The latest firmware for the PS3 has been announced by Sony, confirming the rumors about the removal of the OtherOS functionality. The new firmware update will bring the system software version to v3.21 and will be available to download this Thursday (April 1st 2010). After updating, the Linux partition on your hard drive will be inaccessible so be sure to backup any data.
If you want to continue using the OtherOS feature, you are recommended not to update your console. 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.