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)
very very stupid move. That was one of the reasons i’ve bought PS3.
Reading the announcement, it sounds like a “punishment”.
@NeoX360
Bad press? Really? Yeah no I don’t think so.
You must know that the stuff that goes on inside the cesspool you call a brain, ARE NOT REAL.
Quite deluded you seem to be.
If the OtherOS feature is removed from the PS3 system firmware, I will be no longer be updating my firmware and will no longer participate in the online community nor will I purchase any more games or hardware.
I, along with many other users, do not support an update that will remove a feature that has been present since launch.
Well I am very upset! I purchased my PS3 and the first thing I did was partition the drive to install Linux on it. This was my first “Learn Linux” box, and now you are taking it away! I am not happy at all. Poor and hurtful, and not even giving us something in return, like monthly pay service? Ultimate Fail!
You guys have got to be kidding me. Perhaps I’m one of the *few* who uses Linux on his console, but last I heard when then PS3 Slim was coming out, Sony was still committed to supporting Linux on older models.
http://www.haxnetwork.net/2010/03/otheros-will-not-be-removed-from-phat-ps3s/
What about the US Military who built a supercomputer with PS3s? How will they get support for older firmware? Will they get custom firmware? If so can we have access to that?
http://scitech.blogs.cnn.com/2009/12/09/military-purchases-2200-ps3s/
Seriously, it’s nauseating to buy something and have a feature you use removed from service. If there is a security concern; FIX YOUR FIRMWARE! Don’t disable Linux because it’s the easy thing to do. This action will surely promote the hacking of PS3 firmware releases.
MONDAY, MARCH 29, 2010
Don’t Update
A note to people interested in the exploit and retaining OtherOS support, DO NOT UPDATE. When 3.21 comes out, I will look into a safe way of updating to retain OtherOS support, perhaps something like Hellcat’s Recovery Flasher. I never intended to touch CFW, but if that’s how you want to play…
POSTED BY GEORGE HOTZ AT 1:57 PM
http://geohotps3.blogspot.com/2010/03/dont-update.html
*Plays Mortal Combat Music*
Sony Computer Entertainment vs GeoHot
Round 2….. FIGHT!!!
Sony you have made a big boo boo and you gonna paid!
On Fri, 2009-08-21 at 09:58 -0700, geoffrey.levand at am.sony.com wrote:
>> The feature of “Install Other OS” was removed from the new
>> “Slim” PS3 model to focus on delivering games and other
>> entertainment content.
>>
>> Please be assured that SCE is committed to continue
>> the support for previously sold models that have the
>> “Install Other OS” feature and that this feature will
>> not be disabled in future firmware releases.
Everyone copy paste
As others suggested, this should better be an April fool’s joke.
I just HATE the idea that Sony would (illegally) remove a feature (advertised) that I PAID for; that Sony THREATENS me – see the capitals? I am angry – to deliver a lesser service if I do not comply with an “optional” upgrade.
I have installed linux on all my PCs and even an old PDA, but admittedly had no immediate intention to install it on my PS3.
Still, if Sony makes that move:
1) my next console will not be anything from Sony.
2) other Sony company products and services will never find their way back into my home.
3) as an early adopter and reference buyer, I will strongly advise the circle of friends and family against buying anything Sony … and they will listen.
I just HATE the idea that some company thinks that they can control the capabilities of hardware that I buy.
This is why I love PCs more than any shiny but closed appliance. That is why I liked the PS3.
Dear Sony, this better be a joke or a marketing test.
If not, step back, pretend it was a joke, deny it was ever your intention.
Trust your customers, read the posts.
OMG!
First FW 3.0 EPIC FAIL No.1
Then FW 3.21 EPIC FAIL No.2
Whats the next EPIC FAIL?
Come to me at home, and smash up my TV?
Listen Sony my next console will not be a Sony at all!
I like a gamesystem with brings not up such much surprises!
If you go ahead like that, you will one day cause me an heart attack.
I would like to keep LINUX and an Updated FW.
I have spent a lot of money for that console.
Give me back my money, and you can do with the console whatever you want.
But if I bought it, that is me who can do whatever he wants with the console.
What you do is simply steeling.
No more Sony Hardware for me, basta!
On Fri, 2009-08-21 at 09:58 -0700, geoffrey.levand at am.sony.com wrote:
>> The feature of “Install Other OS” was removed from the new
>> “Slim” PS3 model to focus on delivering games and other
>> entertainment content.
>>
>> Please be assured that SCE is committed to continue
>> the support for previously sold models that have the
>> “Install Other OS” feature and that this feature will
>> not be disabled in future firmware releases.
