Bad news, Linux fans. The older
PlayStation 3 consoles are losing one of the features they could tout over their
Slim successor. Firmware 3.21 is coming out this Thursday, April 1st, and its major
raison d'être is to kill the "install other OS" option. (This is "not an April fools joke," as the
PlayStation Europe blog clarifies.) "Security concerns" is the cited reason, although we're sure that doesn't make you feel much better -- no one likes the loss of a feature, even if it wasn't being used. Those who wish to keep
Yellow Dog or Fedora running can opt to not upgrade, but skipping out means losing the ability to access PlayStation Network and play games online, among other things.
DARPA enthusiasts notwithstanding, we can't say we know many people still running Linux on their console, but if you count yourself among the few and proud, our condolences. Them's the breaks, but hey, at least some of you still have
PS2 compatibility.
posted March 28th 2010 9:31PM
That's the power of hackers for you. :)
For the very few who do use the feature, my condolences.
For everyone else using this as a reason to complain about Sony you are blowing this waaaaay out of proportion.
This HAS to be an April fools joke... and a cruel one at that. Shame on you Sony for playing with us. the only reason i own a PS3 (fat one) is because its also my second computer. God i hope this is just a Sick, Sick, Sick Joke Sony is playing.
Is this because of the recent progress in hacking the PS3 hypervisor? I believe they use Linux to do it. So “security concerns” would rather translate to “we believe they are getting to us so we're better scorching earth and move on”.
This. Is. Ridiculous.
I see a lawsuit coming on with this especially in Australia, as this is against the Trade Practices Act 1975 which states:-
In Australia I'd consider them to be in breach of the statutory conditions aspects of the Trade Practices Act. The Trade Practices Act implies the following statutory conditions into consumer contracts:
•The goods must be of merchantable quality. That is, they must meet a basic level of quality and performance, taking into account their price and description. They also should be free from defects that were not obvious to you at the time of purchase.
•The goods must be fit for their purpose. That is, they should do what they are supposed to do and be suitable for any purpose that you might have made known to the supplier.
•The goods must match the description you were given or the sample you chose from. For example, any carpet laid must be the same quality and colour as the sample you chose from.
•You must receive clear title to the goods, including goods bought at auction. In other words, you can expect to own the goods outright and any restriction on ownership should be explained to you beforehand.
Therfore this new firmware which actually removes a feature which has been in existance since release, is actually breaking the law. Its a bit like buying a 6 cylinder car and after a service only 4 cylinders are able to be used.
Great strategy sony, piss of linux users... lets see how this bodes for the security of ps3.
Glad @geogot is already on the case to crack/jailbreak the PS3. Though it'll probably be an arms race similar to the psp once he does.
Also I see that the _Install_ other OS will be removed. Will an already installed additional OS be deleted with(out) warning?
This has thoroughly pissed me off, mainly because i purchased the Yellow Dog Linux Retail disc.
I filed an FTC complaint.
I look forward to reading more about this in the news...
Yet again Sony shows it is 100% out of touch with the modern gaming community. There is a reason they have failed so badly in this generation and it is these type of decisions that will cause them to fail miserably should they try to compete in the next generation.
As someone who was stupid enough to buy a launch PS3, I can only say that I am overwhelmingly disappointed with the games and extra offerings Sony has brought to what is clearly the best piece of hardware out there.
Microsoft has done so much better that paying the price to keep Live Gold is worth it in my eyes just to have access to the better games, extras, and support.
i still understand why anyone would want linux on their gaming system. Any crappy old computer or laptop can run Linux. Why mix OS with a gaming system? Oh well i guess to each their own. I prefer to keep my gaming console as a "gaming console" and nothing more.
Next person who says 'Its the fault of the hackers, not Sony' or 'who cares - only a few people use this feature?' gets a punch in their virtual crotch.
Firstly, what if Microsoft said "Windows service pack X is coming put and it will disable all web browsers due to security issues. you can choose not to upgrade but then all other internet applications (email, messaging client, torrent programs) wont work"? Not a problem right? After all, the security problems are the fault of the hackers - not MS.
Second, your an asshole if you think its OK to take features away from people who paid for and use those features because you don't happen to use the feature. You are a BIG asshole if you actually spend time posting messages telling us what you don't care because you don't use it - effectively insulting those who have just been ripped off by Sony.
@SHoe I've always laughed at the irony of the apathetic posting their apathy. If you truly don't care, wouldn't you not be bothered to say something?
As an owner of an older "fat" PS3, and a linux user... I don't mind. The PS3 doesn't work that great as a linux PC anyways. It just doesn't have teh power for all the things I wanted to do with it. So, I just bought a $250 dollar laptop as my dedicated linux PC as well as did a dual-boot install of it on my desktop.
The PS3 serves as a gaming machine and a media center now... the way Sony intended it.
@WGSXFrank
No. Sony intended it as a system to play games AND use Linux. How do I know? Because its in their early marketing material and on the box that my PS3 came in. In fact, they referred to it as a 'computer entertainment system'. I don't care if you don't use it any more - I do and I paid for that feature.
@SHoe "computer entertainment system" not "personal computer". Sorry to burst your bubble, but every game console since the Atari 2600 and even earlier was a "computer entertainment system". In fact, other older console also had those words printed on their boxes and even on some of the systems themselves.
