Update: The original cited source has been removed. Whether that indicates deception or not, who knows… I guess we’ll find out whenever Sony makes a move.
So says Owen Stampflee, Linux Product Manager and YDL Developer:
I’ve caught a rumor from a reputable source that the next firmware update for old PS3s will remove the OtherOS feature…
I’m not sure if it’s true or not but it’s in the best interest of the YDL community to spread the word.
I can’t say I’d be surprised if they did… Quick headcount, how many people out there actually use OtherOS? Not to hack or mimic Geohot’s setup; I’m talking a real legitimate use, something you’d considerably miss if Sony ditched it. Could you pick between OtherOS and PSN — online gaming, store access, etc.? Me, I don’t use it. But then what about hacking later PS3 models? Man oh man…
- source: yellowdog-board
Evan, thanks for the tip.
First.
And that’s effing lame.
there is no way at all that Sony will remove OtherOS.
What they would end up with is potentially every owner of an old ps3 phat returning it for refund (or taking Sony to court) because that PS3 does not now operate as when bought – even if you don’t use OtherOS you could get your $$$ back.
OtherOS will stay in the old PS3 but Sony will likely patch it to remove the threat – if they believe there is even a threat.
Actually, they can remove it. That’s like saying they aren’t allowed to patch a game because ‘it doesn’t operate as when bought’. If it is any threat to security, they can, and will patch it.
And a patch would be very hard since the hack uses hardware and software, they would need to block out Linux to stop the software since they can’t really update much of the hardware without having the system.
So it would be very difficult, if not impossible to patch.
no they can’t
Well there’s a flaw With what you say, if you buy a game any updates can take away weapons etc, but they never advertise that as an agreement… If they take stuff away that Bruce advertised they’ve broken they’re agreement and must either add something of equal value or refund you the difference, that’s the law that’s your right! ( well here in Europe anyway) you can’t list a feature then remove it! Consumers are entitled to a refund! Or Sony can offer us all something! I used otheros! I’m pissed off! They went about it the wrong way and a shitty agreement that you sign up to when after you purchase a product and activate it is a double breach and should be advertised beforehand!
Big time.
If there is a class action, let it be initiated and I will jump in on it as well as a lot of others. At the very least it will be interesting watching Sony try to defend this as saying it is aiding piracy. I guess since Sony doesnt get royalties they somehow consider it piracy. I am also sure that if they offered a reasonably priced Linux download from their store people would buy it and it if it is easy to install and use I would wager they would make a killing off it and it would help extend the life of an already dated system. This would also enable Sony to tell how often and how much people are actually using Linux.
If they do actually take OtherOS away, whats going to be next? Mess with the Emotion Engine, and take our backwards compatibilty also?
I paid over already like $800 on ps3 games alone since the first month it came out. I’m really waiting to play emulators through the XMB, and custom themes.
Anyone remember Killer Instincts from SNES, and then N64?
Be really nice if one day I can play KI in 1080p
I don’t think they’re making a 1080p version of KI
*facepalm*
*facepalm*
It’s already made, he was just talking about emulating a SNES or a N64 game in 1080p
No, it hasn’t. RARE hasn’t done a KI game since KI2 on N64.
funny you should mention that pyro2hot im just about to install yellow dog my self to play some emulation.
But i do have a question if you have e.g. yellow dog installed and a new firmware comes along takes away the other os option what would happen to the space or data that you had installed already in the previous firmware.
Answer another screw up for the ps3
I would be pissed if they removed it, not really because I use it but because my PS3 can do it and it doesn’t effect anything else on my system by having it so why bother removing it. but i did see an awesome emulation thing the other day that said it could easily make YDL play most emulators just fine and I thought I might have to try that out, so I will be sad if the emulators work great but sony ends up removing otheros.
Yea if sony does remove otherOS, I will be seeking legal action to get a refund of $600+ because why should I have had to pay twice the amount for my system that now does the same thing as the new system do for half the price.