Repost:
I just finished complaining to Sony about this issue. I bought a later model PS3 specifically to use this system for a computer for my 11 year old son. (I did this specifically for the OS) We enjoy playing the games together and I don’t want to loose either the game play, internet, movies or the secondary OS. This company marketed this product to be compatible with a secondary OS. If you going to take an OS away at least have the professionalism to replace it with one that could be used and have the same benefits as the one your removing. This is the incorrect way to run any company as we the users deserve what is promised from your product. If you can’t deliver please don’t promise. God, I feel like I just bought a lemon.
Thanks for the info Butchunk3s I called the number you provided…. Everyone should call.. put in a complaint and ask that they respond by e-mail.. When I get their response I’ll post it.
@thiim82
If it turns out to no be a joke, oh well. I couldn’t care less really. I always thought it was a stupid and useless feature.
Especially considering Linux ran like utter garbage on it. So if it stops the ability from hackers gaining access to the system I am all for it.
On Fri, 2009-08-21 at 09:58 -0700, geoffrey.levand at am.sony.com wrote:
>> The feature of “Install Other OS” was removed from the new
>> “Slim” PS3 model to focus on delivering games and other
>> entertainment content.
>>
>> Please be assured that SCE is committed to continue
>> the support for previously sold models that have the
>> “Install Other OS” feature and that this feature will
>> not be disabled in future firmware releases.
@1520
There’s a guy in California who won a class action lawsuit against Electronic Arts over the Spore debacle, who is now organizing a class action suit over this.
If you’re in California, you can hook up with him.
Here’s what he posted on Slashdot.
“By the way, for those of you wanting to join me in the class-action I’m gong to form – just look up Finkelstein and Thompson if you’re in the state of CA – they helped me out with Spore and they’ll most certainly come in handy for this nonsense NOW.
100 Bush Street
San Francisco, CA 94104-3954
(415) 398-8700
Ask for Mr. Punzalan.”
Legal strategy in six easy steps: I’m not a lawyer but this is what I see as the proper approach:
1) Wait for update to come. Don’t install.
2) Wait for negative consequences of NOT installing; like inability to log in to PSN, sync trophies etc.
3) Write Sony a letter, explaining that you are going to lose either OtherOS or the other features which was advertised from when you bought the product. Ask for procedure to get money back (full original purchase price).
4) If they refuse, make noise with consumer rights organisation or an official consumer ombudsman if you have one in your country.
5) If everything else fails, find a lawyer and get him to write them.
6) If they still don’t comply, sue.
If you can’t afford to sue, you could either try to get a “free trial” or you will have to let other ppl initiate 5+6 and then later jump on a class action law suit.
My hope is if enough ppl do this it will never come to more than 3+4 – Sony will have no other option than to retain OtherOS.
[DELETED] you. Honestly. Thats all i can even say right now. I’m so disappointed right now its ridiculous. So, honestly, [DELETED][DELETED][DELETED].
If it wasn’t for your first party developers and the fact that Microsoft is retarded, i would be an X-Box gamer.
No, but honestly… just [DELETED] you all at Sony that decided this was a good idea. Here’s hoping Geoholt gets something going on the OtherOS to allow some 1337 hacking, cause i’ll be all over it now with my 80GB PS3. I AM NOT updating it, so, yeah.
What is this going to accomplish? If Geoholt finds a way to boot an ISO loader in the OtherOS, there will most likely be ways to downgrade anyway. ugh. So dumb.
I now hope the PS3 goes the way of the PSP. You [DELETED] deserve it for repeated retarded firmware updates that ruin everthing. I remember the last one that YLOD 3 of my friends PS3s.
*facepalm*
You guys are like, the worst company ever.
On Fri, 2009-08-21 at 09:58 -0700, geoffrey.levand at am.sony.com wrote:
>> The feature of “Install Other OS” was removed from the new
>> “Slim” PS3 model to focus on delivering games and other
>> entertainment content.
>>
>> Please be assured that SCE is committed to continue
>> the support for previously sold models that have the
>> “Install Other OS” feature and that this feature will
>> not be disabled in future firmware releases.
Everyone copy paste
YellowDog ran like the suck on the PS3 but DSL Linux ran like a champ. Then you install just the modules you want, like a video player and more codecs than the Sony “professional” front end can stream, and you have a dream box. Should have just bought a popcorn hour to begin with. The only game that was cooler than the other boxes was Little big planet. Bad choice on my part. I won’t do it again Sony.
On Fri, 2009-08-21 at 09:58 -0700, geoffrey.levand at am.sony.com wrote:
>> The feature of “Install Other OS” was removed from the new
>> “Slim” PS3 model to focus on delivering games and other
>> entertainment content.
