PS3 Firmware Confirmed – Removes Linux
- March 29th, 2010
- Posted in News
- By W3XF0RD
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In a move that will prove unpopular with many fans, the latest PS3 firmware update (v3.21) will be released this Thursday 1st April and has been confirmed to remove the ability to install a Linux Operating System. All PS3s prior to the release of the PS3 Slim have the ability to run a Linux OS alongside the standard PS3 OS but from April 1st this option will be removed due to apparent ‘security concerns’.
Many fans tout the ability to install Linux as one of the advantages of the PS3 over the competition so this will be a blow to many. In addition, although the update is not mandatory, players will be unable to use the PSN, thus rendering the following abilities obsolete:
- 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.
In reality, only a small proportion of PS3 users actually have a Linux OS installed and many users may not even notice that this option has been removed. Unfortunately, this will probably not be enough to stop the inevitable backlash from disappointed fans.