remove the extra “:” from the link please
I don’t really think this was a smart move. Sony has just started a battle with the only person to exploit the PS3 system. He has already started on a custom 3.21 firmware that will allow you to safely update and retain Other OS support.