PS3 Firmware (v3.21) Update 1st April

eddhorse

Possibly an Aprils fools joke....But does keep the hackers at bay

http://blog.us.playstation.com/2010/03/28/ps3-firmware-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.

Additional information about PS3 firmware updates, including v3.21 (once it becomes available), can be found here:
http://us.playstation.com/support/systemupdates/ps3/index.htm

PS3 owners who have further questions should contact Consumer Services:
http://us.playstation.com/support/ask/
800-345-7669 (800-345-SONY)

heebusjeebus

Surely this cant be right. Has to be an April fools joke. I know not many people use the other os feature but still, its retarded.

I call bull**** due to the fact they say you more or less cant use the PS3 for jack **** unless you install the "minor" update

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.

eddhorse

Oh and i spotted this : PS3 3D video output turns up in 3.20 debug firmware.

http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/14/ps3-3d-video-output-turns-up-in-3-20-debug-firmware/

We'd already heard that the PS3 wouldn't need anything more than a simple firmware update to make the jump to 3D, and it looks like we now have the first evidence of that very firmware update. It's obviously not ready for public consumption just yet, but a debug build of the 3.20 firmware is apparently now making the rounds among developers, and it quite clearly includes a "3D Video Output" option in the settings -- as evidenced by this image courtesy of VG247. Still no word of an exact release date for the firmware, unfortunately, although it should be out sometime this summer.

ongarite

This was bound to happen and the signs were on the wall even before the much publicised GeoHot "Other OS" hack.
The Slim dropped "Other OS" support and no one cared.
The only reason "Other OS" was there in the first place was to get around the EU import duty. They lost that case and so dropped "Other OS" for Slim.

Linux on PS3 is ****e to be honest, 256MB RAM support, no SPU or GPU access. It was severly limited.

Now that there is a small risk of PS3 piracy with GeoHot shouting it to the world, Sony have made the decision to cut it off; GeoHot hack relies on Other OS access.

Sony have seen whats happened with the PSP and are determined that it never happens with the PS3.

Best post so far from NeoGAF:

Very sad, but since geohot made his first announcement this has been like watching a slow car crash through to its inevitable conclusion. The Yellow Dog Linux guys reported this would be happening on their forum a while ago (before deleting the post), if their shift in focus toward GPU computing wasn't already a sign.

Almost as sad that this is the busiest Linux PS3 thread since before PS3 was released. People are given everything on a plate, say 'meh', then complain viciously when it's taken away. I'd very high hopes for PS3 Linux back in 2006, but really...virtually no one cared. For the five of you who did...chin up, maybe the system will be usably hacked in the future.

noodler

A fairly honest update from Sony there. This FW update doesn't even have anything to sweeten the deal.

L31mr0d

Who is actually going to miss this?

The other OS feature was a nice addition that PS3 fanboys could laud over their 360 counterparts: "snarff, we support Linux, Linux fights the man, we win, go back and RROD your Xbox 3-sh!tty playing Gay-lo"

But in reality, nobody used it. I work with Linux daily and I never bothered installing it. I know of nobody that uses it, just look at the threads in here looking for help installing it :rolleyes:

It was more of a passing distraction for most: Install it, use if for a week or so letting everyone know via tweet and blog, then go back to playing games.

Leiva

I have no issue with this .

tman

Never bothered my arse installing linux on mine due to a lack of a usb/bluetooth keyboard, but it'd be nice to have the feature there if I ever decide to do it in the future.
I paid full whack for my 60GB model for various reasons, this being one of them... Not too happy with it being taken out, even if I currently don't have a use for it.

99% sure this is an April fools though, so mneh!

noodler

No issue either - I would have thought the press release would have put more of a positive slant on the release as a whole by stressing the 3D thing.

ScissorPaperRock

The 3D isn't included in this one.

noodler

ScissorPaperRoc wrote: »

The 3D isn't included in this one.

