Ever since it launched in 2006, one of the neater features of the PlayStation 3 has been its ability to run operating systems other than its own. Like Linux. Next month, however, the console will ditch that compatibility.
On April 1, Sony will release the next firmware update for the PS3, bringing it to v3.21. It seems the sole purpose of this update is to remove the âinstall other OSâ feature from pre-Slim models of the console. SCEAâs Senior Director Corporate Communications & Social Media, Patrick Seybold, says the move is âdue to security concernsâ.
He also says that disabling the feature âwill help ensure that PS3 owners will continue to have access to the broad range of gaming and entertainment content from SCE and its content partners on a more secure system.â
Of course, Sony is quick to point out the install is âoptionalâ, but then, if you refuse to upgrade, youâll no longer be able to sign into the PlayStation Network or play any PS3 games (or Blu-Rays) that require v3.21 (or higher). So no, for many people, itâs not really optional.
This of course doesnât affect owners of a âSlimâ PS3, as the feature was never present in that model in the first place.
People who already have Linux installed and choose to receive the v3.21 update should move any relevant stuff somewhere else, as they âwill not be able to access that data following the updateâ.
The âsecurityâ reason is an interesting one, given that, around the time of the initial announcement of the PS3 Slim losing Linux support, Sony promised that âthis feature will not be disabled in future firmware releasesâ.
Weâve asked Sony for clarification on just what the âsecurity concernsâ are, and will update if we hear back.
