Sony drops Linux Support


Recommended Posts

Just like sony. Claim it does everything then slowly take the good features away. Since the slims dont have the other OS option this means the FATS are being targeted. Whats next Sony? Youve taken everything good away.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

hmmm... I call early april fools prank

I was hoping that was the case but they list the US support toll free number on there and there isn't any prerecorded message telling you it was just a joke. So unless they actually want people calling all the way through to a live operator just to see if linux support is still available, it isn't a joke.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Not surprising, they took it off the slims so it was only a matter of time before they did it to the older systems, and after all this apparent "hacking" I'm surprised it didn't happen sooner.

And I'd love to know out of all the people complaining about it being removed are actually using it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've been using it since I got my PS3, it was great for browsing the web and I had abiword and gnumeric on there for light document editing. It really sucks for all the developers out there that put in the work to make spe patches so we could actually have a fast system just to have it thrown back in their faces.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hopefully this is an April Fools joke. :p There have been a lot of big companies that have bought the PS3 because of the powerful Cell processor with OtherOS support to do things they want/need.

I'm not surprised. This is Sony we are talking about, king of the dumb moves.

Yeah. I wonder how many ordinary people actually use OtherOS support on the old PS3's, other than big companies, to actually care if it is removed. If it's not an April fools joke, Sony is just saving themselves the hassle of supporting something not very many need.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

There have been a lot of big companies that have bought the PS3 because of the powerful Cell processor with OtherOS support to do things they want/need.

Well, to be fair, I really doubt that the companies using them for clusters are going to be doing system updates on them once they get the cluster set up, so it probably won't affect them anyway. I still think it's very dishonest of them to remove an advertized feature under the guise of a system update. In fact, it could actually get them in legal trouble for removing an advertized feature AFTER sale.

edit: it seems they are very serious about this since you won't be able to sign in to PSN anymore without this update apparantly:

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

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Never really been interested in running a gimped computer, that's what my aunts netbook is for. This sucks for some research institutes out there that use the PS3's solely for this feature. Other than that , it still does everything you'd expect of a gaming console so tough it out.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I don't think this will harm any research groups, they don't require PS3 game playback, Blu-Ray or PSN access.

However it will harm the home enthusiast, who may have Linux set up for home entertainment, albeit the PS3 in its origonal state can do almost anything poorly. Its web browsing is horrible, the fact it can't read NTFS drives and can only support files at a max of 4Gb.

The internets are going to explode!!!

Note: For me I am annoyed, but I have never set up linux on my PS3 but atleast it was my choice! Now I'm forced to lose this "feature"

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I don't think this will harm any research groups, they don't require PS3 game playback, Blu-Ray or PSN access.

Exactly. The update isn't mandatory. Institutions will probably just keep their PS3 on firmware 3.20 (if they even upgraded them at all) and be done with it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hmm, this seems to be because the whole Geohot using the OtherOS as a backdoor to the PS3 hardware. Although i don't think much has been done in terms of piracy or homebrew so this is more of a pre-emptive strike against it.

I guess it sucks for those people that use this feature.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Wow :huh: that's just a crazy move on Sonys behalf.

As mentioned, I wouldn't be surprised if this 'could' land them in trouble, what about those that bought the machine solely for that function? Not saying that there are any but 'what if' ?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Wow :huh: that's just a crazy move on Sonys behalf.

As mentioned, I wouldn't be surprised if this 'could' land them in trouble, what about those that bought the machine solely for that function? Not saying that there are any but 'what if' ?

Well the update is 'optional' which means you can choose not to install it but you won't be able to sign into PSN and play games/blu-rays that require a higher OS version. Not really much of an option but for those that want to use linux instead of playing games, it's there...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Meh I'm a bit annoyed by this. I bought my PS3 with the intention of using it with Linux AND playing games/signing into PSN. Are Sony going to refund the cost of the PS3 now I'm not able to do this? Course not.

Listen Sony, you can't say one thing when you sell a product and then stop it later on - that's not in line with several consumer protection laws (well, here in the UK anyway).

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Sucks but if this move can free up more resources for game developers to use, I'm all for it. After all it IS a gaming console and not a glorified PC.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Without limitation, services may include the provision of the latest update or download of new release that may include security patches, new technology or revised settings and features which may prevent access to unauthorized or pirated content, or use of unauthorized hardware or software in connection with the PS3? system

Source

Get out clause, we all agree'd to

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Source

Get out clause, we all agree'd to

Funny, but that bolded part of the clause mentions nothing about removing content that was authorized and promoted/advertised. ;)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It does say revised though, and the OtherOS feature has been revised. So much so that it's been removed. I fully understand why Sony are removing it though and as I've never understood the reason why a home gamer would want this feature I'm totally not bothered at all.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

This topic is now closed to further replies.
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.