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As many expected would happen, Sony has been handed a class action lawsuit for removing the 'Install Other OS' option from its PlayStation 3 console starting with the v3.21 firmware released in March.
In the lawsuit, plaintiff Anthony Ventura argues that "Sony's decision to force users to disable the Other OS function was based on its own interest and was made at the expense of its customers." Ventura also alleges deceptive business practices "perpetrated on millions of unsuspecting customers."
"On information and belief, contrary to Sony's statement, the 'security concerns' did not involve a threat to PS3 users, but rather reflected Sony's concerns that the Other feature might be used 'hackers' copy and/or steal gaming and other content," the lawsuit reads.
At the time of its release, Sony said the firmware update was optional, but any users who refused to install it would lose key features, like the ability to sign into the PlayStation network. Making matters worse, Sony soon followed up with yet another firmware update -- version 3.30 -- which was described as mandatory.
Anyone who purchased a PS3 between November 17, 2006 and March 27, 2010 and did not sell their console is eligible to participate in the suit.
Image Credit: Flickr Joe Gratz
Comments are closed on this article
ZeWi
May 04, 2010 at 7:17pm
http://www.gamespot.com/news/6162316.html?tag=result;title;0
I'm pretty sure they touted it could run linux... same as with the ps2 and the linux kit for it. Also OtherOS doesn't use ram if it's in game mode and hdd space isn't used if you don't install an otheros. So it would be ignorant as an excuse.
Danthrax66
April 30, 2010 at 2:53pm
This is fucking stupid all sony needs to say is that by removeing that option they were able to free up x amount of space from the hdd or ram and there ya go it was in the interest of games developers and consumers. Whoever initiated this is a douchebag, and lawyers can all go fuck themselves the fucking scumbags.
violian
April 30, 2010 at 10:56am
Where on the PS3 box does Sony tout that the PS3 can be used to run Linux? And does Sony ever advertise the feature? So I don't really know what grounds the plaintiffs have for this lawsuit.
NSain
April 30, 2010 at 1:34pm
there were a couple of people in sony, one being an engineer, that touted "install other OS" as a integral feature of PS3, with the engineer adding in an interview that the option would never go away. If this is confirmed then Sony has indeed opened themselves up to a lawsuit.
Caboose
April 30, 2010 at 11:03am
It was there...
-= I don't want to be dead, I want to be alive! Or... a cowboy! =-
Yuri_395
April 30, 2010 at 9:12am
I don't think the PS3 Slim ever had the "Install other OS" Option, Can those who purhased the Slim still participate?
Caboose
April 30, 2010 at 10:46am
I don't believe so, as the PS3 Slim was never supposed to have that feature, but I could be wrong.
-= I don't want to be dead, I want to be alive! Or... a cowboy! =-
mike_neta
April 30, 2010 at 7:54am
Great Mag!
How can I participate in the law suit?
I need me some money...LOL
americaeh
April 30, 2010 at 12:25pm
and besides i miss my yellow dog installation
sudo apt-get install windows 7