That isn’t a logical excuse to get a refund, Blu-Ray players were $1000 about the same time PS3 came out and now they got players that do the same thing as the $1000 ones did plus more, now the $1000 players are like $150 or less. Technology changes and advances, price changes too.
yeah i would be very pissed off if they do remove it, its one of the reasons i bought a ps3 in the first place,i would end up selling it and buying no sony products from now on or ever again
As stated in the original post *Most* people do not use this function (even considering this is a hacking site, only 7 people cared enough to write something about it out of thousands) , I dont think they would remove it completely, but what you guys are saying is ultimately piracy ( mainly running EMULATORS which I can honestly maybe one of you are doing it legit ) and I honestly dont care your standings on the subject but that is why they would remove it.
They would be doing it to protect their profits nothing more. They are a big company that want money and if it means losing the occasional battle of a couple thousand dollars at most for loss of compatibility then so be it the amount they would get back from making you buy games would more than make up for it plain and simple.
It always comes back to the $$$ in their pockets.
u make sony out to be heartless money grubbers only out to make a buck sonys doing this so all the money the put into this doesnt just get wasted without there gold egg (ps3 & games) sony would be broke because lets face it there aduio equipment always brakes there tvs are over priced the psp and ps2 are obsolete they dont really have great cellphones the ps3 is the only thing keeping them from fileing bankruptcy.
Emulators existed on Linux before the PS3, so Sony should have realized that before they made the PS3 with Linux ability. Changing it now would just be stupidity on their behalf. I do disagree with “mandatory firmware updates” though.
If they remove this feature just because a few people are trying to exploit a bug it will solve nothing. They will eventually, using the non-updated ps3, gain access to the hardware and eventually get the keys. Then there will be thousands of dollars made on ebay selling ‘OtherOS Enabled’ PS3′s by scabs.
I would hop on the class action lawsuit that would happen from them removing OtherOS features. Maybe someone will figure out a way to hack the PS3 via the PS2 part and then they will disable that next.
fuck you mavrick.
To answer the question posed in the original article, ‘Yes’.
I do in fact use the PS3 as a legitimate computing box on my ‘downstairs PS3′. The machine is located in a rec room where it plays the role as a game machine / movie player / and Linux box for simple surfing / OO use, etc.
It’s worked out really well since I’ve not had to consume more space with additional hardware for services that in this case the PS3 is completely capable of providing.
This is one rumor I soon hope to see debunked…
paq237
Ok Dashhacks asked if ANY actually uses the OtherOS. Well yes I do. My old PC dies about a year ago and I have been using my PS3 and Ubuntu for over a year, if they take away my OtherOS I sure effing hope they are going to buy me another computer.
PS. I am using it right now to write this.
I agree, I use the Linux for legitimate reasons. I learned everything (as little as it is) I know about Linux via Ubuntu for PS3. Linux was one of the selling points of the PS3.
This should be something like this:
if you have it installed, then you keep the option.
if it is not installed then the option is removed.
A lot of people uses the ps3 as a server using linux because of the cell processor, so I don’t think they’re taking it off so easily.
OHHH hell no I freaken use linux get the hell outta here sony I refuse to update and if that effects me to my games I will personally sell this console and everything with it and will buy a 360 for linux when I jtag it this is the reason why I decided to buy a ps3 as well in the first place !! Don’t you dare Sony I swear I will bugout just don’t I use that emulation stuff on linux I type essays on linux I even print em out from the ps3 just stop Sony just stop ur not microsoft this is the reason why I sold my 360 stop being gay and pulling some microsoft garbage, squash this rumor asap greg theres no way !!!!!
do you realy think sony will read this ?
why are you threatening sony in here ?
