Sony’s Latest Firmware Enables Automatic Console Updates

Late last month, Sony made the startling announcement that the “Install Other OS” feature on launch PlayStation 3’s was going to be removed, meaning that if you had a version of Linux installed, it would be wiped as soon as you installed the latest firmware update. For most people, this wasn’t a concern, but for those who did run Linux on their PS3’s, Sony’s move was a total kick to the stomach.

Despite the fact that I hate to see that feature removed (I haven’t updated my firmware since that release and will continue to hold out for as long as possible), I can understand to some degree the reason the company had a right to. If the feature was going to lead to piracy, then absolutely it’s understandable. It wasn’t a heavily-used feature, but it certainly would be once people realize they could pirate games for the console. As Metallica put it, it’s sad but true.

The Install Other OS feature might not have been too popular, but it was enough to spawn enormous outrage on the official PlayStation 3 blog, where there has been over 7,300 comments to date. I imagine that’s much higher than any other post there has received, as I’ve been frequenting it for quite a while and never saw anything even come close (usually the comments number in the hundreds, or early thousands at best).

You’d imagine at this point Sony would lay low for a while and not try to further upset its users, but lo and behold, the company apparently doesn’t care too much about doing that. In a newly-released firmware update, there’s been an addition made to the EULA. It’s three paragraphs long, and in gist states that at any time, Sony is allowed to automatically update your console without your intervention

What this means is, if Sony deems it necessary to update your console for whatever reason, it can, as long as you’re online. As an example, if Linux was still allowed to be installed, and then this firmware update came out, Sony could have just removed the Install Other OS feature without even notifying you first. That’s a bit scary, isn’t it?

Some services may be provided automatically without notice when you are online, and others may be available to you through SCE’s online network or authorized channels. Without limitation, services may include the provision of the latest update or download of new release that may include security patches, new technology or revised settings and features which may prevent access to unauthorized or pirated content, or use of unauthorized hardware or software in connection with the PS3 system.