Sony Apologizes for OtherOS Removal due to PS3 Piracy Concerns

Category: PlayStation 3 & PSN News By: PS3 News - (thinq.co.uk)
Tags: sony apologizes otheros removal due ps3 piracy concerns

162w ago - Despite some refunds being granted, today Sony UK has officially apologized for the OtherOS removal in the recently released PS3 Firmware 3.21 update citing PS3 piracy concerns as the underlying factor.

To quote from Sony's official statement to Thinq.co.uk (linked above):

"We are sorry if users of Linux or other operating systems are disappointed by our decision to issue a firmware upgrade which when installed disables this operating system feature.

We have made the decision to protect the integrity of the console and whilst mindful of the impact on Linux or other operating system users we nevertheless felt it would be in the best interests of the majority of users to pursue this course of action.

As you will be aware we have upgraded and enhanced functionality and features of the console by numerous firmware upgrades over time and this is a very rare instance where a feature will be disabled. Further enhancements are in the pipeline.

Users do have the choice whether to install the firmware upgrade and this is clearly explained to them at the time the firmware upgrade is made available for installation. Furthermore our terms and conditions clearly state that we have the right to revise the PS3's settings and features in order to prevent access to unauthorised or pirated content."

Stay tuned for more PS3 Hacks and PS3 CFW news, follow us on Twitter and be sure to drop by the PS3 Hacks and PS3 Custom Firmware Forums for the latest PlayStation 3 scene updates and homebrew releases!

83 Comments - Go to Forum Thread »

#83 - Great Millenko - 155w ago

Originally Posted by attributes

Are you common with PR, they are not going to say "We did this so that you don't get free games".

TBH I think people complain about Sony too much, they had the right to do it and if they didn't do it they would be plain stupid.

Anyone with a good pair of eyes and half a noggin full of common sense knows that most people would rather pay 60 bucks for the game they want than spend 8 hours learning how to (this is just an estimate of the average moronic kid sitting in his room) figure out how to even download and install the otherOS in question (Linux mostly) then get to work on configuring an ISOloader to play any free games they may download. It all comes down to Sony (YET AGAIN) being greedy, stupid, short sighted money grubbing piglets.

Yes short sighted, because it's only going to anger the hacking community and those who used Linux (like me) for completely average uses, and not to pirate software. It sickens me.

#82 - Samanosuke - 162w ago

Sony making excuses, what a laugh.

#81 - JugMuffin - 162w ago

I hate to say it since it sounds like it supports Sony's decision (it doesn't), but anyone in a reasonably-sized city with a Chinatown knows that downloading isn't the only way to get pirated games.

I can only think of one person at the moment who owns a PSP. It hasn't been hacked or anything, and it sits in a corner doing jack. It's been sitting in that corner for probably a year now. What's being played instead of it? An iPhone. Explain that, Sony.

#80 - oldschool400 - 162w ago

Originally Posted by moneymaker

It means that if you have bought a game under certain TOS you have the right to use it ..and if you have the right to keep linux functionality, the update is "optional" for that reason, in the end this means you have THE RIGHT to KEEP BOTH functionality...

I hope there could be many ones in this situation that could start a class action against this unthought and "brainless" move...

I love Japan, I'm hating Sony for this...

I'm looking into it for Canada right now. I know that in the UK (not sure about EU tho) there is consumer laws that prohibit companies from removing features they advirtised that their product can do... I'm basically looking for the Canadian equivilant.