168w ago - Today Sony's Sr. Director of Corporate Communications & Social Media
Patrick Seybold has confirmed that PS3 Firmware update 3.21 is coming on April 1, 2010 and will disable the OtherOS feature!
To quote: 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)
124 Comments - Go to Forum Thread »
yes, so that still makes the update optional. You've even said it in your own argument "You get a choice" and that choice is accept the new FW update or don't accept it. The FW does not force you to install it as soon as the PS3 is switched on, and it doesn't restrict you from still using your PS3 if you don't accept the update. So it is an optional update.
Once FW 3.21 is released on April 1st, any game that is released after April 1st is bound by 3.21's TOS. Since your system hasn't agreed to those terms then you either agree to them to play the game, or you don't agree to them and remain bound by the TOS you agreed to (whatever FW your on) and continue playing games which are bound by those terms.
The same also applies to any services that are provided by Sony to your PS3 such as VidZone, PSN and the Playstation Store.