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)
Great update! eliminate the pirates early we don’t want them
This sucks for people like me who actually use this feature properly and NOT try to hack the PS3. I can understand why Sony is doing this (to prevent the PS3 from being hacked) but this is really a kick in the nuts to people who use this feature for non-hacking purposes.
I really hope this is just an April fools joke.
it always comes down to the “1 person ruins it for someone else” w/ stuff like this
i dont see why people blame the company for doing what they felt would eventually ruin the ps3.. idk im goin back to what i bought the ps3 for .. gonna play me some anarchy
Security aside, using your PS3 as a computer is a terrible idea. Linux on PS3 is completely irrelevant due to the Cell processor being largely unsupported. Also, there isn’t enough RAM in a PS3 to run as a computer, or to have it run well.
It is a waste, and removing it makes total sense. But just for all of your babies, I hope they remove PS2 BC. Nah, but I’d laugh really hard if Sony ever did this.
Regardless, it is a safety and functionality issue and that Sony is going to the effort to update the firmware JUST to disable Linux installs says a lot.
Anyone that bought a PS3, in whole or in part, to have a computer as well is an idiot. To have something to screw around with? Yes. To actually do anything with it? No. Move on, people. If you want a slow-ass computer, buy a Net-top.
Seems like an Aprils fools joke to me. If it isn’t it doesn’t really have much of an effect on me, since I don’t use another OS.
Other then that, if it is real, it doesn’t seem like much of an update.
Something else I noticed is “The next system software update for the PlayStation 3 (PS3) system will be released on April 1, 2010 (JST)”
What the hell is “JST” ?
OK, so, (JST) could mean Japan Standard Time, but looking back at previous posts about upcoming Firmware Updates I never found any dates with time zones listed. I’m thinking this stands for Joke Standard Time in this case.
I call shenanigans!
I’d like to think that should Sony opt to remove functionality (even if added security was the reason behind it) they would at least piggyback some ADDED features at the same time. I really doubt they would spring a mandatory feature removal on everyone amidst all the “it only does EVERYTHING” campaign and right on April Fool’s Day, no less.
Relax all.
OH BOY, I JUST CAN’T WAIT UNTIL YOU GUYS REMOVE THE ABILITY TO PLAY MY PS2 GAMES ON MY PETER PARKER PS3.
Let’s not mention that I’d probably use Linux on the PS3 in the first place if it wasn’t gimped by you yourselves, but hey, feel free to remove it. Point remains: You removing features that were in one version of the hardware is stupid and shouldn’t be done, even for “security concerns.”
Things get cracked eventually. What next, you’re going to make us update the PS3 firmware 10 years down the line when someone recracks the Hypervisor through a different method?
let me revamp that “what they needed to do to prevent something from ruining the ps3”
Removing yet another feature, Sony? I think you’ve removed more features than you’ve added. Perhaps if you concentrated on adding features instead of removing features you PlayStation Blog Share site might not be filled with requests you’re too incompetent to implement.
It’s amazing what a complete Fail of a company you’ve become. You deserve to be where you’re at you.
This is total and complete BS.
i swear to god if this idiocy is true then i am at the point where if i did actually run into a sony exec i would beat the crap out of him in the street. way to keep pissing off your consumers sony.
What happened to firmware updates that actually served a purpose? You know, the ones that gave us something instead of taking something away? Am I the only one that remembers those?
I smell the makings of a class action lawsuit. People bought these systems with a certain level of functionality advertised. To remove said functionality (or rather, make other parts of the system unusable if you choose not to install the update that removes this specific functionality) comes off as illegal.
Nevermind the fact that you guys are making a terrible decision that harms your consumers and damages the credibility of your brand.
Greatest April Fools Joke!
*sigh* this is perfectly legal. if you read the ToS they can do ANYTHING to your console. unfortunately no body reads the ToS. i lament that Sony is removing the feature. its also sad that you see the loss of cheap supercomputers even though they most likely don’t need the update anyway. i know lots of people use this but its all to prevent hackers. hopefully deals can be made with people who want to use Linux for Super Computing purposes.
Info: I have OS installed. I use it every 3-4 months, not frequently, but I do use it.
I will have to vote with my money. More than a thousand dollars worth of PS3 games, more than a thousand dollars worth of downloadable contents … and it’ll alas have to end up precisely on this April 1st, and it’s not because I hack my PS3 or anything, it’s something I use once in a while.
