Sony disables PS3 operating system feature

Sony is to release a firmware upgrade that will disable a feature on its PlayStation 3 (PS3) games consoles that allows users to install alternative operating systems (OS).

Although Sony said in its blog that the upgrade will disable the ‘Other OS’ function to address ‘security concerns’, the move is widely seen as an attempt to combat games piracy.

It comes after a US hacker George Hotz, known as Geohot, claimed he had bypassed the games console security systems in January.

Using a console running the Linux OS, Hotz said he had broken Sony’s security systems on the PS3. The fear was the exploit would eventually be used by people to play illegally copied games on the PS3.

But instead of patching the feature, which is not available on the new slimmer versions of PS3 launched in September last year, it will be completely disabled by the firmware v3.21 upgrade.

The ‘Other OS’ feature has been popular and although it is not mandatory to download the upgrade, those who do not will soon find other problems.

Functions such as being able to sign onto the PlayStation online gaming network will be disabled, newer PS3 software titles may not play and there will be no access to the PlayStation online store.

Forums are full of disgusted gamers who believe Sony should have found other ways of tackling the exploit.

Sony has advised people who are currently using the ‘Other OS’ feature to back up data stored within the hard disk partition used by the ‘Other OS’ before installing the software update.

If they do not they will be unable to access that data following the update.

A full list of features that will no longer be available to those who do not download the update is listed on the blog. Consumers who have other questions can contact Sony’s customer support.