Now I use the OtherOS function, since your previous post with the emulator.
i seriously doubt they will. they know how much controversy that would bring. it would be so much easier to simply patch it and move on.
then again, it would kinda make sence to take it off since the new gen ps3 (slim) doesnt have linux. they might actually completely get rid of other os. i sure hope not. !!
what i really wish they would do is put a friends list after the psn icon on the psp !! that would be much better and im sure many ppl have been waiting for it. i know i have.
but i seriously dont think they would. many ppl would ATTEMPT legal action against them and WILL LOOSE!!!
you will lose because before updating you MUST ACCEPT the terms of agreement. and the terms of agreement will state that the other os will be removed and if you accept, its your fault, not theirs. !!
ps3 linux users dont update first sony takes away ps2 compatibility and now otheros just because the ps3 will be hacked well i hope ps3 gets hacked so that way sony will scream and its not our fault that geoshot discovered that exploit but i am glad he did because sony they only think for their benefits not for ours. I wont update
I am sure the Linux hack is just a way to open doors to further hacking and it probably wont be required after they have totally figured out the PS3 security. Look at the Wii, it required a chip for over a year to play “back-up” games. Now its just a matter of dropping a few files on the SD card and installing some files. The PSP had game save exploits and even the TIFF exploit. The Slim PS3 will provoke hackers and dev-teams to hack it without Linux. Its only a matter of time, the PS3 will be hacked. 98% of flash-based technology can be re-flashed with “custom” firmwares. Even home DVD players, the Xbox360 DVD-ROM, PSP Custom Firmware, as well as the Wii Firmware being altered.
umm.. hate to burst everyones bubble but the new ps3s dont have other os and they make sure so yeah they are starting to take the other os away
I hope they would not do that, but it would not be a surprise if they did. Why would they want to make 2 firmwares dependent on what version PS3 people have versus one firmware that could work on all machines.
Yes I use the OtherOs for Ubuntu Linux, since I don’t have a computer…
I hope this isn’t true.
I have to say if sony do that they are ripping everyone off if you purchase a ps3 that has otheros then it should stay i think sony only have the right to fix security issues and this does not include removing otheros, how bout they flash a scanner into the memory which scans apps for threats and denies or access it that would stop geohots hack. you dont see microsoft aking peoples priveledges away after they paid full price. £400 is alot of money to pay for a console that is slowly being stripped down into a £100 console by its manufacturer id be real pissed off if they did try it.
Microsoft has punished many people that did not hack their console because of the modders, Sony cares not about us but making sure that the dollar keeps coming in. If they did not then this would not matter as the only thing that they are affected by when a hack is introduced is the fact that well sales for the ps3 will go up (they loose money for every console sold by the way) there would be no money coming in for games. Geohots hack is untraceable and un-patchable. The only way to get rid of it is to remove the OtherOS function. I love the PS3 but to be honest I feel Sony can go F**K themselves, They are our consoles and like always we do as we please with them… in the end there is nothing you can do to stop us.
As of right now, I think Sony would still have an advantage over Xbox360 even if the system did get fully hacked. Games are on Blu-Ray disks, Blu-Ray burners and disks are still a bit on the expensive side. Game downloads would take hours/days (depending on internet speed). With the exception of multi-disk Xbox360 games, most games on Xbox360 games are 6.7GB downloads. PS3 games are 3x that on average. Even MotorStorm was 18GB. Metal Gear Solid 4 was about 40GB or so. Also, the PS3 still offers free online game play. I do think the PS3 is a better media center than Xbox360. NetFlix movies can be streamed to PS3 without an additional fee where Xbox360 users would be required to have Gold Membership if they wanted to have that (even though alot of people are on Gold anyway)
PSN is Sony’s network, and THEY can do with it what THEY please.
Flashing something into the memory wont help them, since Geohot already can read and write the PS3′s memory. He could easily reverse it!
Dudes, A lawsuit? You don’t expect to win do you,LOL.
otherOS was a bonus in the fat ps3. Dont tell me you bought it just because of this feature. If someone is finding a way to hack it via this bonus feature what do you expect them to do about it?
Sorry “dude”, but yes. This was one _OF_ the reasons to buy PS3 instead of Xbox. And i paid a good money for it – it it’s to be removed, i’ll jump in on the lawsuit bandwagon.
I bought a 60GB PS3 at launch, primarily for OtherOS as well. It was one of -my- deciding factors to purchase this model and pay so much money. I use Linux all the time on my PS3, probably more than playing games on it . . .
It wasn’t a bonus, it was a way, to export it with paying much less taxes… this was necessary back when the cost of BD-drive production was still enourmos!
if sony really cared about major profits, they should actually enable and encourage emulators and codes and stuff. Im sure lots of people would hit the stores to buy a ps3 once they hear the games can be copied for cheap
Why would Sony market that? That’s . . . extremely illegal . . .
