#37424 - 04/06/10 10:36 AM
Sony remotely removes Linux support from PS3s
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Meq
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Registered: 08/28/07
Posts: 861
Loc: UK
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Full story
One of the original selling points of the PlayStation 3 was its ability to install Linux. This turns the games console into a full computer, with the ability to run office applications, edit pictures and audio, develop software, play Flash and Java games, run emulators for various machines (allowing old games to be played), and so forth.
The newer "slim" PS3s had this feature removed, but those who had purchased an older PS3 could still use it as a computer.
That is, until last week.
Sony has released a firmware "update" which completely removes this feature from the PS3. Those with Linux installed will find it never works again. What is more, the update is compulsory - without it, users are locked out of all online gaming - and what is worse, new games for the PS3 will refuse to work at all without it.
Sony's reasoning behind this is that this feature is potentially able to be exploited by hackers in order to pirate games. The decision was spurred by a hacker's recent success in hacking the PS3 utilizing its Linux support. By removing this feature as a "security concern", Sony hope to take a pre-emptive strike at the pirates - albeit at the expense of many legitimate customers who use the PS3 for a bit more than gaming.
Needless to say, many PS3 owners are pretty pissed, and even looking to sue Sony for removing a feature which was not only part of the expensive product they purchased, but a deciding factor in their decision to buy it.
There have already been attempts to hack around this, but it's likely that the hackers will be playing catch-up with Sony, as they further insist on more firmware updates which break the hacks.
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#37467 - 04/09/10 02:05 PM
Re: Sony remotely removes Linux support from PS3s
[Re: TV is God]
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Meq
Banned
active member
Registered: 08/28/07
Posts: 861
Loc: UK
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Sony vs The Customer, Round 2
Looks like Sony just took a killer special attack from the legal moves of its enemy (its customer)...
Although this looks likely to hit retailers first, I doubt Sony will avoid feeling the sting.
For anyone here who has a PS3 and wants this feature, there is still hope, provided you haven't installed the latest update - there are patches available. If you have already installed the latest firmware and want this feature, you're fucked. There's currently no way to revert the features.
For gamers, the best reason to run Linux on a PS3 is the wealth of 2D emulators available for older games consoles (Game Boy Advance, Sega MegaDrive/Genesis, SNES, Amiga, Atari, etc.), as well as the ability to run Flash and Java-based online games. None of these are in the same league as PS3 games (and usually in 2D - PS3 Linux lacks 3D acceleration but can still handle basic 3D), but are still entertaining to many, and a feature they'd gladly keep.
The Wii has a Virtual Console feature which offers much the same thing. What sucks is that the PS3 had much the same capabilities before Sony removed the feature. (Unless you have a crippled PS3 without the update, or use an 'unofficial' patch...)
While the gamers will install this update and possibly lament losing a feature they paid for, the real hackers will continue to hack away on PS3s without this official update. And now with Sony's treatment of the consumer, they are going to hack away as hard as possible...
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