• Rumor: Sony to block OtherOS support next firmware update

    PS3 Hacks , 19.02.2010

    Now this is a nasty rumor to be awoken to, just as the scene finally broke down the hypervisor security, we now hear rumors that Sony is planning to block OtherOS support via next PS3 firmware update.

    Owen Stampflee Linux Product Manager for Fixstars Corporation made the following post in the yellowdog-boards:



    Everyone,

    I’ve caught a rumor from a reputable source that the next firmware update for old PS3s will remove the OtherOS feature…

    I’m not sure if it’s true or not but it’s in the best interest of the YDL community to spread the word.

    Cheers,
    Owen

    This indeed is an unexpected move on Sony’s part if indeed this rumor is real, but of course we all know the solution and that is to not update :) .

    [VIA]

    Tags: , , , , , , ,

    Discuss in Forums (17)


  • 17 Comments

    1. spec8320
      02-19-2010
      12:06 PM
      1

      is there any possible to hmm pass Update Checking when you want to play on internet ?

    2. MohammadAG
      02-19-2010
      12:52 PM
      2

      "Rest assured, this will not happen. Sony's Satoshi Hashimoto, in an interview with Impress Watch, said that Sony will not be removing the feature, which he refers to as "Other OS functionality." He also assured readers that there currently isn't a problem with the feature leaving a security hole with the system." ~1st result from:
      http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&r...&aq=f&aqi=&oq=

    3. mrpitman
      02-19-2010
      01:36 PM
      3

      You'd think that would be unlawful. Since the unit came with it, and now you wanna take it away. Doesn't seem right to me. The PS3 is suppose to be a super computer is what I understood.

    4. Pirate
      02-19-2010
      02:36 PM
      4

      Originally Posted by MohammadAG View Post
      "Rest assured, this will not happen. Sony's Satoshi Hashimoto, in an interview with Impress Watch, said that Sony will not be removing the feature, which he refers to as "Other OS functionality." He also assured readers that there currently isn't a problem with the feature leaving a security hole with the system." ~1st result from:
      http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&r...&aq=f&aqi=&oq=
      Look at the date the statement was posted, its entirely possible that Sony could change their minds with the recent Geohot's breakthrough.

    5. mcd1992
      02-19-2010
      04:08 PM
      5

      Sadly I wouldn't be surprised if sony actually does this..... altho ive been on OFW 2.50 for a while now :/

    6. jaasumbra
      02-19-2010
      08:56 PM
      6

      This is never going to happen!
      If they removed the OtherOS feature with an update, they would at the same time, block access to a lot of personal storage files, pictures etc, that consumers have stored on their OtherOs Partition.. Also, what would happen to the Otheros partition? would it be formatted, and joined to the gameos partition once again? -I don't think so

      Also, the thread where the romour was stated, seems to be disappeared - so it didn't seem to be a very reliable source anyhow! (unless there has been leaked info which wasn't allowed, but that is VERY unlikely)

      all in all, it would be too complicated for Sony to make this a reality, and even though, they have the right to do it, it probably would cause a few legal problems with blocking consumers acces to their own personal files which are stored on the otheros partition! We must remember they have advertised with the OtherOs feature for a long time now...

      If they block acces for existing users who already have Linux installed, Sony would get into far more trouble than piracy ever would give them, it would even almost start a riot!

      Though, I would advise anyone, not to update their FW for a lot of other reasons, until we know what $ony's next step is, you never know what they are willing to do, and we can be certain of one thing, they aren't going to give up

    7. CrakRock
      02-19-2010
      11:25 PM
      7

      Hello everyone, First post
      I had a feeling that was what sony was going to do to try to stop Geohots exploit.
      If a CFW is created that doesn't need OtherOS to install, this will do nothing to stop whatever is to come of the exploit. Once the firmware is rewritable, you should be able to install OSs of your choosing if implemented by the coder.
      Legally Sony can do whatever they want with their firmware. My thoughts are that once you buy a system it is your to do whatever you want with it.
      You don't buy a TV and then get told what you can watch or buy a loaf of bread and be told you can only make certain types of sandwiches.

    8. levendi2nv
      02-20-2010
      06:31 AM
      8

      is there a way to keep old firmware and play online , i likez to playz online :P, and i wana be able to hack my ps3 if sumthing does arise

    9. fungusfeet
      02-20-2010
      06:42 AM
      9

      Originally Posted by jaasumbra View Post
      This is never going to happen!
      If they removed the OtherOS feature with an update, they would at the same time, block access to a lot of personal storage files, pictures etc, that consumers have stored on their OtherOs Partition.. Also, what would happen to the Otheros partition? would it be formatted, and joined to the gameos partition once again? -I don't think so

      Also, the thread where the romour was stated, seems to be disappeared - so it didn't seem to be a very reliable source anyhow! (unless there has been leaked info which wasn't allowed, but that is VERY unlikely)

      all in all, it would be too complicated for Sony to make this a reality, and even though, they have the right to do it, it probably would cause a few legal problems with blocking consumers acces to their own personal files which are stored on the otheros partition! We must remember they have advertised with the OtherOs feature for a long time now...

