Removal of OtherOS or Aprils fools joke?

[Xanxion]

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.


Source : http://sony.nyleveia.com/2010/03/29/...il-fools-joke/

[mannyman789]

Nope, no joke.

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

[grapeape]

Booooo! Bad move...I could dismiss removing stuff from new consoles and chalk it up to "you should have bought early"...and a little justification for the $600 I shelled out initially, but to take something away that I already paid for...**** that. And if that wasnt bad enough they are forcing it on you by crippling the console if you dont? I smell a class action suit in the works.

I cant wait to see how the usual band of idiot fanboys try and justify this one.

[EL_CAD]

OtherOS was the main the reason I got the model I did. Otherwise I would have just spent the few extra bucks and got a full warranty and a lower electric bill.

[grapeape]

OtherOS was the main the reason I got the model I did. Otherwise I would have just spent the few extra bucks and got a full warranty and a lower electric bill.

As the night goes on this is just pissing me off more and more...I dont know why really...but it's just plain wrong, but it makes me think that geohot was on to alot more than anyone has given him credit for.

[Meelo]

So if I don't update I can't play online, if I do update I lose a feature that I paid for. This sucks, I wonder if we can sue them under the sales of goods act? I didn't think you could remove a feature that was sold to you? So much for "it only does everything".

[Xanxion]

Booooo! Bad move...I could dismiss removing stuff from new consoles and chalk it up to "you should have bought early"...and a little justification for the $600 I shelled out initially, but to take something away that I already paid for...**** that. And if that wasnt bad enough they are forcing it on you by crippling the console if you dont? I smell a class action suit in the works.

I cant wait to see how the usual band of idiot fanboys try and justify this one.

Normally i'm quite lenient with Sony on how they conduct updates for the PS3, but this is absolutely rediculous.

It seems 'it only does everything' now includes 'removes long standing features'

[sirxlaughs]

I've got the Slim so the OtherOS removal through the update won't affect me. It is still a real shame that they are doing this. Most people put up with the removal of features with each hardware revision, but I'm not sure how early adopters will handle this.

[ThreeDog]

I've got the Slim so the OtherOS removal through the update won't affect me. It is still a real shame that they are doing this. Most people put up with the removal of features with each hardware revision, but I'm not sure how early adopters will handle this.

In my case its too early to comment i'll wait and see if there's any truth to it, this does have big implications for me if true but im not willing to stick my foot in my mouth incase it's sony just having a laugh with us.