Good Sony
@D-Realist I second that!! People need to lighten up and get a sense of humor instead of trying to threaten Sony with lawsuits or whine about the whole issue as if it the world’s coming to an end. What a bunch of emos.
@319, anything you buy these days, you never truly OWN..Sony this really doesn’t apply to me, but c’mon, how would you completely remove this feature? I’m sure it has it’s benefits down the line, but wow, this is disappointing news as far as comparing to other consoles. Time for a new marketing campaign = \
Fortunately, or rather unfortunately, I never installed linux on my 60gb PS3 so I’m not too upset about this.
But I’m pretty disappointed that there aren’t any features being added. I see the stick, but where is the carrot? For early adopters, it is a step back and people who got in later, it sends the message that “it only does everything” can change into “it used to do everything”.
a significant amount of engineers, reverse engineers, governments, HPC enthusiasts, to name a few groups of people love and even tout this feature. assuming this is NOT an april fools joke the following will occur:
1. Massive reputation loss for Sony
2. An increased about of very intelligent people are going to start looking for ways to circumvent this.
3. by word of mouth, ps3 will lose market share, as most of these people will go back to PC, or another gaming platform for their needs.
Shooting one’s self in the foot seems like a really good idea, right guys?
I have zero problem with this update.
Although I kind of thought this happened already lol.
And if anyone at all complains about losing this, they should not get mad at Sony for making this decision.
Blame the guys who are trying to hack PS3 to get everything for free (even though they are failing so miserably and the PS4 will probably be out for 2 or so years before they even hack the PS3).
So good job Sony for keeping up the good security, and kicking the potential future pirates at bay.
Remember, blame the hackers who took this away from you, not Sony. You don’t blame the Candy store for taking it’s candy of the market for being stolen, do you? You blame the thief.
Well if you all want to be pissed, dont be pissed at sony be pissed at teh hackers.
On a more positive note this should open up some more room in the OS for even more shrinking.
Also who really cares, ill bet less than 1/10 of a percent even know its there.
Sony – NICE move. Slap in the face to ‘hackers’ is always good news.
Perhaps I’m wrong but there’s probably a very solid connection to the amazing quality of games we’ve had in the last year and a half or so with the fact that the PS3 has been uncompromised.
Publishers can have confidence that a title created for PS3 won’t be stolen – and that’s great news for quality of games on the platform.
It was a nice gesture to the community in the first place, but it shouldn’t ever have to get in the way of quality titles for the system down the road.
Points for being up front about it as well. Look forward to another quality year of titles guys!
@ your mothers
1. No one really cares, or else they would have gotten one already
2. They will try regardless, it took them 3 years last time… how long you think it will take this time?
3. It wont affect sales. ANyone that doesnt buy it cause linux isnt in it would have mattered anyways as the new slims dont have it already.
All of your points are non-points.
i’m guessing it’s an april fools joke. april fools seem to last about a week on the internet anyway, and it seems to start earlier and earlier each year
for those who blame hackers:
SECURITY ISSUES ARE SONY’S PROBLEMS NOT OURS, I SEEMS THAT EVEN I CAN FIX BETTER A SYSTEM THAN THE PEOPLE ON SONY.
if this is a joke is not funny at all…
BTW, “yourmothers”…
I think you have a pretty delusional point of view regarding how many people cared about this in the first place.
Yes, it certainly makes sense that they would release the update using JST?
get with the program people, you guys are hilarious.♠
Why the Hell would u take away features? They’ve started taken away features one by one, I’m starting to wonder if I should return my Ps3 because of losing all these features which Sony promised us
Spideyal– I understand your comment, but come on. Candy store owners should beef up on security before pulling inventory. Why can’t Sony just patch security threats? I’m sure it’s a feature that 3% of the ps3 population uses, but at least it was always there.
@dunre646 Yup and Sony’s going to be right up there if not the first ones to make millions of people realize it was all an April Fool’s joke. Good one Sony!
1. this was announced late on a sunday ….
2. from 3.15 -> 3.21?
3. planned to be released april 1st
4. after the implementation of playstation blog share, the next firmware update REMOVES a feature instead of adding the CLEARLY wanted cross-game voice chat?
conclusion -> this screams april fools joke. however, it wasn’t funny.