ALOT of legal things are only illegal when used in the wrong ways. There are legal reasons to use Emulation (home-brew programmers). Nothing illegal about codes. Remember Game Genie? that wasn’t illegal. Games have button codes in them as well…
This is ridiculous if true. I still use OtherOS on nearly a daily basis. It’s one of the reason’s I purchased a PS3 to be honest. I use it as a PC. I write papers on it, edit images, surf the web, etc. If this happens, I will be EXTREMELY fucking pissed off. It’s removing an extremely crucial element of the PS3 in my opinion. This is stupid. If it happens, fuck you Sony . . .
So I checked the source that was cited in the original post, and it doesn’t exist. What’s up with that?
What would happen to our partitions if this was removed?
Will it be totally scrapped, or just access to it blocked?
I would hate to have to format again just to reclaim some space if othorOS is unuseable.
yes i use it with Yellow Dog Linux
not regulary
but i still use it all the same
Seriously? I finally made the time to install YDL and literally AS I’M INSTALLING IT I’m reading that there is a rumor of it being removed.
It just can’t be true.
I use Linux on my PS3 and if Sony takes this away from me I will move to the 360 without turning back, I am getting sick of Sony’s BS. Ever since day one of the release they have promised so much and yet failed on just about everything. This will be the last straw for me………dont let me down again Sony I am hanging by a thread….
I use the OtherOS quite often to compile my engineering projects since the only other computer I have is a NetBook. Compiling on my ps3 for large database projects works about 5x as fast as attempting to compile on my eeePc. I don’t have a pc other than my ps3 so this is a pretty big deal breaker for me.
Didn’t they advertise about the OtherOS on the packaging of the old ps3s, if so then a class action lawsuit would be possible if they took it out afterward.
those of you who are saying that u r goin to sue sony for removing other os (if they decide to) u are retarted and will look like an idiot and will loose.
before updating, you must accept the terms of agreement. and if the terms of agreement state that the other os is removed, and you accept the terms of agreement, and update, its your fault, and u cant sue.!
so good luck lookin like an ass in court
Looking through the agreement I don’t see anything. So the new agreement is where they would change it and that’s bullshit. And dont act like you know your shit because class action lawsuits go one all the time with lots of success for the little people. Everyone is correct it is advertised on the boxes and in the manuals boosting about running an operating system on the PS3. Taking that away from a user after they purchased it for that reason is WRONG.
But Dave is one of those people that buys a Toyota and in his user agreement Toyota has the right to take the tires and engine out a year after he has been using it. He thinks that’s normal though.
change in TOS happens all the time. You don’t accept them, then your PS3 won’t get updated. Pretty easy.
Just like all that mail you’re getting from the credit card companies and banks with the new changes in the law that affects the old terms and conditions. You can opt out, but they will cancel your service. YOu can opt out of Sony’s new TOS, but then you won’t be able to update.
look man i understand where ur comming from, & im not offended or anything, but u gotta understand 1 thing… the ps3 isnt just an online system, it works offline too. when u see the terms of agreements changes, simply dont update. big deal. yea, it would suck, but it will b like having a ps2 thts 10x better.
the terms of agreement also say that since psn is free, they can end it anytime they choose.
Suing would definitely be possible if it were removed. Yeah, you have to accept an EULA, but then again, if you buy a game that REQUIRES you to update and it’s mandatory, that could cause some problems. And before you start calling people “retarted,” and saying people will “loose,” a court battle, think a little or maybe take a look in the mirror and contemplate some things.
first of all u no wat i didnt even think of that & i appoligize to the community.
and the last statement was a lil uncalled 4 bro who the fuck are you?? you dont even fuckin know me—
I agree with ya there. The Mandatory Updates are bullshit. I can understand updates for taking games online to prevent cheating and stuff, but the required update is not right. I hated that on PSP as well.
The thing I don’t understand is:
When Sony brought out the PS3 it only contained Other OS for 1 reason:
So they could actually ship it as Computer hardware, and not as a game console!
