Sony prevails in Linux law suit case

[viking60]

Remember that in early 2010, Sony decided to roll out an update that would remove the ability for PlayStation 3 owners to install a different operating system? Clearly this was aimed at Linux since they kept bragging of compatibility with that other OS. And only the most naive of the naive will believe that Sony was not "helped" in that decision. A Californian user (you are under suspicion rolf ) was angry enough over this to sue Sony who simply reduced the functionality of their product. This has now been dismissed in a Californian court. Basically the message from the court is that Sony is being stupid - but that is not illegal. But if you do not download Firmware update 3.21 you can continue to install Linux on Sony PS3. Of course you will be punished by Sony in the form of no updates.

[rolf]

I saw that. When I first got the PS3, I installed "Other OS", yellowdog linux, istr. Then, one of an endless stream of software updates erased it along with the option. You have to agree or you don't get the update and things stop working. Sony really irritates me. I don't have time for lawsuits (or the money).

[R_Head]

I tend to agree with the court here.

Is Sony's product and if they feel another OS might "conflict" with other things (we all know the whole rap sheet of things) they cannot make it easier to modify.

Ok, granted; in another hand is bad PR by been so anal. I have a PS3 and use it as a PS3 (mostly for Hulu, Netflix, DVD/Blue Ray, few games and other things), if I want a Linux Device I use a computer and now day is so easy to attach to a TV.

BTW, who has a Roku? I bought one for $99.99 no tax, no shipping and has a motion type remote.
Very nifty thing... and has Tux inside

[dedanna1029]

I tend to agree with the court here.

Is Sony's product and if they feel another OS might "conflict" with other things (we all know the whole rap sheet of things) they cannot make it easier to modify.

Ok, granted; in another hand is bad PR by been so anal. I have a PS3 and use it as a PS3 (mostly for Hulu, Netflix, DVD/Blue Ray, few games and other things), if I want a Linux Device I use a computer and now day is so easy to attach to a TV.

- they never claimed not to be proprietary. Deal with it, or don't use them.

[rolf]

+1 - they never claimed not to be proprietary. Deal with it, or don't use them.

No one (except you) has said anything about proprietary. WRT this particular irritation I have with Sony, the "other OS" was marketed as something I was getting for my money. Then it was disabled after I shelled out. "Proprietary" has nothing to do with it.

[dedanna1029]

All of this is because it's proprietary though. I wasn't referring specifically to rolf's post. I was referring to the situation on the whole.