PS3 firmware 3.21 removes Linux support

The next PS3 firmware update will go live on April 1, 2010. Instead of adding new features, update version 3.21 will disable the feature that allows users to install the Linux operating system.

Sony is disabling this feature due to security concerns. We probably wouldn’t be too far off with assuming Sony is primarily removing the “Install Other OS” feature to help combat piracy. Owners of PS3 Slim consoles don’t have to worry about this change as it only affects consoles released prior to September 2009.

If you currently run Linux on the PS3, make sure you back up all your data saved on that OS before updating or it will be lost.

You can choose to not update the PS3 and keep Linux installed, but it will come at a very steep price.

Sony has outlined the following functions to be inaccessible if the 3.21 update is not applied to the console:

• 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

Via [PlayStation Blog]