Sony Computer Entertainment has announced that, on April 1, a new firmware version for the PS3, version 3.21, will be available for download and install. No new features are added. To the contrary, the firmware upgrade disables the "Install Other OS" feature that was available on the "fat" PS3 consoles. The removal of Linux support is "due to security concerns," according to SCE.
In the company's words, disabling the Other OS feature "will 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."
When the slim PS3 was confirmed to lack "Other OS" support, SCE assured that this feature was removed "to focus on delivering games and other entertainment content. It also added: "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."
PS3 owners that use the Other OS feature can choose not to upgrade their PS3 systems, although the following features will no longer be available:
- Ability to sign in to PlayStation Network and use network features that require signing in to PSN, 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
SCE warns that, to avoid loss of data, PS3 users who are currently using the Other OS feature and choose to install the system software update should first back up any data stored within the hard drive partition used by the "Other OS," as they will not be able to access that data following the update.
This is
not an April Fool's joke - unless SCE is somehow playing a prank on the PS3 community worldwide.