Sony To Pay Out Over PS3 OtherOS Debacle
June 21, 2016
Once upon a time, the Sony PlayStation 3 included an option to install an alternative operating system. Many curious and creative people used the OtherOS option to install Linux on the console, but all good things must come to an end and as hackers started to crack open the PS3's secrets using the OtherOS option as an attack vector, Sony did the logical thing and removed the feature via a firmware update in 2010. You'd think that would be the end of that, but the action sparked a lawsuit, lawyers became involved, it all went before a judge, and now six years later the company will have to pay out. ArsTechnica explains who can claim money as part of the settlement.
To get the $55, a gamer "must attest under oath to their purchase of the product and installation of Linux, provide proof of their purchase or serial number and PlayStation Network Sign-in ID, and submit some proof of their use of the Other OS functionality." To get the $9, PS3 owners must submit a claim that, at the time they bought their console, they "knew about the Other OS, relied upon the Other OS functionality, and intended to use the Other OS functionality."
Alternatively, according to the deal, to get $9, a gamer "may attest that he or she lost value and/or desired functionality or was otherwise injured as a consequence of Firmware Update 3.21 issued on April 1, 2010."
At least it's not another tossed-off download voucher for Rain from the PlayStation Store as we've seen so many times in other PlayStation-related settlement agreements. Please be honest if you file a claim. If the closest you ever came to installing OtherOS was thinking "Hmm, maybe I'll try that someday" then forget about the $55 pay day.