>>
>> Please be assured that SCE is committed to continue
>> the support for previously sold models that have the
>> “Install Other OS” feature and that this feature will
>> not be disabled in future firmware releases.
Also, contact your state’s Attorney General’s office. Their website should have a contact number or email. When I spoke with my state’s AG office, they said this was the first they heard of it, but they expected more complaints since this was just announced yesterday.
They also said that they needed to have your complaints before they could act on them, and wanted people to contact them.
Maybe it will fix all those lasers that refused to work when FF13 and God of War 3 came out.
If not… uh well, after this crap im not gonna buy a sony console ever again anyways.
@thiim82
This is exactly what is wrong with society today, everyone seems to be whiny sue happy children.
If someone does actually sue, I hope that Sony crushes them into the ground like they deserve to be.
all the piracy kids are still crying i see. oh noes they are tokz away a feature 2% use. letz us r [DELETED] now.
@1523 butchunk3s
Oh yeah I forgot about that email! So I wonder what good ‘ol Geoff Levand has to say about this. In fact, I think I’ll send him an email and if anyone else wants to as well, his email is:
geoffrey.levand at am.sony.com
I don’t know what to say, this seems like an awfully slippery slope for Sony with it’s fans. I won’t be updating my fattie or buying more Sony crap until something here is addressed.
Look at all the hackers, wannabe hackers, and their friends!
12
1509.. you rather suport 90% or more failure rates, dvd format cut titles and paying to play on a lggy service… cool see ya later.
On Fri, 2009-08-21 at 09:58 -0700, geoffrey.levand at am.sony.com wrote:
>> The feature of “Install Other OS” was removed from the new
>> “Slim” PS3 model to focus on delivering games and other
>> entertainment content.
>>
>> Please be assured that SCE is committed to continue
>> the support for previously sold models that have the
>> “Install Other OS” feature and that this feature will
>> not be disabled in future firmware releases.
lol
There is nothing dorkier and more pathetic in this entire world than you people. Get a life. (Not you, Sony. These immature babies that cry all day about EVERYTHING.)
Wait…..so not only did this update not add anything cool? but it also took something away? wow we havent had an update in forever and our hopes are just crushed even more with not only not improving on the ps3, but making it worse. WOW…this upodate better secretly have cross game chat…..
Hahaha, ofcourse its April fools! :P
Sony would never hahaha.
Me I don’t care about FW v3.21 :) I think you guys are racking up your forum posted count jezz lol. Some people need get hold on there life and I herd going be nice warm weather for up coming week. Like 70F+ across the USA lol. That means nice day go out play golf, baseball, outdoor basketball, bike riding , and jogging.
OK Half Japanese here, can read Japanese so checked out if Sony has anything on it on JP site.
http://www.jp.playstation.com/info/support/sp_20100329_ps3.html
Same info as the US one… this is ridiculous… You may use the Other OS if you would still like to continue using the feature but without the update you may not be able to access future contents.
Japan doesn’t have April Fools… I know some places do it for fun but it’s not a traditional event like everyone does in the US so this will also piss off A LOT of JP players. Looking at JP gaming sites like Famitsu and Dengeki and they have no info on this. Other JP blogs have this and the comments on there are also wondering why this update was announced last minute.
Again if this is April fools joke, this is a wrong joke to be playing. I paid $600 for my damn system and Linux was one of the reasons I got it…
Repost and spam until this gets picked up with the other PS3 bad press that brought us all here today…
On Fri, 2009-08-21 at 09:58 -0700, geoffrey.levand at am.sony.com wrote:
>> The feature of “Install Other OS” was removed from the new
>> “Slim” PS3 model to focus on delivering games and other
>> entertainment content.
>>
>> Please be assured that SCE is committed to continue
>> the support for previously sold models that have the
>> “Install Other OS” feature and that this feature will
>> not be disabled in future firmware releases.
I believe that this move will ignite the custom firmware market. In other words, this may create more problems for Sony than it resolves. I somehow doubt much thought went into this forthcoming firmware release because of the lack of foresight into what would happen next.
Taking away a feature of a device is very Apple-like in nature. However, it’s not like iPhone users don’t add their own custom firmware to combat such “big brother” behaviors such as removing apps that users actually paid for and use.
As well the OP from this announcement isn’t posting back to answer our question and give us a clear answer why this firmware is release! That is coward of him (Patrick Seybold) to hide his ass and reading up our demand to stop this foolish update!
