Firmware update 3.21 will remove the “install other OS” option on older PlayStation 3 models, which means that gamers that want to experiment with Linux on their PS3 consoles will not be able to do so. The update will be available on April 1, 2010. Naturally, users can choose not to install the update, but they’ll miss out on newer features. Sony Computer Entertainment America senior director of corporate communications & social media Patrick Seybold wrote the following on the PlayStation Blog:
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.
I’ve never bothered with console Linux. I thought it was more of a gimmick than a truly useful feature. Do any of you use Linux on your PlayStation 3 systems? It’s interesting that Sony is suddenly concerned with Linux being a security issue. Are you buying the explanation or do you think it’s a cover up for something else?
I don't have a PS3 to even attempt to run linux on, but if my old laptop still has some life in it I would like to run linux on it just to use it. I've never gotten the chance to really see that OS and I just wanna know, just because I'm curious about stuff like that.
never bothered to install an OS. didn't see the point of it.
meh, I installed it once but only so I could say I did. It had been a while, I forgot how useless linux is
The first time I ran Ubuntu it was on my PS3. It was pretty neat since I could network all of my devices with the homebrew that only Linux could provide. I ultimately got rid of it though. VMware on my Mac seemed more efficient.
I think Sony is trying to blow smoke up ppl’s ass with the security issues. Linux is far safer than OSX or Windows.
I guess they need to change their slogan to “It only does everything…until we cripple it on purpose”
@smartguy’s last sentence – HA! I’m sorry, I love my ps3, but that struck me funny enough to choke on my drink this morning. Tyvm!
I never bothered to try Linux on mine either. I didn’t see the point. Now to just cross my fingers and hope the firmware update doesn’t screw up my system.
@Shockwave562 I wouldn’t call Linux useless. It just requires a bit more work.
I looked into for mine and even got Ubuntu downloaded and then I heard about there being little to no driver support and complication with it working and having to partition your drive and I just never got around to it. I was also going to do it when I swapped out hard drives, but again just didn’t. I mean its nice that the feature is there but they could have taken it out and not told me and I still wouldn’t know.
Will this affect people who have already installed another OS?
@SlickyFats Great question. I imagine if it’s already there, the update won’t remove it. It just kills the option to install.