Indeed - well then I thought there would have been some "improves playback of such and such" bullcrap mentioned like they always do when they release a FW that does something they don't want us to dwell on.

Grumpypants

While i have never used the other OS nor will i ever prob get around to it. Its pretty poor form for Sony to sell you something that does xy and z and then turn around and remove Z after you have bought it.

I dont use BC either but if they removed it after using it as a selling point id be pretty annoyed.

-Trek-

I installed linux so I could use Firefox, but TBH not worth the effort. So not going to miss it if this turns out to be true.

noodler

Grumpypants wrote: »

While i have never used the other OS nor will i ever prob get around to it. Its pretty poor form for Sony to sell you something that does xy and z and then turn around and remove Z after you have bought it.

I dont use BC either but if they removed it after using it as a selling point id be pretty annoyed.

Good point. I wonder where they stand legally there - I assume they have looked after that aspect but it does raise interesting questions.

Grumpypants

noodler wrote: »

Good point. I wonder where they stand legally there - I assume they have looked after that aspect but it does raise interesting questions.

Im pretty sure they have something in the T&C's that they can do what they want to your online account. So if you want to keep your OS just dont update your firmware. But you wont be aloud to play online if you dont. Like how microsoft get around the banning of chipped consoles from Live as its not illegal to chip your machine just just wont let you join in the online games.

eddhorse

Grumpypants

While i have never used the other OS nor will i ever prob get around to it. Its pretty poor form for Sony to sell you something that does xy and z and then turn around and remove Z after you have bought it.

I dont use BC either but if they removed it after using it as a selling point id be pretty annoyed.

Very good point, its like false advertising in a way...

_tony_

Like most people, I never use my OtherOS feature - but I paid for it, and I think it's very, very poor form for Sony to take it away.

But, there are some people out there (and companies and universities), who did buy it for the linux feature, and in particular, to play about with the Cell. Most of the people who really really want to use PS3 Linux and tinker with the Cell are the hacker type. Many of these people don't care about pirated games as they have decent enough PCs for games anyway.

Surely if Sony go ahead and do this - they are just provoking these hacker types to hack the PS3 properly - so that they can unlock their OtherOS, perhaps with GPU, and this would also open the doors for the long awaited ISO loader.

Is it wrong for people to hack it to return a major feature of the system that they paid for? ....Interesting times ahead

kenon

I wont miss this.

I have Yellow Dog installed on it, but I have barely used it due to the performance being crippled by the lack of RAM.

eddhorse

I probably wont miss it but i used it for Mame but whatcha gonna do.
There are ways to get on the PSN though by bypassing the firmware check

noodler

eddhorse wrote: »

I probably wont miss it but i used it for Mame but whatcha gonna do.
There are ways to get on the PSN though by bypassing the firmware check

Leiva

Yea seems like it's defo gonna happen , even GeoHot has had his say..
http://geohotps3.blogspot.com/

eddhorse

Good link Mixednuts

From Geohot

Don't Update
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...

L'prof

Am I the only one who's installed linux on the machine and/or doesn't care?

Grumpypants

Wonder how far you would get looking for a refund saying you bought it for 600 euro because it did this. Now i want a refund. Not far i guess.

Captain Chaos

Grumpypants wrote: »

Wonder how far you would get looking for a refund saying you bought it for 600 euro because it did this. Now i want a refund. Not far i guess.

Sony have themselves covered. Ever read the terms and conditions in the XMB and every firmware update. "Sony reserves the right to make changes at any time to this product".....yda, yda etc......

Its no real loss anyway, it wasn't even a proper feature that was in anyway way useful.

eddhorse

I can see both sides of the argument, Sony dont want Geohot or similar getting close to cracking their machine any further,
Geohot isnt making any friends anyways with people who do use the feature.
Some nasty comments on his blog

Creamy Goodness

geohot is one cocky mother****er... he deserves to have no friends (don't get me wrong the guy can hack/code/etc. but his attitude leaves a lot to be desired).