You just can’t help but laugh at this (and yes, that email is real):
On Fri, 2009-08-21 at 09:58 -0700, geoffrey.levand at am.sony.com wrote:
>> The feature of “Install Other OS” was removed from the new
>> “Slim” PS3 model to focus on delivering games and other
>> entertainment content.
>>
>> Please be assured that SCE is committed to continue
>> the support for previously sold models that have the
>> “Install Other OS” feature and that this feature will
>> not be disabled in future firmware releases.
@Futbolfan
It will do no such thing. You are just trying to sound like you actually know something, when in fact you know NOTHING.
F|_|ckin wow
On Fri, 2009-08-21 at 09:58 -0700, geoffrey.levand at am.sony.com wrote:
>> The feature of “Install Other OS” was removed from the new
>> “Slim” PS3 model to focus on delivering games and other
>> entertainment content.
>>
>> Please be assured that SCE is committed to continue
>> the support for previously sold models that have the
>> “Install Other OS” feature and that this feature will
>> not be disabled in future firmware releases.
@BrianMcGuiness
Unlike you I dont kiss the @$$ of a company just cus I bought there product. I love the PS BRAND to death but sony is just a company to me. Should i agree with and defend LG because I bought an LG microwave
You have got to be kidding me. What a dumb move for Sony. Professionals including us scientists are depending on this platform for parallel high performance computing needs. In addition, this is the cheapest way to learn how to Cell program, so not only are they destroying credibility in the minds of the nations elite, they are also screwing the future developers.
Wow, I am so pissed. I bought this system 3 days ago (the 80gb model) for the purpose of its linux compatibility, and now it will be much much less capable. I could sell this easily and get a Xbox360 and standalone, which does just as much, would cost the same, and wouldn’t be from Sony. Sony, go frack yourself.
This isn’t an update, it’s a downgrade and a very poor downgrade I must ad.
Out with that Other OS feature. We don’t need it. Seal up those security holes, Sony. Hater gon` hate, yo.
I spoke to Sony and they say it’s legal read the manual. they can change and remove features via updates.
I guess they can but they will loose sales on other products as I will never buy Sony Cell, TV’s, DVD Players, Computers, eBook Reader (Just lost a sale on that as I was going to buy my wife one next month) and anything else they sell.
Boycott Sony Products.
Thanks Geohot you are the one responsible for Sony taking this feature away. You will go down in history as the guy that hacked the Iphone but screw over millions of PS3 owners as we loose the OS Feature because of you.
Just filed a complaint with the CA State Attorney General’s office. Didn’t take long at all. I pointed out Sony was forcing users to lose functionality that they paid for– either installing another OS or playing newer games. In case anyone who lives in CA feels like filing a complaint, here’s the link:
http://ag.ca.gov/contact/complaint_form.php?cmplt=CL
The people that think this is an April Fools joke are nuts. If this Blog post went up at 12:00 AM on April 1st, then I might believe that. But nobody starts an April Fools joke 3 days early.
I just bought a 320GB drive today and did a search how to upgrade it and now find out I wasted my time and money.
I was trusting them on the
On Fri, 2009-08-21 at 09:58 -0700, geoffrey.levand at am.sony.com wrote:
>> The feature of “Install Other OS” was removed from the new
>> “Slim” PS3 model to focus on delivering games and other
>> entertainment content.
>>
>> Please be assured that SCE is committed to continue
>> the support for previously sold models that have the
>> “Install Other OS” feature and that this feature will
>> not be disabled in future firmware releases
He is nothing but a liar and should resign or be fired.
On Fri, 2009-08-21 at 09:58 -0700, geoffrey.levand at am.sony.com wrote:
>> The feature of “Install Other OS” was removed from the new
>> “Slim” PS3 model to focus on delivering games and other
>> entertainment content.
>>
>> Please be assured that SCE is committed to continue
>> the support for previously sold models that have the
>> “Install Other OS” feature and that this feature will
>> not be disabled in future firmware releases.
Bad Sony, very Bad…
While adding or removing features may be legal, there should be a law against lying like this…
On Fri, 2009-08-21 at 09:58 -0700, geoffrey.levand at am.sony.com wrote:
>> The feature of “Install Other OS” was removed from the new
>> “Slim” PS3 model to focus on delivering games and other
>> entertainment content.
>>
>> Please be assured that SCE is committed to continue
>> the support for previously sold models that have the
>> “Install Other OS” feature and that this feature will
>> not be disabled in future firmware releases
WOW! Really Sony? This has to be one of the dumbest things you’ve ever done. When I first saw that you PS3 allowed users to install another os on their system, I thought, now here’s a company that gets it, they understand. but I guess I was wrong.
Thank GEOHOT for scaring them into this.