[UPDATE] Sony says farewell to Linux with Firmware v3.21
- Posted March 29th, 2010 at 15:52 EDT by Adam Dolge
- 107 Comments
UPDATE: In case you haven't turned on your PS3 today, you shoud know that the update is now available. This is a mandatory update, so you will need to update your system before logging onto the PlayStation Network.
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ORIGINA ARTICE: One of the most distinguishing features in the pre-Slim era PlayStation 3s is the ability to install other operating systems, including Linux. Starting in April, Sony will remove this capability from pre-Slim PS3s.
Sony will release the PS3 firmware update v3.21 on April 1, and with it comes the removal of the “install other OS,” feature from older PS3s. It seems this change has to do with security concerns.
Patrick Seybold, Sr. Director of corporate communication and social media, wrote this on the PlayStation blog: “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.”
If you already have another operating system on your PS3 and choose not to install firmware update v3.21, you will experience the following changes: you can no longer play copyright-protected videos that are stored on a media server (when DTCP-IP is enabled under Settings), the ability to sign in to the PlayStation Network and use network features that require signing into the PSN will be removed, and you can no longer playback PS3 software titles or Blu-ray Disc videos that require PS3 system software version 3.21 or later.
Essentially, it sounds like Sony really wants you to do a system update, even if you already have another OS installed. Sony says it's best to back-up any data stored within the hard drive partition for those using the “Other SO” feature. You will not have access to that data after the update.
It should be noted that this will not have an impact on anyone with a Slim PS3 since it does not have the “Other OS” feature.
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DiscoMcDisco
- 11:25am EDT - March 29th, 2010
- 7
Essentially, due to the wonderful door opening hack attempts made recently, they're concerned that anyone can turn their box into a dev box, as the hacks become more prevelent and people make better tools...
I can see why they're doing it, and in all fairness... if a firmware update gets in the way i'm happier for that than having all of PSN locked down to non-subscribers or spending a fortune on additional copy protection either via firmware, or software on disc, or usb dongles or whatever...
Yes it a blow for people who really did like having their linux setups, but if most of it was for media center type stuff then i'm sure Sony will compensate by improving the app base on the box... hopefully the much rumoured app SDK will breed that kind of competition :D
It's not the end of the world, but we need to look at it the right way... maybe PSU should have a 'what services are you going to miss the most' post, which can be forwarded to Sony or something?
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Adam Dolge
- 11:28am EDT - March 29th, 2010
- 9
@7 not a bad idea. Perhaps we'll put something like that together this week. After all, the PSU Nation is one of Sony's biggest demographics! No joke.
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Young_Charter
- 11:59am EDT - March 29th, 2010
- 15
Oh well...I really looked forward to doing things on PS3 and showing people it only does everything but with them closing doors it's ok..I still love you Sony! (its a she..lol he just have men and women working their) We know your just secure because people broke your heart and are trying to manipulate you :) your the best console!! Lol
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Grazina
- 12:04pm EDT - March 29th, 2010
- 16
I have a slim so no problem here and in fact could never understand why would someone want to install linux on the ps3, and if this update makes thing more secure on my console, I say go for it. But I'm left wondering: when is sony going to release a patch that removes the backwards compability from the original fat ps3? I mean, wasn't installing another OS part of the promotional features of the original models? They just removed that, and if you want to keep that ability you need to never again go online. ORIGINAL BUYWERS BEWARE - BACKWARDS COMPABILITY WILL BE A THING OF THE PAST IN THE FEATURE. Want to play ps2 games in the ps3? Buy them again on the PSN when they become available.
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nova_crystallis
- 12:18pm EDT - March 29th, 2010
- 17
On April 1st...riiiiiiiiiight! Wonder what else we're going to see online...FF7 remake confirmed!! LOL
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lonewolfryuu
- 12:26pm EDT - March 29th, 2010
- 18
Never used the install other OS feature anyways so it's no biggie ... the only feature i've been waiting for it to play mkv's.
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jamesobachand |
snake2112- 12:33pm EDT - March 29th, 2010
- 19
This doesn't affect me either way. I use my PS3 mainly as a gaming system and sometimes to watch movies. Oh yeah, I am a winner, yeah!!!
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Azazeal
- 12:34pm EDT - March 29th, 2010
- 20
'Tis a shame for sure, for anyone really p*ssed I suggest you try looking up the friendly hacker who's exploit is almost certainly behind Sony's move to try and keep the PS3 the only secure platform tis generation.
We've all seen the damage done to the PSP support from third party developers due to hacking, Sony don't want a repeat.
This will permanently ban this user and delete all associated comments. This action is irreversible, are you SURE you want to do this?!
