iPhone Hacker: I'll Hack to Keep Linux on PS3
iPhone hacker George Hotz promises PS3 users a work-around for Sony's decision to nix OtherOS support.
Yesterday Sony announced that the next PS3 firmware update, 3.21 would disable support for the PlayStation's "Other OS" feature. A lot of people don't use this feature at all, so it was no problem for most. However, those that do, value the fact that they're able to run Linux on their console.
Though Sony didn't specify why it was disabling OtherOS (aside from mentioning it was for security reasons), many speculated that it had everything to do iPhone hacker George Hotz' recent revelation that he had hacked his own PS3.
Yesterday Hotz took to his blog to apologise to PS3 users.
"First off, I want to apologize to all the people who use Linux on their PS3. Before releasing, I weighed the pros and cons, and considered the possibility of an impact on OtherOS support. My logic was this. OtherOS support had already been removed from the Slim(not for technical reasons; I believe it only existed in the first place to promote the Cell for IBM) The builders had apparently no intention of including it in future products. So for the purposes of openness why not release? Not like anything else has(or probably will be) done on the PS3."
Hotz goes on to question Sony's decision to remove OtherOS support.
"What security concerns? It's not like the exploit can be run even close to without the users knowledge. You have to open the fucking thing up. How could this harm users? Your blog post doesn't list positive reasons for upgrading like I think most users expect. Instead it lists things you will lose if you don't upgrade. Seriously?"
An hour later, Hotz blogged again and told users interested in keeping Linux support to steer clear of updating.
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"A note to people interested in the exploit and retaining OtherOS support, DO NOT UPDATE. When 3.21 comes out, I will look into a safe way of updating to retain OtherOS support, perhaps something like Hellcat's Recovery Flasher. I never intended to touch CFW, but if that's how you want to play..."
Will you be waiting for Hotz' hack or will you update when 3.21 comes out on Thursday?
Jane McEntegart is a writer, editor, and marketing communications professional with 17 years of experience in the technology industry. She has written about a wide range of technology topics, including smartphones, tablets, and game consoles. Her articles have been published in Tom's Guide, Tom's Hardware, MobileSyrup, and Edge Up.
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notty22 Ok this smart young man will probably never work for Apple or Sony.Reply
But he may someday buy one of them if he can apply his genius to
the business world. -
dylansaliba DON'T piss off the Linux kids!!!! EVER!!!!!!!!! Now its really gonna be hacked WIDE open. Silly Sony.Reply -
Steven Bancroft I really admire Geohot's dedication to his projects. It's quite possible that Sony is removing the the Install Other OS feature because of his hack (which from what I've heard hasn't produced any sort of piracy yet). Instead of simply walking away, he is dedicating his time and resources to keep people happy. His work with the iPhone is legendary, and now focusing on the PS3 can only bring good things to the community. He doesn't ask for a dime and has refused to sell his hacks for $10,000+ offers. This is why I love grey hat hackers. Keep up the good work Geohot!Reply -
hillarymakesmecry And hacking ruins something else.Reply
Maybe at some point people will realize that all this hacking and jacking and pirating is hurting us all much more than it's helping. -
babybeluga I wonder if this guy has a job, or does he live with his mom who has no clue how to operate a computer. I think the latter, just because he blogs about his potential conquests...Reply
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Tindytim I won't be personally. I didn't even attempt to install Linux on my Fat until I heard it would be removed, since I hadn't really had the time to tinker. But I installed it the other day, and learned a bit about using Dualshock 3 controllers with Linux over bluetooth, so while I don't have a BT dongle for my current desktop, when I get one, it's something I look forward too.Reply
I will wait a few weeks (considering he did the crack in 5 weeks that no one else could) and if there isn't anything fruitful I'll upgrade.