GOONL!NE

You read that right, and no, it’s no joke, there’ll be a firmware update this Thursday, but this is the first update we can remember that actually removes a feature on the PlayStation 3.

Since the launch of the fat models there’s been the ability install an ‘Other OS’ in the XMB, however due to cost reasons.

According to the PS Blog, the reason for removal across all systems is due to ” security concerns,” however we think the cost factor of testing two separate firmwares for each update will also have played a role.

Charlotte Panther on the PlayStation Blog stated the following if you’re wanting to keep the ‘Other OS’ option:

If you are one of the few who use the “Other OS” feature, or if you belong to an organisation that does, then you can choose not to upgrade your system. However, doing so will mean that the following features will not be available:

• Ability to sign in to PlayStation Network and use network features that require signing in to PlayStation Network, such as online features of PS3 games and chat.
• Playback of PS3 software titles or Blu-ray Disc videos that require PS3 system software version 3.21 or later.
• Playback of copyright-protected videos that are stored on a media server (when DTCP-IP is enabled under Settings).
• Use of new features and improvements that are available on PS3 system software 3.21 or later.

If you currently use the “Other OS” feature and you wish to update to system software 3.21, make sure you back-up any data stored within the hard drive partition used by the “Other OS,” as they will not be able to access that data following the update.