New Firmware Update to Remove Optional OS Installation on Older Models.

[Nittany Tiger]

Yep.

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

The next system software update for the PlayStation 3 (PS3) system will be released on April 1, 2010 (JST), and will disable the “Install Other OS” feature that was available on the PS3 systems prior to the current slimmer models, launched in September 2009. This feature enabled users to install an operating system, but due to security concerns, Sony Computer Entertainment will remove the functionality through the 3.21 system software update.

In addition, disabling the “Other OS” feature will help ensure that PS3 owners will continue to have access to the broad range of gaming and entertainment content from SCE and its content partners on a more secure system.

Consumers and organizations that currently use the “Other OS” feature can choose not to upgrade their PS3 systems, although the following features will no longer be available;

* Ability to sign in to PlayStation Network and use network features that require signing in to PlayStation Network, such as online features of PS3 games and chat
* Playback of PS3 software titles or Blu-ray Disc videos that require PS3 system software version 3.21 or later
* Playback of copyright-protected videos that are stored on a media server (when DTCP-IP is enabled under Settings)
* Use of new features and improvements that are available on PS3 system software 3.21 or later

For those PS3 users who are currently using the “Other OS” feature but choose to install the system software update, to avoid data loss they first need to back-up any data stored within the hard drive partition used by the “Other OS,” as they will not be able to access that data following the update.

There's a chance that this will be a joke (the update occurs on April 1st), but no-ones laughing right now and even less if they actually do this. See article comments for details.

Just in case it isn't a joke, I've disconnected my PS3 from the internet since I have a first-generation model. I don't use the feature, but I would like to have it if I decide to pop in Yellow Dog Linux in the future.

[Ryojin]

Could be fake, but even if it isn't, I'm not concerned... I don't need my PS3 running another OS. That's what I have my computer for.

[Mihail]

Just in case it isn't a joke, I've disconnected my PS3 from the internet since I have a first-generation model. I don't use the feature, but I would like to have it if I decide to pop in Yellow Dog Linux in the future.

You can easily replace the existing hard-drive with another one which will then install a base version of PS3 OS, from which you can download whatever update you want, or merely insert a game which as a older Update on it.

[Admiral Antilles]

One of the first times I ever heard of a Firmware that takes something away...

[PSPiso]

for dose who haz nawt know about this wai the other os get's deleted. It's cuz of a haxer wich haxed the Playstation 3 's hardware and software wut he has done was exploiting the ps3 and he currently has it released. I guess dat sunny is kynda scared =3 (PSN will be haxed too i know cuz the same thing happened on the sunny PSP.).

(Strange dat sunny hasn't noticed dat the hax was already arround the web for a month and the texshnology was released even a month before dat.)

(for those who didnt know this before Sony playstation 3 had a Iso Loader hack at one of the earliest versions sony thinks about updating the software could prevent this from happening. (it will not last for long though)).

[Nittany Tiger]

It's real.
kittehs are pissed. overrateded-compuny isn't listening. wut's new?

Originally Posted by Mihail

You can easily replace the existing hard-drive wif another one which will then install a base version of PS3 OS, from which you can download wutevar update you wantz, or merely insert a game which as a older Update on it.

I don't think that will work. It's a firmware upgrade which probably means that the feature will be disabled even if you keep an older version of the OS on a separate hard drive.

[Mihail]

Option 3 then is to hold the PS3 button for what I believe is 30 seconds, which will take you to a reset ps3 menu which you can then reset it to factory default.

[Nittany Tiger]

You mean the power button. Iz googling "Restoring factory settings on a PS3," and it mentions a method wheer you hold ur power button down for 3 seconds, but I did it and it only seemed to reset video settings. The firmware haz nawt roll back to its original factory version.

EDIT: This may be the process.

http://boardsus.playstation.com/t5/P...u/m-p/39144801

I don't know if will rollback software and/or firmware updates and help prevent the loss of the "OtherOS" feature or even allow it to be recovered.

[Mihail]

yes the link you posted is correct, I'm pretty sure it does roll you back to default incase of serious errors.

[NiteStryker]

Originally Posted by Killer Kyle

It's real.
kittehs are pissed.

The filter is still funny

* Ability to sign in to PlayStation Network and use network features that require signing in to PlayStation Network, such as online features of PS3 games and chat
* Playback of PS3 software titles or Blu-ray Disc videos that require PS3 system software version 3.21 or later
* Playback of copyright-protected videos that are stored on a media server (when DTCP-IP is enabled under Settings)
* Use of new features and improvements that are available on PS3 system software 3.21 or later

So if you dont update,..you basically cant do shit.

Well I dont have another OS on my PS3 so Im good.