PS3 Firmware 3.21 Locks Out More Features Beyond OtherOS?

Category: PlayStation 3 & PSN News By: IanJ - (engadget.com)
Tags: ps3 firmware 3.21 locks out more ps3 features beyond ps3 otheros

164w ago - Update: Sony has now told NowGamer.com that despite widespread reports they have seen no evidence of damage caused by the PS3 Firmware 3.21 update.

Sony has already upset some users by removing the "Install OtherOS" with its PS3 Firmware 3.21 update, and based on reports from the official PlayStation forums a sizable number of PS3 users have run into issues since updating to PlayStation 3 Firmware version 3.21 as well.

Problems after installing the update range from folks not being able to log into PSN or load a disc after the update to users not being able to turn on their PS3 at all - some have even reported freezing during the update process.

Of course, there's also lots of users that have updated without any issues whatsoever, and the problems don't seem to have yet drawn an official response from Sony.

Let us know how things worked out for you in the comments below.

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31 Comments - Go to Forum Thread »

#21 - fun4you2008 - 163w ago

I am pretty certain there are some bugs in the update program that is included in the PUP. It's a pretty nasty and apparently elusive bug that Sony cannot seem to find and fix (or can't fix). If you look at the Sony forums, the bug has been around for a while, but it got worse when 3.0 came out, because they went and touched that code for the new SLIM hardware. That code has to figure out what hardware it's running on, and load the correct firmware into the correct flash. So, every time you do an update, you have a small chance, but significant impact, of mucking up your PS3 because that program does the wrong thing.

And I believe Sony would want to fix the problem, if they could find it, because it's causing the same problem on brand new SLIM units (under warranty, and thus fixed on Sony's dime). I believe the problem is more widespread than Sony would like you to believe because they started offering refurbished SLIM's as a replacement option. That likely means they are running out of older refurb PS3 units very quickly, and one day, may not even be able to offer anything but a refurb slim unit. They don't owe you an older model (your warranty expired, Sony is doing you a "favor" by offering a replacement at a reduced cost).

What is worth noting for those conspiracy theory types... you only get a 90 day warranty on a refurb. So, if the update process causes the problem, then simply don't publish updates within roughly 90 days of each other. Wait for the warranty to expire first! Sony's got the EULA to protect them (firmware updates are at your own risk according to Sony).

And so... I am still on 2.76 - no working bypass to get to the PSN Store to buy DLC, no online gaming, no new Sony Pictures BR movies, and no PS3 games since 3.01 came out... just me and my partially functional PS3.

#20 - kablooey - 163w ago

I've updated and had no problem at all. BTW can we stop making jokes with "I only does..."? It's tiring right now.

#19 - jon5555 - 163w ago

HDMI control with my bravia stopped working for me after this update.

#18 - ZimZi - 163w ago

Originally Posted by xxkrizxx

* A security patch was added to address security vulnerabilities that may occur when playing MP4 format video files. hmm.... (That is a neat one, never heard of this "security" problem, before!)