Fat Playstation3s ability to run Linux removed.

[DigitalProduct]

Older models of the Playstation 3 console had the ability to 
run another operating system such as linux allowing you to use the 
console like a computer. 
Although this wasn't mentioned on the box it was publicised and it 
helped  people choose the Playstation 3 over rival products such 
as the Xbox360.    

The most recent update removed this feature. 
If you don't install the update you lose access to the PlayStation 
Network and playback of games and Blu-ray movies that require 
the new software etc. 

Some people have said that you might be entitled to compensation
as they think it breaches the sales of goods act,some people 
mention small claims court other people have said that as you 
agree to terms and conditions it allows Sony to do whatever they 
want to the console.    

What are other peoples opinion on this?

[buzby]

None.

It was not an advertised feature of the original unit. In the same way as software patches can give access to additional features, should you download new firmware and install it, it will reset the software to th specification decided by the manufacturer. As they did not confirm or support interoperability with third party bolt-ons, there's nobody to pursue. Roll back the upgrade and stay with the level of firmware you had previously.

 

There is also the possibility what you did broke the terms us use that covered using the device, making the chance of winning in court less than slim, AND the possibility of having to pay their capped fees for winning.

[DigitalProduct]

I think you getting confused with people running their own software on hacked PSPs.

 

The feature being removed was official.The video below will give you and idea of what it is.

[Mr lex]

I am afraid I see that video as a 3rd party trying to jump on the PS3 band wagon.

[DigitalProduct]

It was an illustration of the feature that is being removed.

I don't get your bandwagon comment or how it relates to the problem.

[Mr lex]

Easy, there are a lot of 3rd party aftersales outfits that think PS3 will not be the same without them. Tough, it's either endorsed by the manufacturer, or it's not.

[DigitalProduct]

The problem is the disabling of an official feature of the PS3 that allows you to install software like but not limited to the one in the video. Think of it like removing the ability to playback movies.

[DigitalProduct]

Does anyone have any better suggestions before I start searching for profesional advice?

[buzby]

Yes. Pay for a professional advice. It'll still provide the same results.

[civilcid]

Can I ask a really simple question, did you use the 'Other OS' feature?

 

I've owned my PS3 for years and never bothered with the feature due to the cost of buying all the additional perriferals. It's a shame they felt the need to remove the feature but it is their perogative.

[JamieStapleton]

The fact of the matter is that Sony have removed a feature I purchased. I can choose to not update but by doing so I cannot any longer run some Bluray discs or games. I effectively have no reasonable choice.

 

There maust be a legal stance as forum moderator of NeoGAF forums has successfully clawed back £84 from Amazon using the SOGA and EU directive 1999/44/EC as his defence.

[DigitalProduct]

Can I ask a really simple question, did you use the 'Other OS' feature?

Of course but not that it matters as Jamie has pointed out. Now I have a really simple question for you.Why would you ask such a question?

I've owned my PS3 for years and never bothered with the feature due to the cost of buying all the additional perriferals. It's a shame they felt the need to remove the feature but it is their perogative.

 

What peripherals are you talking about?You only need a mouse and keyboard and the ones on your PC should work.

[civilcid]

Of course but not that it matters as Jamie has pointed out. Now I have a really simple question for you.Why would you ask such a question?

 

 

What peripherals are you talking about?You only need a mouse and keyboard and the ones on your PC should work.

 

I ask because I was curious if you used the feature as I do not. As you say the peripherals are a keyboard and mouse, as I only use a laptop this would require purchasing them. You did after all as for people's opinions.

[DigitalProduct]

If you say so. It doesn't help that there's only been one sensible reply in this thread and buzby continues talking rubbish even though he's been shown to be off the mark.

[danielr]

what you can do? very little.

 

it was never an advertised feature,

much like how putting linux on the original Xbox was never an advertised feature.

 

even if you bought the console with a view to do this, (by following instructions on a third party website it was never marketed by Sony as being able to do this.

 

Sony have modified the device, which yes, breaks an undocumented facility. but the device still performs well within the advertised specifications for the device when you bought it.

 

if updating the firmware had left the device unable to play certain games, or unable to view movies then you'd have a good argument that they broke the device, but the fact that you can no longer install linux isn't really a problem for Sony.

[DigitalProduct]

Didn't you need to exploit something to put linux on original Xbox perhaps that's where you getting confused.

What I'm complaining about was a proper feature, it even has it's own section on the Playstations website and was mentioned in press releases.

http://www.playstation.com/ps3-openplatform/index.html

Kutaragi Details PS3 'Computer' Claim | Edge Online

Kutaragi: Sony aims to emulate Apple with PS3 - News at GameSpot

Edited April 13, 2010 by DigitalProduct

[DigitalProduct]

Out-law has an article on the issue that deals with the retailers side as well as consumers. Sony's firmware update shows how retailers can be exposed | Pinsent Masons LLP

Parkinson believes that the law is in the consumer's favour, though. "The Sale Of Goods Act says that if you sell something by description it's got to match that description and it's got to be fit for purpose," he said. "If the box or promotional material says it does something, that has got to be one of the fit for purpose elements."

[lmuk2k]

Now a class action lawsuit in US

 

Linux on the console? Sony sued for removing PS3 support

[Yellow160]

this also maybe the reason why it was removed.. The guy who jailbroke the iphone also hacked the ps3 On the PlayStation 3

[DigitalProduct]

I was looking through some of my old posts and remembered this one.

The legal case for america is still ongoing. You can have a look at it here. http://docs.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/california/candce/3:2010cv01811/226894/1/

The very first entry sets out their case and the operative facts sections clearly point out what I was saying in this thread so I'm not sure why so many posters here were adamant Sony had done no wrong.

 

http://geohotgotsued.blogspot.com/ That guy who was hacking the PS3 got sued by Sony but it got settled.A german guy trying to get the otherOS feature back was also in trouble,sued by Sony for trying to get a feature back that they stole from us,fancy that.

 

Then shortly afterwords Sony got totally hacked and their services shutdown.

Edited December 10, 2011 by DigitalProduct

[lmuk2k]

Aaaaannnd ... Sony have finally had to cough up for removing the feature

 

http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2016/09/youre-a-step-closer-to-getting-55-from-the-ps3-linux-debacle-lawsuit/

[MaxxPower]

Almost certainly, any settlement will be for US citizens only.

The recent Nvidia settlement over the GTX 970 scandal was $30 for everyone who bought the card, but only if they lived in the US and purchased from a US retailer.

[lmuk2k]

Yep - luckily, in the 6 years since this happened, I've just about managed to let it go, haha! I remember how irritating it was getting fobbed off over this (not talking specifically about this thread) as people couldn't see that it was official and useful functionality that was removed, not some hack.