In a move likely made to prevent piracy, Sony has announced that its next software update will remove the “Install Other OS” feature that was available in pre-Slim PS3 models. In effect, those who have installed a Linux operating system on their PS3 will no longer be able to access this feature. Update 3.21 will be released on April 1, 2010 (April Fool’s Day?) and will not be an optional upgrade unless you wish to gimp your PS3. Sony states the following features will be unavailable for those who fail to download the update:
- 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
If you don’t want to lose these features, but want to keep the data stored on your Linux partition, Sony recommends making a back-up of the data prior to installing the update. If you fail to do so, you will lose access to the data permanently.
No new features were revealed for this update, but it’s possible that Sony is saving its major announcements regarding potential premium services for the E3 Expo in June.
If you bought the PS3 Slim, this new update should not affect you at all, since Linux support had not been previously supported. For all of you PS3 “fat” owners, are you upset that this feature is being removed?
Source: PlayStation.Blog
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lol on april first.
So, so, so lame. The only people I know who used the “Other OS” feature were using it in interesting and positive ways. Anti-Piracy measures suck.
Geohot's blog is filled with OtherOS users that are blaming him for Sony removing the feature.
This is a bold move by Sony, removing features from their system to prevent piracy. Will they give it back if a hack comes out anyway?
You know what, Im gonna go ahead and call this an April Fools joke. I bet there's some awesome new update that comes out on April 1st that doesnt remove OtherOS.
That would honestly make Sony the coolest. Great publicity because of all this upset, and no one really gets hurt.
Kevin Butler is gonna be like, 'Ha! Got you!'
Never used it… So no i do not care
screw sony for taking that away