PS3 Firmware 3.21 Nixes OtherOS Feature

by Mike Bendel on March 28, 2010 @ 6:05 pm

Update: George Hotz responds.

Sony has announced that the next PS3 system software update — firmware 3.21 — is  slated to hit the PlayStation Network on April 1 and will remove the OtherOS feature present on units prior to the slimline revision, due to “security concerns.”

While Sony neglected to delve into further detail, these “security concerns” likely stem from the discovery of an exploit credited to famed iPhone hacker George “geohot” Hotz. Nothing usable to the average end-user has materialized yet, however, it’s clear that the looming threat of piracy has led Sony to take precautionary measures.

While the update itself is an optional one, by opting out you will no longer be able to sign into PSN nor play PS3 titles that require firmware 3.21 or later.

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Around the web:

Read more: Geohot Sets Up Legal Defense Fund,  Sony Files Lawsuit Over PS3 Hacks, Names Geohot, Fail0verflow Team,  Judge Blocks Sony’s TRO Motion, Geohot Safe For Now,  Update: Geohot To Appear On G4TV Tonight, TRO Hearing Pushed Back,  GeoHot Brings Back OtherOS On PS3 Firmware 3.21

Comments
Darkchild says:

I can foresee lots of people extrenelly angry because of this
March 29, 2010, 1:15 am
Juliet says:

YDL was one of the PS3's extraordinary features. Maybe it wasn't being used much as the XMB has lots of features already built-in and Sony wasn't allowing the OS to use the hardware effectively but I wish it remained there.
March 29, 2010, 2:52 am
Greyone says:

Although I never found otheros particularly useful, it was always handy when I needed to rma pc parts and didn't have another machine to use. CodecSys Video Encoding Software was also pretty neat.
March 29, 2010, 3:45 am
mortalinstincts says:

Get ready to sue! xD

March 29, 2010, 8:06 am
cory1492 says:

lol going by the date...

"you thought you bought a really flexible game system that could do x and xx, right? Well.. APRIL FOOLS we did a bait and switch!"
March 29, 2010, 9:22 am
Nader says:

This is just weak. Sony should learn to treat their customers with respect. They never learn do they... *sigh*
March 29, 2010, 3:17 pm
garotte80 says:

Dont be angry at Sony, be angry at the scumbag pirates and hackers who forced this.

If you want to continue to have access this kind of hardware for this price then maybe you might want to think about cutting Sony some slack. They are a business you know.
March 29, 2010, 3:40 pm
Nader says:

Nobody forced this. Hackers and "scumbag pirates" aren't making Sony lose money. It's their inability and unwillingness to embrace change. Let the old go, embrace the new. They try too hard to be "cool" - then time and again disappoint by showing their true intentions.
March 29, 2010, 6:33 pm
MenaceInc says:

Ultimately Sony is a business and they have to protect their business's interests.

If they sat by and did nothing then their stockholders would be upset and possibly take their money elsewhere.
March 29, 2010, 8:12 pm
Nader says:

Yeah. Just like if some software company started bundling their OS with their own proprietary browser and e-mail software to protect their business?
March 29, 2010, 10:33 pm
MenaceInc says:

You can't compare what Microsoft have done to what Sony has done. Consoles are expected to be used for games and anything that helps the piracy of games would affect the stockholders. If they feel that their investment isn't safe with Sony due to piracy then they'll take their money elsewhere and Sony would lose money.

March 29, 2010, 11:41 pm
Alex says:

Well in ain't updating for s@&t. I wanna see what geohotz has in stock XD

March 30, 2010, 1:11 am
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