This saved them an incredible amount of money since u pay way less tax importing and exporting PC hardware then game Consoles! This was necessary in the begining to press costs, since the production was already more expensive then what they sold it for!
Now, if they would remove the other OS function and make the Update mandatory, they should be forced to pay the tax difference for all the PS3s they sold under a different tax-pretence!! That would be my point 2 it, and the only point where sony could be attacked, since the new PS3slims are exported as game consoles because the cost of production for BD-drives went down.
So we have 2 clearly seperate the 2 from eachother!
what about the military which just bought a crapload of ps3s?
http://scitech.blogs.cnn.com/2009/12/09/military-purchases-2200-ps3s/
I’m pretty sure they are using the OS feature.
I’m pretty sure the military won’t need to update. They’re not going on PSN
Nah i have the military as a friend on PSN their alias is MW2KING
Seriously though, this is a rumor with no confirmed source.
I think this isnt true because if they do this then yes there will be lawsuits. It doesnt matter if they win or lose because money will be lost. Also the post above about paying tax would be true as well.
What about the business person who’s extremely important work and information are saved on the otheros partition.
I am sure this rumor is fake and Sony will not go ahead and do this
i dont think you have the entire u.s. military using one account lol maybe a dude from the military or a platoon who invested in one lol however this detail is completely irrelevant because the army are only using these 4 the os and the cheap cellpower i dought they even see the xmb screen anymore they probably just leave them to boot into ydl and unless sony figures out how to update without your permission and do it while you run ydl i think the miltary will be safe ps. if we want to exploit the ps3 faster i would recomened you get some computer techs from the miltary considering there newly found expertise with the ps3
sony should just through out os and make there own secure computer based secondary operation system so you can have your ps3/computer and they can have peace of mind, putting up blocks against mods would be difficult but wirthwhile in the end imagen how much this would increase sales for them if you could buy a next gen gaming console and a computer.
shut the fuck up there are not going to be lawsuits who the fuck is going to pay 100 an hour to a lawyer for a system that cost $300-$500 plus linux which was free lol just so sony can bring out the best lawyer and have him shove his foot in your ass
Dont give a shit about online gaming only using it for pes and media player
I find it funny people talking abut lawsuits. What the hell are any of you people going to do about it? Go to court and whine about how Sony removed something when they had the right?
The court would see it only as “Sony protecting their company, PS3 and the gaming industry from piracy.” What are you going to say?
Sony learned their lesson from the PSP, you see a vulnerability…GET RID OF IT.
I’m sure there are tons of smart people out there that are trying their best to hack the PS3, and someday it will be hacked. As for now Sony has a right to protect their PS3 by any means they can legally. They call it “HACKING” for a reason…
Enough of my rant, i want to see the flaming.
”Sony learned their lesson from the PSP, you see a vulnerability…GET RID OF IT.”
Yeah, and replace it with a new one :)
well if hackers actually listened to the hacking commandment Thou shalt work ethically then there would be no reason for removing the os so you can all thank gehot or whatever his name is 4 this. Seriously though im all 4 hacking but dont try to do somthing that will FUCK EVERYONE ELSE OVER. think before you act
If you dont want to loose your OtherOS feature, well then just dont update your system?
This is true ;D
you stupid gay
Sorry to burst people bubble from a legal stand point sony can’t remove it from people that already own these PS3 and as you see they had to release newer models and let people know the systems are no longer baclward compatiple.
You can’t remove a feature that people aready paid for that would bring on many lawsuits against them.
