Sony to remove OtherOS feature?

[Agent]

http://blog.us.playstation.com/2010/...-v3-21-update/

Not pleased if this turns out to be true.

[jim]

It's ridiculous really, but you can guarantee they'll get away with it.

I don't know the ins and outs, but surely this is a breach of the SOGA? If they promised online gaming and the ability to install your own OS originally (which I'm sure they did), then that description no longer fits the item - since without the update you can't play online, and with the update you can't install another OS. I can't see the fact that it's retrospective being a valid defence.

[Mr Flibbles]

I presume this is where the vulnerability was recently found, if so then it was only a matter of time before Sony blocked it.

If this is the case then you can't blame them really.

[jim]

I presume this is where the vulnerability was recently found, if so then it was only a matter of time before Sony blocked it.

If this is the case then you can't blame them really.

Don't see why that gives them a license to do whatever they wish with people's consoles.

Besides, the hack has already been done. Blocking Linux now is unlikely to make much of a difference now that he's got into it.

[Lee H]

Not pleased if this turns out to be true.

I'd be pretty pissed, actually I'd be absolutely fuming if I bought a console that stated it has linux support only for them to go and remove this feature at a later stage. it's like nvidia releasing a graphics card and disabling stuff on it after it's release, or creative to disable features on their soundca....oh wait...they have

[truckid]

All is not lost

( I can't post urls yet)

'Yesterday we announced that Sony are releasing a new firmware for the Sony PlayStation 3 that will get rid of the “other OS” option on the older fatter PS3 model. Sony didn’t cite any reasons why they are doing this other than it’s a security concern. They list no benefits for adding this restriction.

Geo Hot has suggested that those who want to use the Other OS install option should hold off installing the new firmware update this Thursday when it is launched. Instead, he says the following will happen…

“A note to people interested in the exploit and retaining OtherOS support, DO NOT UPDATE. When 3.21 comes out, I will look into a safe way of updating to retain OtherOS support, perhaps something like Hellcat’s Recovery Flasher. I never intended to touch CFW, but if that’s how you want to play…”


So it appears that he will be working on a modified firmware version that will keep the PS3 alive along with the Other OS support that in some cases, could have been a deciding factor in buying a fat PS3 in the first place.

No time line for a launch of the modified firmware has been given, so hang on tight for a bit longer before you do the update.'

[chuckskull]

It's true. I don't own a PS3, but if I did I'd be pretty miffed. As truck said there already working to get around it. These things rarely take to long. Although I'm pretty sure doing so will breach DMCA and probably ACTA too once it reaches our shores, just to retain a feature... sigh.

[danroyle]

i'm waiting until tomorrow is over for this one alot of talk about this gives sony publicity would be a rather bizarre april fool but still you never know.

[Gunbuster]

I don't think I would mind if you got something back for the space they are saving with removing otherOS. If this ment they then had the overhead and space to add voice chat, then I think the reaction would be way different.

[gtech]

If a certain individual had not boasted on the net about a way to access to PS3 so it's open to piracy then would this feature be removed? Also it must be a handful of people that actually use/care about the other OS feature

I dont give two hoots about it

[Gunbuster]

Ok here are my theories:

- Knee Jerk Reaction to the potential of piracy. This to me sounds like a great scape goat. The simple fact is Sony cut it from the PS3 slim, before the hacking anouncement,

- Remember Sony announced that the GameOS was getting lighter and they were adding 3D Game and 3D BL support? How do you think they are going to find that space? I would guess Move support will need some space too.

- The Cell line of processors is no longer being developed by IBM. There will be no new versions and so the PS4 isn't going to use one, unless it is the current PS3 one as a maths co processor. Sony doesn't need the next generation of Cell coders anymore as Cell isn't going to be in everything from the PS4 & PSP 2 to your TV & Toaster.

The potential to make money off Move, 3D everything must far out weigh the concern now at Sony over Piracy. Piracy would hurt them most at the launch of a console where they need to recoupe the cost of making the hardware. I say this because consoles are often cracked first by the homebrew crowd, then utilised by the piracy crowd. By having Linux around for the first 4ish years they stiffled that need, now it just doesn't really matter.

[Barrichello]

http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2010/03...r_fights_back/

haha