Grumpypants

Creamy Goodness wrote: »

geohot is one cocky mother****er... he deserves to have no friends (don't get me wrong the guy can hack/code/etc. but his attitude leaves a lot to be desired).

Weirdo internet hacker turns out to be a dick ! Stop the presses

eddhorse

Grumpypants wrote: »

Weirdo internet hacker turns out to be a dick ! Stop the presses

^^ hehe good one

WolfForager

Good on Sony i say, i'd rather have a piracy free console than have linux support (which i have never used, and can't now as i have a slim). TBH i can just see Sony destroying Geohot programming wise, i just can't see one man beating a team of extraordinarily skilled programmers, Sony will basically counter everything Geohot does until there are no holes left.

EDIT: Lmao, geohot's faithful flock has turned against him like rabid wolverines :pac: http://geohotps3.blogspot.com/2010/03/dont-update.html#disqus_thread

eddhorse

Last thing we want is this :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8lbLrdtPTg

eddhorse

Update from Geohot :

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...

Two things, some people seem to think CFW will enable some sort of piracy. It won't. It'll just be a custom version of 3.21 that doesn't lose OtherOS support. Hacking isn't about getting what you didn't pay for, it's about making sure you do get what you did.

And this is about more than this feature right now. It's about whether these companies have the right to take away advertised features from a product you purchased. Imagine if an exploit were found in Safari on the iPhone, but instead of fixing it, Apple decides to pull web browsing altogether. Legally, they may be within their right to do so, but we have to show them it's the wrong move for the future of the product and the company.

Grumpypants

Companies nearly always take the wrong option when it comes to piracy. The guy from Valve made a lot of sense recently when he said that piracy isnt a problem that people are willing to pay for a service as long as that service works well. This was after Ubisoft brought out new DRM that caused games to be unplayable and was hacked within 24 hours.

Its also interesting to think back to when video recorders came out Sony were taken to court for supporting piracy. (Really showing my age now )

eddhorse

Sony launched the Betamax videocassette recording format in 1975.

:eek:

macpac26

I honestly don't understand how this is getting so much media attention. Geohots iPhone example is complete nonsense. Safari is a key fundamental element of the iPhone and is a core component in terms of advertising.

You cannot compare the two features. Sometimes I think PS3 owners are some of the whiniest gamers around. Sony are obviously doing this to protect the system in the long run. A good idea by the way!

Leiva

macpac26 wrote: »

I honestly don't understand how this is getting so much media attention. Geohots iPhone example is complete nonsense. Safari is a key fundamental element of the iPhone and is a core component in terms of advertising.

You cannot compare the two features. Sometimes I think PS3 owners are some of the whiniest gamers around. Sony are obviously doing this to protect the system in the long run. A good idea by the way!

+1
Mac I agree, but do you not think its bad order to just remove the "other OS" option to all users in 1 foul swoop ,even for PS3's out in the field that people have purchased , last time I remember you BUY your PS3 , not license it ?

Peoples argument will be " well just dont go online and update" , that dont really wash with me .
I payed good money for my PS3, if I bought it for the other OS or not . I should be able to go online , off line , upwards, downwards, left , right and not worry about a feature been removed by the Manufacturer ....its none of SONY's business , dont take it off me after I have PURCHASED (not licensed) a PS3 from them .

I could use comparisons but i'm not , think about what they have basically done , its outta order .

I am all up for maintaining the security that we all benefit from today , surely this aint the way to maintain it.

Not moaning just stating facts .

M.

witnessmenow

If it automatically reformats my drive to give me back the 10gb that YDL is using at the moment I will welcome this update with open arms :P

eddhorse

It will be interesting to see how it does give back that partition alright.
How flakey is that going to be !!!

L31mr0d

eddhorse wrote: »

How flakey is that going to be !!!