I upgrading my HD and I plan to install a linux system to beable to use my ps3 as a pc as well as learn unix and it doesn’t matter what people are doing Sony can’t remove it now. Too Late. I and many others could legally ask for a refund as this is not like a online feature they decided no too use or continue this is part of the system and removing it is breaking the law.
i hope your not a laywer jackass because sony has every right to remove the os you fucking retard its there software they can remove whatever they please if they did do it i would laugh because i could imagen u at court ” oh your honor i cant hack the ps3 and install emulaters and pirate ps3 games i think you should force sony to keep the os” LOL what a joke microsoft removes shit from windows 24/7 and i have never heard a word of a lawsuit sony reserves all rights to modify the system software dont believe me look at the manual fucktard
I am not so sure. I believe Sony has the right to make ‘reasonable’ modifications to the software, but they cannot just change whatever they please. Under your argument, they could theoretically remove the ability to play any game, making it only a home theater device (I know, they wouldn’t do this at all, but if they hold the right to change their software however they want, they could). I think the court would have to decide if the change is reasonable within the scope of harm/benefit of the owner of the PS3. This would be very interesting in court, and I could see Sony losing here, on the basis that people did in fact purchase a PS3 over a 360 specifically to be used also as a computer, which Sony is now trying to take back. This could be especially tricky for Sony as they promoted the 360 as not a gaming machine but the ‘ultimate home entertainment experience’, using the Blu Ray, media streaming, and Other OS as a selling feature. This is similar to a car dealership saying “Buy this car and we’ll give you free gas for a year” and then returning 6 months later to say ‘you know what, you got a great car and we don’t want to give you your free gas anymore.’ Don’t see that flying.
hello …
i love it, how most react at such news, it shows how really you need or wish for something LOL.
i’ll be sad if SONY removes otherOS, even if i’m not using the feature right now, i already downloaded YDL & have the space reserved.
i’m not for piracy in any form, but i really want SONY, no CFW to use the console’s potential with Linux.
still, i feel most whine too much & want to do too much with the PS3 that they can do cheaply elsewhere.
who doesn’t have a PC these days, why don’t we keep emulators, pirated stuffs & all mega MODs & Custom ‘machin-chose’ on our PC & let the PS3 stay our do-it-all, @ least ‘legit’ do-it-all state of the art console.
The PC is the most powerful beast out there if you have the money, people tend to spoil everything fo little. OMG, i don’t want to run MAME or NES emulators on my PS3, i don’t even have enough time to play my PS3 games!
but 1 thing for sure, if SONY removes otherOS it will be because of ‘you’ who wants to make the machine another lame pirated platform.
so i’m ready for it, with or without Linux on my PS3 i’ll still enjoy it for what it’s good at, Play wonderful games & watch blu-rays.
legal note: SONY cannot be sued for this, believe me i know what i’m talking about & won’t be enough for 1 post.
good luck everyone & it’s about time people stop seeking for stupid things, now if with Linux you could really emulate let say to play othe regions PS2 games / PC games oe even Xbox ones (originals siouplait!) then would be great & i’m sure SONY will not even think about blocking it …. oh yeah Geohot hack, well it’s getting nowhere …
OK, i’ll do something against my own policy, if someone wants to hack the PS3, do so but only to do the things i mentioned above, like play other systems games & run other region contents then it will be worth it…
till then,
cheers!
p.s. I love your comments, a good LOL! ;)
… oh yeah sorry i forgot,
SONY can’t remove that option, else would be shot by the US millitary who uses 2300 + PS3 under Linux …
& by me who intend to use that functionality soon … ;)
I said no to piracy because the games are worth buying …
now go in peace!
cheers!
I regularly use Debian on my PS3, to port software to PowerPC, optimise for AltiVec, and program the SPUs, I would hate to see the support go.
I work in a game studio, so I also have access to PS3 Tests and PS3 Debug Stations, but I find it incredibly more efficient prototyping and testing my software natively under Linux than remotely on those devices.
Fear mongering.
Here’s the official word from SCE management (posted by a Sony employee):
‘Please be assured that SCE is committed to continue
the support for previously sold models that have the
“Install Other OS” feature and that this feature will
not be disabled in future firmware releases.’
Source:
http://lists.ozlabs.org/pipermail/cbe-oss-dev/2010-February/007202.html
Guess the fear mongers were right. And Sony’s word is Sh*t.
hello …
so sad … we can’t take SONY’s word anymore … most rumours end up True, well if it applies to all, there was one about making the actual PSN payable …
*sniff*
i was so wrong, now i’m so mad!
cheers!
Fuck you sony, this is bullshit. stop taking away functions you fucking fish eating assholes.