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PS3 Firmware Update Disables “Other OS” Option
PlayStation 3 owners tend to appreciate firmware updates, most of which add functionality or streamline the user experience. Not the case for the newest update (v3.21), which appears to have the sole purpose of removing one of the more unique features of the original PlayStation 3. The firmware update, scheduled to launch on April 1, will “disable the ‘Install Other OS’ feature that was available on the PS3 systems prior to the current, slimmer models.” Patrick Sybold, Sr. Director of Corporate Communications & Social Media, posted the explanation on the official PlayStation Blog, citing that the feature will be removed due to “security concerns.”
If you were an early Sony adopter and already use the “Other OS” feature to run Linux, you can choose not to install the update. It’s not much of a choice though, as denying the update will nearly brick your machine by restricting functionality. Users who opt out will no longer be able to sign into PSN or use online features in games, including chat. Additionally, PS3 software titles/Blue-Ray discs won’t function if they require the 3.21 update.
If you do use the “Other OS” option and plan on installing the update, then you are encouraged to back-up data that is stored on the hard drive partition in order to avoid data loss.
It’s worth noting that we are very aware of the unfortunate choice of date the update launches on. If this is Sony’s poor attempt at a April Fool’s day joke, we’d be surprised, as a benefit to alienating those who have been faithful to their flagship entertainment product the longest isn’t apparent. Although, we wouldn’t mind an opportunity to discuss the finer uses of sarcasm and parody with Sony.
Any of you take advantage of the “Other OS” option and run Linux on your machine?
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