You really need to find a better argument than that before raging over one of my comments, bub. Also, I don't give two craps about whether or not you care about what I do and don't use. The fact is that it's a gaming console first and foremost (and a blu-ray player second) and NOTHING you can say can disprove that.
umad?
@WGSXFrank
Nice argument there - you have decided what the PS3 is intended for even though 1) Sony gave it the capability to install another OS and 2) they advertised it as a feature. Anybody with basic intelligence could tell you that if somebody makes a product with a specific feature and advertises that as a feature of the product, then guess what smart guy? It was intended.
Your a real genius - 'bub'.
I blame the DOF. The PS3 with Linux could be used as a weapon!
I wonder how many people complaining about it here actually own a Phat PS3. I have it and I used Linux on it for total of maybe 10 minutes before uninstalling it. It just doesn't have any uses in the living room.
Now if it allowed Linux full access to the hardware, yeah, it would be great, but it's so gimped to begin with.
@Laughton What do you think geohot was working towards with his "exploit"? Read his blog, he's not condoning the use of his work for piracy... but rather the ability to do just as you said and gain full access to the hardware.
@mrlindstrom Whatever geohot says isn't gonna stop people from pirating games. Look what happened to PSP, devs outside of Japan don't even want to touch it.
If this is an April Fools Day joke, it'd be much funnier if it said they were taking away PS2 compatibility to match features or some nonsense.
If it's real, it's kinda lame in theory, but in practice it's pretty inconsequential.
TBH, I have had a few Linux OSs and the effort of installing and updating every time Sony patched finally cheesed ne off once too often, so farewell Linux I won't miss you.
Thank you Geohot
I'd gladly lose this option if they bring back backwards ps2 compatibility. Sony, come on!!!?!
Sony Make.Believe. That every feature can be deleted.
Hi,
I was actually working on studying on parallel programming and used my PS3 CELL BE processor for that!
I'm also playing on the PS3 sometimes.
There is a dilemma.
I'm a little bit angry against Sony!
Removing a feature because a guy find a way to hack the console is not a very mature comportment from Sony. What if tomorow someone hacks the PS3 using the Blue Ray player? Will Sony remove that other feature?
I bought my ps3 with a several number of features two years ago. Removing features now is like breaking the sales contrat!
Where's my money Sony?!
"we can't say we know many people still running Linux on their console, but if you count yourself among the few and proud, our condolences. Them's the breaks, but hey, at least some of you still have PS2 compatibility. "
um I have a 40gb PS3 that has OtherOS but not the PS2 compatibility so its not really a trade for me.
@Reluttr
Windows in another partition?
Looks like I'll be dusting off the Xbox and not buying more PS3 games or connecting to PSN good job Sony. Time to resume my boycott.
I use the OtherOs option with YellowDog. This is now my primary PC since my old one crashed. Sony is telling me I HAVE to lose my Home PC which has my family photos, music, documents etc because they are DOWNGRADING ME??? This is ridiculous. I wonder if It would be ok for Toyota to remove people's tires a year or two after purchase? I have never in my life heard of such a thing. Maybe they'll take away the Blu-Ray feature next. Hell, my old television only does 1080i. Perhaps they can do away with 1080p support while they're at it. I have the 360, gone thru TWO rings of DEATH!! Making it my main gaming system...AGAIN!!! Yes I know the upgrade is optional. The OtherOs option has NOTHING to do with ONLINE play! So why prevent me from playing my games online? I think SONY needs to explain themselves more! and yes... I know I need a new TV....lol
I don't really care about them removing the feature, but wouldn't it be more accurate to call this a "rollback" or "degrade", instead of update?
We I emailed Sony and told them that I purchased the system based on being able to install Linux and got the following response:
Thank you for writing us with your feedback for removing the other OS feature.
The Playstation®User agreement states that we may upgrade or downgrade the system without your knowledge.
11. MAINTENANCE AND UPGRADES
From time to time, it may become necessary for SCEA to provide certain content to you to ensure that PlayStation(R)Network and content offered through Playstation®Network, your PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system or other SCEA-authorized hardware is functioning properly in accordance with SCEA guidelines. Some content may be provided automatically without notice when you sign into Playstation®Network. Such content may include automatic updates or upgrades which may change your current operating system, cause a loss of data or content or cause a loss of functionalities or utilities. Such upgrades or updates may be provided for system software for your PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, or other SCEA-authorized hardware. Access or use to any system software is subject to terms and conditions of a separate end user license agreement found at http://www.us.playstation.com/termsofuse. You authorize SCEA to provide such content and agree that SCEA shall not be liable for any damages arising from provision of such content or maintenance services. It is recommended that you regularly back up any data located on the hard disk that is of a type that can be backed up.
If you'd like to read the full user agreement, you may do so at the link below:
Article Title: Terms of Use and User Agreement
Article Link: http://playstation.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1109
So, basically they can do whatever they want at anytime. Last Sony product I purchase from them.
@slurm
Guess you won't be purchasing anything from anyone anytime soon. Just about every company has more or less the same terms.
@mm
True, but it's still a crappy way to treat customers. I can't think of many other industries that this would be allowed to do this. Way too many lawyers and accountants involved in the gaming industry.
Here's the response I got from Sony about installing the new update if you have the OtherOS installed:
Thank you for writing us about the hard drive partition.
After you update the system software, you will not be able to use the hard disk partitions used by the other operating system. The data saved in these partitions cannot be restored after the system software has been updated. Users will need to back up all data to storage media before updating the system software. The hard drive will reformat.
Regards,