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)
SR3 is on PS+ EU next month....
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.
Even more importantly, if they win, electronics companies will be able to remove core functionality from their devices whenever they want for any reason with minimal if any notice.
For these last two points I'm just going to direct you to here... http://www.ps3news.com/forums/playstation-3-news/sonys-ps3-system-software-license-agreement-terms-service-tos-110346.html#post287807
because it has everything in there that tells you why you're wrong
When I called the person I talked to tried to convince me it is optional. It is not. You get a choice: the ability to play new games that come out, or the ability to use Linux. You don't get both even though that is what they advertised and what you paid for.
Also remind them that this is fraud. They marketed a product and you paid for it under the false pretense that it would do the things they said it would. Sony knows that they are will get sued over this. They look at some bloated "every pirated copy is a lost sale" figure and ignore the few million dollars a loss in court would cost. Even more importantly, if they win, electronics companies will be able to remove core functionality from their devices whenever they want for any reason with minimal if any notice. I truly believe that that is what Sony is after with all of this.
The PS3 is piss poor at everything. The only thing that made it even remotely worth anywhere near the $600 they charged for it was that it did lots of things. Now it is losing half of its functionality. Functionality that we paid for. Remember, the PS3 didn't have any good exclusives its first two years. OtherOS was its huge selling point. I seriously did buy the PS3 for it. I may not use it often because of how bad they gimped it, but I do use it; more than I play the 3 good games for the system in fact.
Lastly, here is a Ken Kuteragi quote on the $600 price tag: "It's probably too cheap ... This is the PS3 price. Expensive, cheap -- we don't want you to think of it in terms of game machines. Because the PS3 is like nothing else." Read that to the people on the phone, ask them what they think about it.
Lol, ever hear of DRM?
Legit Customer: Invasive software, limited installs, ridiculous circumstances just to play the game (Assissns Creed 2 or Command & Conquer 4 anyone?)
Pirate: Unlimted installs, no DRM, no invasive software, no conditions to play the game, clean and easy.
Who Suffers Most: Legit Customer
You'd think companies would start to realize this. And they wonder why piracy is on the rise...
what's dangerous about a ps3 that have otheros? can it cause fires? there are no security concerns for the end user, only for sony them selves. but crackers won't upgrade so it would only affect users who don't try to crack it..