Linux support dropped from PS3 Firmware 3.21

If this is true. I will skip the update for as long is a can, support piracy on the PS3 and will continue to use my xubuntu running console forever!

I'f its an April fools joke, its not a good one.

Most likey SONY needs the extra memory/HDD space for future XMB features. Hold up...my bad the slim doesn't have this feature anyways. I don't use it (i have a 20 GB and a new Slim), I'll still have backward compat with my 20. Never needed it for linux.

Maybe future updates will hurt the older systems therefore the space has to be recovered or there will likely be a class action with the older system users if they totally banned all older consoles.

I'll sell back my old system to sony for a credit coupon worth at least 10 to 20 future games from amazon or gamestop. :D

Anybody else find it a little odd that such an 'upgrade' is supposed to be released on April Fool's day?

Basically, this whole thing seems unnecessary to me. The only reason that people haven't hacked the PS3 properly yet is because they have the playground of Linux on the system, allowing homebrew and emulators like MAME. I personally use it as a better HTPC, and to make my PS3 a DVR (since they won't release it Stateside...), and this royally pisses me off. You know what this is going to do? It's called escalation. Don't be surprised that if this is legit, and they don't change it due to lawsuits and such, that in about 2-6 months time, we have a custom firmware available. Also, why disable it? all the new PS3s can't use it! Just the select older ones, and only those who have an upgraded memory at that! And in 4 years, all they have been able to do is BARELY hack the theme functions.
Also, I thought I read somewhere, ages ago, that the U.S. Military was using a crapload of PS3s for this exact function. Unnecessary and stupid. It's a slippery slope, methinks. If it doesn't stop here, I worry for backwards compatibility

@Tigre it's suspected that the slim actually had a completely different hardware map and that Sony didn't want to dump a bunch of R and D into getting the hypervisor and drivers to work with linux.

I'm ok with them dumping OtherOS from the slim it's no different than the Phat I own not being able to play SACD or PS2 titles. It's a feature that wasn't present at purchase. I'm not ok with them removing a feature that I purchased and calling it "optional" when practically all other features will require me to update and lose that functionality. So I'm at a crossroads do I stop buying games and using PSN to maintain my ability to use linux or do I drop linux for games and movies?

I have a 360 and other computers so either choice is an equal option; however, on principle I will stop buying games and using psn until I can no longer play blu-ray on the system since that's actually my primary use for it. I suspect protecting the hardware encryption keys is the issue here and yes blu-ray discs may require updates before playback functions.

This is sad news. Just last night, I was SERIOUSLY considering installing Linux on my PS3. Its the most powerful computer in my house and I'm too strapped for cash to upgrade any of my computers.

Is hard not to noticed that every comment pointing something positive about ps3 get down voted also when they are stating the point that this not a big issue.

I bet the backward compatibility will be the next to go... in a few firmware revisions... so enjoy it while you can... :/

Dave: First of all "my friend," in this context, is condescending and unnecessary. Second, I don't understand why you need to install a Linux distro on your PS3 if you have it on those other machines. Plug one of them into your TV, it would more than likely be measurably better at doing whatever you need it to do.

Rususeruru: ARE you typing that on a PS3 using Linux? If not: way to make a moot point; If so: I'm sorry for making a generalization.
Maybe you should tell me HOW exactly this encourages people to try to pirate games and movies. If the fact that a company is trying to stop people from pirating is cause for more piracy, shit is in BAD shape and that should in no way be condoned.

Sony is providing you with a service in the PSN, it says, right in the EULA, that they may provide content updates that change the operating system and add OR REMOVE features. You agreed to this. Maybe you should go read the documentation.

Man what is with all you people, you make it sound like sony is doing this just to piss you off when you say shit like "OH i bet backwards compatibility is next to go" They wouldn't take a feature away unless they really needed to. And is it really fair to ask that sony expose the ps3 to piracy so less than 1% of the community stays happy. Do you really want the ps3 to end up like the psp?

Cry yourself a river. Obviously it's of no concern to you.

TO EVERYONE THAT HAS NOT USED OTHEROS OR DOES NOT CARE FOR IT:

Why are you saying this update is good? This update doesn't even affect you! Ok bring up the whole security dispute. Where do you really think this is going to lead?Nowhere. This expoit is going nowhere fast, and I really doubt it will lead to anything. It will be back to the drawing board in a matter of months for these guys (George).

I just reinstalled Linux just a few days ago, and I love it. My only pc is an old laptop with xp that is so beat up that I removed the destroyed screen, and sometimes locks up for no reason. It is hooked up to my tv via svideo, on a low 4:3 resolution.

I am glad I can run YDL on my ps3. It runs smoothly (once set up properly), and I love using it in 1080i resolution. I can pairmy Bluetooth devices including my controllers (snes games are fun), I can load up my iPod (jailbroken), and I can surf the web (with ease). I am still finding things do do with it, I don't want them to take it away from me. I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to play my games offline from now on.

To those who still think this is an April Fools hoax: Perhaps that's what Sony wants people to think, but it's no joke. It's already happened, in fact -- try signing into PSN without updating your firmware.


"Do you really want the ps3 to end up like the psp?"

Blocking people without the latest firmware from buying downloadables/using legal discs is exactly what happened with the PSP. Now the PS3 is heading down the same path.

The removed the OtherOS that provided an alternative to the PS3 awful Web browser. And they did not even bother upgrade/update the existing browser.

What a waste of time and resources.

Please sign the Petition to get a Real Web Browser on the PS3:

http://www.petitiononline.com/PS3Opera

I just wanted to post here that I have not updated, and will not. I posted this post on the PlayStation blog and had that post removed many times and 3 accounts banned from commenting for this.

My post-

Please read this, I am trying to reach out.

Here's what must be a revolutionary concept to your execs. If you refuse to improve security, and shake things up, rather than taking out OS, consider this. Make PSN, and ALL future games compatible with 3.15. THEN, *stay with me*, have people give up OtherOS by offering features they DO want. Most everyone is already on 3.21, offer those refusing on principal something they want, you have a list on your Share Blog. People want new features, and 99.5% will upgrade for these things. To get the new features you MUST upgrade. So since most everyone wants these, you get everybody but honest Linux users, and maybe a small handful of hardcore hackers to give up the OtherOS. See how that works, you can use carrots to close up your hole for the most part, and still not punish honest linux users and programmers. I honestly think this would solve enough of your problem to make it a nil issue. It would get people like me off of your back. I will even let you at Sony take the credit for the idea. And its a start to repairing your image in my eyes.


If that gets me banned then fine. Sony is even moderating the word remove as well as other words, go to the blog log in, type remove anywhere, even by itself and they moderate you. I filed with the FTC, BBB, contacted my states attorney general. I have just contacted someone that I have been told is a lawyer that is opening a class action. More news to come, don't let this fade with time guys, don't give up!