The latest firmware update for everyone’s favourite black box ‘o Blu-ray has gone live today – and unfortunately word of it removing the Other Os feature wasn’t some sort of elaborate April Fool’s Hoax.
In a move that’s pissing a lot of people off, the update offers no new features, instead removing them.
Even worse is that it’s essentially mandatory. Boot up your internet-connected system and you’ll be prompted to update. You don’t have to update, but not doing so bars you from connecting to the PSN.
Personally I can’t say I care much, never having installed Linux on my own PS3 – but it’s a feature some people use, and it’s a feature that was advertised. Removing it now, even if for the purposes of stopping potential piracy is a poor move, as some opportunistic bonehead is going to take Sony to court over this.
If you really want to update your PS3, but want the OtherOS feature as well, remember that GeoHot is promising to deliver a custom firmware that’ll retain the machine’s ability to install Linux.
Last Updated: April 1, 2010
RSA-Ace
April 1, 2010 at 14:11
“philip – I would bet R1k that this is april fools.”
I don’t mind accepting the money. I would even accept a proof of payment to a charity for R1k.
WitWolfyZA
April 1, 2010 at 14:26
charity starts in my pockets dude
Someone
April 1, 2010 at 15:17
This isnt a joke as its been planned for a while now.
So it’ll more than likley stay.
I myself never botherd with linux (I never liked it) but there a fe (abit really) of people I know who has it installed.
Some got it for this reason. (one guy sold his PC to buy the PS3 coz he now didnt need it)
WitWolfyZA
April 1, 2010 at 15:19
Well thanks to Geohot he has to remove it now
riezo
April 6, 2010 at 14:57
Geohot also stated that guys that want to use the OtherOS feature shouldnt update because he is making custom firmware.
Link here http://geohotps3.blogspot.com/2010/03/dont-update.html
WitWolfyZA
April 6, 2010 at 15:36
Yes he said he’ll make one yes. but the question is.. how long will it take. and do gamers have the patience to wait?