      If they block acces for existing users who already have Linux installed, Sony would get into far more trouble than piracy ever would give them, it would even almost start a riot!

      Though, I would advise anyone, not to update their FW for a lot of other reasons, until we know what $ony's next step is, you never know what they are willing to do, and we can be certain of one thing, they aren't going to give up
      Surely it would be a case of them blocking access to install linux rather than blocking people that already have it.

    10. naveen_relaoded
      02-21-2010
      02:23 AM
      10

      first thing is Sony shipped Old ps3 stating that they were Personal computers since they included otherOS , that way they were able to bypass few taxes.
      now all of a a sudden they cant remove the otherOS , as it would lead to legal issues.

      so sony would force the users to disable the otheros to get benefits like 3D gaming eetc...

      as sony themselves cant remove the otherOS...


      lets wait and see..

    11. jaasumbra
      02-22-2010
      02:31 AM
      11

      Originally Posted by naveen_relaoded View Post
      first thing is Sony shipped Old ps3 stating that they were Personal computers since they included otherOS , that way they were able to bypass few taxes.
      now all of a a sudden they cant remove the otherOS , as it would lead to legal issues.

      so sony would force the users to disable the otheros to get benefits like 3D gaming eetc...

      as sony themselves cant remove the otherOS...
      You are wrong.
      They can remove the OtherOS installation function in an update -if they want, also without legal issues.
      According to the PS3 EULA (http://www.scei.co.jp/ps3-eula/ps3_eula_en.html) they have the right to remove any functions in updates, if it can prevent an exploit in the future -this includes the OtherOS install funtion (they did it to the PS3 Slim, they will be able to do it in the future on the PHAT, you agreed to the terms when buying the console.) The question is, will they? Certainly not.

      Originally Posted by fungusfeet View Post
      Surely it would be a case of them blocking access to install linux rather than blocking people that already have it.
      Well if that's the case, what is the problem then? Anyone who hasn't updated yet, can install linux before they choose to update?

      1. Install linux (before you update)
      2. Update to any FW version you want
      3. You are still able to go online to download updates, reactivate keys, download store cotent, enter Home, and use the PSN and all of it's services to full extent, until the PS3 is fully hacked.
      4. Buy a PS3 Slim
      5. You might get banned from PSN and other services, on the phat machine, but hey, you already got the slim (and if you skipped step 4, you can always get on in the future - no rush)

      Then you have 1 fully working phat hacked PS3 (which you can go online with except by the use of online $CE services) which you can use for whatever you want, and 1 fully working PS3 Slim working with all $CE online serverices - and $ony can't do anything about it I hope this clears it up a bit. I doub't that this rumour is true though - so I think we should just wait back and chill, if you haven't installed linux yet, then get your finger out and go do it.

    12. SuperDre
      02-23-2010
      04:09 AM
      12

      Originally Posted by jaasumbra View Post
      and even though, they have the right to do it
      And that's where you're wrong, they do not have the right to remove major options with a newer firmware.. Let's not forget that a firmware is a part of the whole product you've bought, also OtherOS was a major part of the product you bought, maybe you even bought it especially because of that.
      Since removing options after sales is illegal in a lot of countries, it's hard to believe that Sony would disregard such a consumer law..

    13. fungusfeet
      02-23-2010
      01:41 PM
      13

      Wouldn't be very difficult for them to block it with a firmware update and a disclaimer saying by agreeing to install you realise you can no longer utilise OtherOS...or don't and face the problems that go along with that.

    14. jaasumbra
      02-23-2010
      06:28 PM
      14

      Originally Posted by SuperDre View Post
      And that's where you're wrong, they do not have the right to remove major options with a newer firmware.. Let's not forget that a firmware is a part of the whole product you've bought, also OtherOS was a major part of the product you bought, maybe you even bought it especially because of that.
      Since removing options after sales is illegal in a lot of countries, it's hard to believe that Sony would disregard such a consumer law..
      Did you even read the link I sent?
      They can! as it's NOT illegal when you agree and accept their terms, and it's included in the EULA.

      Originally Posted by fungusfeet View Post
      Wouldn't be very difficult for them to block it with a firmware update and a disclaimer saying by agreeing to install you realise you can no longer utilise OtherOS...or don't and face the problems that go along with that.
      yup, it would create a lot of bad attention though.

      true, but it woudn't be as easy as that.

    15. levendi2nv
      02-24-2010
      02:44 AM
      15

      this is very confusing, so they can or they cant?

    16. jaasumbra
      02-24-2010
      05:59 AM
      16

      Originally Posted by levendi2nv View Post
      this is very confusing, so they can or they cant?

      They most likely can (as in, if you sue them, you would lose) but my guess is they most likely won't

    17. CrakRock
      02-24-2010
      10:02 AM
      17

      They should just let the Hack happen, They had a good run with their security and they will be releasing the PS4 within 2-3 years I would think.
      This is can be a lesson for their next system. Learn the breach and make it tighter.
      NOT EVERYONE WILL HACK THEIR SYSTEMS