No More Linux on PS3? Ask for Refund!

Sony has stopped the feature on PS3 that allows users to install a third-party operating system, the change will take effect by the last PS3 Firmware, available since the last Thursday.

Sony announced on its PlayStation blog that "[i]t will disable the 'Install Other OS' feature that was available on the PS3 systems prior to the current slimmer models, launched in September 2009". According to the blog post, the decision was taken for security reasons, "For most of you, this won't have any impact on how you use your PS3. If you are one of the few who use the Other OS feature, or if you belong to an organization that does, then you can choose not to upgrade your system," Sony stated.

Some manufacturers suppose that Linux source code, that should be available to end users according to its license, can be modified to disable Digital Rights Management (DRM) technologies to allow duplication of copyrighted materials. However, Sony did not specify which security threats Linux and other operating system may impose.

(CC-BY MNgilen)

Many Linux users who use the operating system on their PS3 opposed Sony's last decision.

A UK customer got a £84 (71JD) refund after complaining to Amazon that 3rd Operating Systems disabling meant the PlayStation 3 was no longer "fit for purpose" and violates EU standards. Under the European law sellers are responsible for ensuring that all products are "fit for the purpose for which the consumer requires them and which was made known to the seller at the time of purchase".