Shouldn't be flaky at all. It's not like they are separate physical volumes, just remove the formatting on the extra partition then extend the current partition into it.

eddhorse

Ill be still interested to see what happens with the managment of the spare space...

Oh and the legality of it all :

11. MAINTENANCE AND UPGRADES
From time to time, it may become necessary for SCEA to provide certain content to you to ensure that PlayStation(R)Network and content offered through Playstation®Network, your PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system or other SCEA-authorized hardware is functioning properly in accordance with SCEA guidelines. Some content may be provided automatically without notice when you sign into Playstation®Network. Such content may include automatic updates or upgrades which may change your current operating system, cause a loss of data or content or cause a loss of functionalities or utilities. Such upgrades or updates may be provided for system software for your PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, or other SCEA-authorized hardware

witnessmenow

L31mr0d wrote: »

Shouldn't be flaky at all. It's not like they are separate physical volumes, just remove the formatting on the extra partition then extend the current partition into it.

Currently to install a linux partiation you need to do a full backup, a reformat and then a restore, if they were planning on doing that automatically they would have implented it already.

My money is on I'll be disabled from going into YDL and to get the space back i'm going need to backup the PS3 and reformat

Grumpypants

witnessmenow wrote: »

Currently to install a linux partiation you need to do a full backup, a reformat and then a restore, if they were planning on doing that automatically they would have implented it already.

My money is on I'll be disabled from going into YDL and to get the space back i'm going need to backup the PS3 and reformat

Yea think i read in a press release that if you have YDL installed you should back up your ps3 before you update. Hope they make that very clear to people before they update. I can see a lot of people not knowing about this and just updating without reading whats involved and loosing tons of stuff.

eddhorse

I also think that you will have to wipe it all with a format to regain your precious space !!

ctrl-alt-delete

Has anyone done the update?

I've decided against it so far, but i can't play games online without the update?

So is there a way of skipping the update?

gstar

I did the update this morning before i left for work. It was small and done very quickly. when i signed in it said there was an update available and went throug the usual process of accept or decline the terms and conditions blah blah, so i went ahead and did the uptdate. on the face of it there didnt seem to be any other features changed.

im not concerned about losing the other OS feature and if i had to choose between capability of another OS or online gaming, i go for online gaming every time, and to me my PS3 is for gaming and i use my laptop for all the things i cant/wouldnt do on the ps3 (e-mail facebook buying things online etc lol)!!

That said i could understand that anyone who did use that function, might be pretty p'd off if they didnt read all about the new FW before updating it!!!

Leiva

ctrl-alt-delete wrote: »

Has anyone done the update?

I've decided against it so far, but i can't play games online without the update?

So is there a way of skipping the update?

NO !


Did the update myself this morning ( under protest) no option as all my gaming is on line..


What next ? Nokia removing text messaging from "PURCHASED" handsets cause there is a text hack ?

:mad:There is something seriously wrong with a Manufacturer having the capabilities to remove a feature from a piece of hardware remotely , post purchase .:mad:

Grumpypants

What happens if the next hack uses the blu-ray drive ? do they disable that too ??

WolfForager

Isn't bluray ridiculously secure or something?

Grumpypants

WolfForager wrote: »

Isn't bluray ridiculously secure or something?

Isnt everything though untill the hackers start looking at it. If it can be programed it can be deprogramed.

projectmayhem

mixednuts wrote: »

:mad:There is something seriously wrong with a Manufacture having the capabilities to remove a feature from a piece of hardwware remotly , post purchase .:mad:

Normally I would agree but in this instance GeoHot and his mod has directly targeted this feature as a way to possibly get games illegally on the console. It's hardly unforseen that Sony would lock that down.

Also, anyone who actually uses that feature is in the vast, vast minority. If you want a true linux experience install Ubuntu on your PC... not yellowdog on your PS3.

Minstrel27

I wont have any problems updating it tonight but some people are going crazy about it. I ask them if they have ever installed Linux and the response is they plan to.

People will moan for moanings sake