So it won't completely remove Linux from the ps3, will it? Never tried running Linux on it, but might as well install it to test it out before I update and I can no longer do that.
That, and they probably got a special deal from Sony. Probably weren't buying "normal" PS3s. Sony probably has custom firmware for situations like this. Or at least they should have done that anyway. Not sure if it actually removes it, but I'm pretty sure it removes the ability to install and boot into it. Sony was probably looking for the first excuse they could to cut it out. Already cut it from the Slims. The hacker stories were probably enough for them to take it away, even though I have my doubts that it would have really led to much (not to mention it would still take more time). Doubt anyone at Sony even cares for the option anymore. Kutaragi and maybe Harrison IIRC were the only major execs that cared about this kind of stuff.
For those of us who haven't updated and want to play online at least for now http://rvlution.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=43&t=123
The "some hacker" is actually pretty famous, Geohot, the first person to ever unlock an iPhone and creator of blacksn0w and blackra1n. He never intended to play pirated games, he simply exploited the system. He's going to start releasing Custom Firmwares NOW, so you won't lose install otheros but can be updated. The Custom Firmwares (CFW) will not allow you to play pirated games (for now anyway)
I was actually aware when I made my post that he had hacked the iPhone. I should have referred to him as more than "some hacker." While he hasn't explicitly talked about hacking the PS3 to play pirated games yet, I think Sony is rightfully freaking out about the possibility. Pirated PSP games have cost them a ton of revenue, and it's not as if they're massively in the black financially. I'm curious what Sony will do with his custom firmwares. Are they going to start tagging ID numbers of suspect PS3's? I think Sony is going to be very agressive in fighting piracy, and if there's a hint that Geohot or someone else is going to use a firmware update to allow pirated games. I wouldn't be surprised to see Sony ban modded systems from the PSN. Going to be interesting. Playstations users log into the PSN for trophies, to watch certain Blue Rays, and for online gaming. Taking that away is a hell of a stick in Sony's arsenal if they want to get draconian in fighting piracy.
Microsofts done that with the Xbox, banning consoles may slow down the scene but it won't kill it, its a game of cat and mouse....simple as that