Well i have read the security concerns, and to date, NOBODY is able to play pirated games, so this is useless, i would support the removal of the feature ONLY IF it enables piracy, currently it doesn´t.
@ YVandroiy
You are right, security is Sony’s issue, and they have just solved it.
Seems like alot of Sony “fans” are all pissed off as they wont be able to steal games soon lol.
Get over it guys, hardly any of yo uused it and you are not being forced to update. IF you use it for linuz (which really makes no sense as has been pointed out) then dont upgrade, or get another ps3. Its that simple.
This is a very dumb firmware update :(
…what. Come on, guys, I love your company, but you can do better than this. Better firmware update next time, please – and not a downgrade instead….
WHOEVER THINKS THIS ISNT A APRIL FOOLS JOKE,YOU’VE BEEN FOOLED! THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A APRIL 1ST FOOLS JOKE.ALTHOUGH I THINK SONY IS A FOOL FOR PLAYING AROUND WITH UPDATES..SOMETHING WE ALL LOOK FORWARD TO EVERYDAY TO IMPROVE OUR SYSTEM.HONESTLY I CAN LIVE WITHOUT THE CROSS GAME CHAT..I SERIOUSLY DONT NEED TO HEAR PEOPLE TALKING TO ME WHILE IM CONCENTRATING ON ANOTHER GAME..WHAT I WOULD LIKE IS TO BE ABLE TO PLAY MY OLD PS3 GAMES ON A SLIM (WHICH I HAVE YET TO PURCHASE BECAUSE OF THAT MISSING FEATURE) OR BEING ABLE TO CHECK MY XMB WHILE PLAYING DISC MOVIES.AS FOR THIS BEING AN APRIL FOOLS JOKE-NOT COOL SONY…NOT COOL!
This is a warning Sony….. DO NOT REMOVE OUR OTHER OS FEATURE! A lot of use are going to be pissed (including myself) since some of us use it A LOT!
If this is true, something has to give for ripping us older model users to give back what we paid for!
@ Nethrana
Besides this what have then taken away lol. ALl they have done is ADD and for FREE.
You peopel are so rediculious and seriously need to get a grip and listen to yourselves
This is NOT an april fools joke! I mean really, it’s not on the slim for a reason, why would they joke about it, lol.
This is a very mean april fool’s prank. very funny. an update that removes features. hahahaha.
WOW, so basically your just going to slowly remove all features from everything that was worth doing about your system and turn it into a Wii then?
PS3, It Only Does…..
FAIL
Projectinfiniti, you dont have to upgrade if your other os feature is so important to you. But they dont have to allow you to use PSN, which is free i might point out. They are will within their rights to do this, you didnt give sony more money when they added things for free, and this, which really hurts no one and stops piracy (which any TRUE gamer will agree is a good thing). How isnt this good for us and sony?
It Only Does Everything; Except a feature of our choosing that we will remove at our discretion.
I think next is blu-ray movies. Sony will say, “Gee, we can make a much higher profit margin if we sell a separate blu-ray player. How can we get people to buy them? Oh, yeah, we’ll kill blu-ray functionality in the PS3! The users don’t care when we remove features.”
Don’t market a system on the premise that it has certain features, when you’re just going to take them away. I don’t mind new ones not having a feature, but this is ridiculous.
I’ll just take my system offline, and never purchase another PS3 game — vote with my lack of dollar. There’s always other manufacturers that won’t violate the implicit agreement that they have with the consumer by removing features that were advertised.
PS: After reading up on the “hack” everyone’s talking about, it’s obvious that it’s absolutely worthless for piracy, even if you were to cut up and solder your system to do it…
Merovee, WTF have they taken away besides this in the OS? NOTHING.
Is this legal? When I have purchased my PS3, it was being sold as capable of running Other OS. Now it appears to be a bait-and-switch kind of case. Sounds like a class action lawsuit to me.
Unless it’s an april’s fool joke… In which case it’s not funny.
THIS IS BS! Its a feature I use all the time to surf the web at my house! It is one of the features I bought a PS3 for! If at the end of Thursday I cant use my Linux or cant use PSN, Sony you lost a good customer. PS3 it only does Totalitarianism!!!!!!!!
So why would you need another OS on it anyways? Seemed like a useless feature.