The latest version of the PS3 OS, 3.21 removes the ability to install another operating system, like Linux, for use on the PS3.
From the Playstation 3 Web site :
“o not update the system software if you want to keep using the [Install Other OS] and [Default System] features. If you choose to continue using another operating system, the following features will no longer be available:
The ability to sign in to PlayStation®Network
The ability to use online features that require you to sign in to PlayStation®Network, such as chat.
The ability to use the online features of PlayStation®3 format software
Playback of PlayStation®3 format software 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) > (System Settings) > [Enable DTCP-IP])
Use of new features and improvements that are available on PS3™ system software 3.21 or later”
This really angers me. I had planned to try out Ubuntu on the PS3 for the fun of it, and now I won’t get the chance unless I want to essentially turn my PS3 into a paperweight by keeping the older OS version. I paid for that functionality. What gives them the right to disable something I paid for? It’d be like buying a car and then having your air conditioning disabled on purpose by the dealership while you were having maintenance performed. Can you see a car dealership saying, “Oh yeah, we removed your AC because we don’t want to support that feature anymore.” It’s ridiculous.