PS3 Firmware (v3.21) is set to launch on April 1st . Within this is update, Sony is going to remove OtherOS support from all existing PS3’s launched before the current slim model in September 2009.
Previously it was mentioned that this feature would not be removed, but it appears that due to “security concerns” that has changed. The ability to run various flavors of Linux, as well as apply any of the recently found exploits for the console will no longer be possible. The update isn’t truly mandatory, but without it you will lose the following as detailed from the PlayStation Blog:
- Ability to sign in to PlayStation Network and use network features that require signing in to PlayStation Network, such as online features of PS3 games and chat
- Playback of PS3 software titles or Blu-ray Disc videos that require PS3 system software version 3.21 or later
- Playback of copyright-protected videos that are stored on a media server (when DTCP-IP is enabled under Settings)
- Use of new features and improvements that are available on PS3 system software 3.21 or later
For those utilizing the PS3 in a cluster array, or those simply learning about the Cell programming using the Linux SDK, this will be transparent as their primary focus is probably none of the above. Given that when changes were made to the GameOS, it directly affected, and sometimes broke certain elements in Linux that then required the GameOS to be changed, it definitely saves Sony time and resources by removing it. As I detailed here some time ago, many factors had been in play for quite sometime that may have culminated in this decision.
While it doesn’t mean it couldn’t surface in a release by Sony that’s non supported, it doesn’t appear likely.
