Hacker promises Linux on PS3 will live on

Following the recent outcry after Sony announced that a new firmware upgrade for the PlayStation 3, to be released on April 1st, will remove the "Install Other OS" option from all versions of the console, a hacker by the name of George Hotz has stepped up and announced that he will find "a safe way of updating to retain OtherOS support". In a post on his blog, Hotz says that "The PlayStation 3 is the only product I know that loses features throughout its life cycle. Software PS2 emulation, SACD playback, and OtherOS support are all just software switches you can flip."

Hotz calls for PS3 owners not to update their systems when the 3.21 release of the firmware arrives tomorrow. Instead he says that, once the firmware update is released, he will build "a custom version of 3.21 that doesn't lose OtherOS support". Hotz went on to add that, "It's about whether these companies have the right to take away advertised features from a product you purchased." It's currently unknown if Hotz will attempt to add any other features to his custom firmware, such as the aforementioned SACD playback or PS2 emulation.

It's also important to note that the PS3 Slim has never had the OtherOS option and, while the software updates from Sony are optional, only users with the latest release of the firmware can sign into the PSN network to buy or play games online. Additionally, some Blu-ray movies may require firmware version 3.21 or higher to play.

See also:

• Sony to block Linux from all PS3 systems, a report from The H.
• Sony explains lack of PS3 Slim Linux, a report from The H.
• PS3 Slim doesn't do Linux, a report from The H.

(crve)