PlayStation 3 system software
Working state | Current |
---|---|
Source model | Closed source |
Initial release | 1.00 / 17 November 2006 |
Latest release | 4.91[2] / 27 February 2024 |
Available in | Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Danish, Dutch, English (United Kingdom), English (United States), Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese (Brazil), Portuguese (Portugal), Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish[3] |
Update method | Direct Download Download to USB Game Disc |
Platforms | PlayStation 3 |
Default user interface | XrossMediaBar |
Preceded by | PlayStation 2 |
Succeeded by | PlayStation 4 (system software) |
Official website |
The PlayStation 3 system software is the updatable firmware and operating system of the PlayStation 3. The base operating system used by Sony for the PlayStation 3 is a fork of both FreeBSD and NetBSD known internally as CellOS or GameOS.[4][1] It uses XrossMediaBar as its graphical shell.
The process of updating is almost identical to that of the PlayStation Portable, PlayStation Vita, and PlayStation 4. The software may be updated by downloading the update directly on the PlayStation 3, downloading it from the user's local Official PlayStation website to a PC and using a USB storage device to transfer it to the PlayStation 3, or installing the update from game discs containing update data.
The initial slim PS3s
Technology
System
The native operating system of the PlayStation 3 is CellOS, which is believed to be a fork of FreeBSD;[6] TCP/IP stack fingerprinting identifies a PlayStation 3 as running FreeBSD,[7] and the PlayStation 3 is known to contain code from FreeBSD and NetBSD.[1]
The
Unlike many
Graphical shell
The PlayStation 3 uses the
The basic features offered by XMB implementations varies based on device and software version. Apart from those appearing in the PSP console such as category icons for Photos, Music and Games, the PS3 added Users, TV and Friends to the XMB. Also, XMB offers a degree of multitasking. In-game XMB features were added to the PS3 properly with firmware version 2.41 after causing early implementation problems. While XMB proved to be a successful user interface for Sony products such as PSP and PS3, the next generation Sony video game consoles such as the PlayStation 4 and the PlayStation Vita no longer use this user interface.[10]
Cooperation with handheld consoles
The PlayStation 3 supports Remote Play with Sony's handheld game consoles, the PlayStation Portable and the PlayStation Vita. However, unlike Remote Play between the PlayStation 4 and the PlayStation Vita, the problem with PS3 was that it only supported a "select" few titles and results were often laggy. However, it is clear that Remote Play with the PS3 was the testing bed for its much better integration with the PS4.[11]
Also, for users having both the PlayStation 3 and the PlayStation Vita, it is possible to share media files videos, music and images between them by transferring multimedia files directly from the PlayStation 3 to the PlayStation Vita, or vice versa.[12] Furthermore, they can use a service called cross-buy which allows them to buy certain games that support this feature one time, and play them in both Sony platforms. Not only that, but in the case of most such games, their saved games actually transfer back and forth between devices, allowing players to pick up from the moment they left off.[13]
There is also a feature called cross-play (or cross-platform play)[14] covering any PlayStation Vita software title that can interact with a PlayStation 3 software title. Different software titles use Cross-Play in different ways. For example, Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 is a title supporting the Cross-Play feature, and the PS3 version of the game can be controlled using the PS Vita system. In addition, some PS3 games can be played on the PS Vita using the PlayStation Now streaming service.
Non-game features
Similar to many other consoles, the PlayStation 3 is capable of photo, audio, and video playback in a variety of formats. It includes various photo slideshow options and several music visualizations. The PlayStation 3 is able to play
For a
Early versions of the PlayStation 3 system software provided a feature called
Furthermore, the PlayStation 3 provides printing support. It can for example print images and web pages when a supported printer is connected via a USB cable or a local network. However, only a selection of printers from Canon, Epson, and Hewlett-Packard are compatible with the PS3.
Backwards compatibility
All PlayStation 3 consoles are able to play original
LV0 keys
The PlayStation 3 LV0 keys are a set of
Under normal circumstances, PlayStation 3 consoles are locked so that they can only run software and operating systems approved by Sony. When a PlayStation 3 is successfully hacked, users can perform actions that would otherwise not be possible or allowed on the console, such as play pirated games and run unauthorized operating systems.[27]
With the LV0 keys, users are able to circumvent restrictions placed by Sony, more commonly known as jailbreaking.[28][29] The LV0 keys were released online by a group calling themselves "The Three Musketeers",[30] granting users access to some of the most sensitive parts of the PlayStation 3. With access to these areas, users can decrypt security updates and work around the authorized PlayStation firmware. This allows PlayStation 3 firmware updates to be modified on a computer so that they can be run on a modified console.[31] The Three Musketeers decided to release the code after a group of rival hackers obtained the code and planned to sell it.[32] While this is not the first time the PlayStation 3 has been hacked, according to Eurogamer, "The release of the new custom firmware—and the LV0 decryption keys in particular—poses serious issues." It also says that "options Sony has in battling this leak are limited" since "the reveal of the LV0 key basically means that any system update released by Sony going forward can be decrypted with little or no effort whatsoever".[33]
History of updates
The "initial" release for the PlayStation 3 system software was version 1.10 as appeared on 11 November 2006 in Japan and 17 November 2006 in North America that provided the
As with the version 1.xx series, there were a number of versions in the 2.xx and 3.xx series, released between 8 November 2007 and 20 September 2011. There were quite a few noticeable changes, and in version 2.10 alone there were new features such as the additions of the Voice Changer feature with the power to make users sound like a person using a voice changer with five presets over hi and low tones, a new music bitmapping process specifically designed for the PS3 to provide enhanced audio playback, as well as supports for
The most noticeable change in the version 4.00 released on 30 November 2011 was the added support for the
Withdrawal of update 2.40
System software version 2.40, which included the in-game XMB feature and
Class action suit filed over update 3.0
System software version 3.0 was released on 1 September 2009. Shortly after its release, a number of users complained that the system update caused their system's Blu-ray drive to malfunction. In addition, John Kennedy of Florida filed a class action suit against Sony Computer Entertainment America(SCEA). John Kennedy had purchased a PlayStation 3 in January 2009, claiming it worked perfectly until he installed the required firmware update 3.0, at which point the Blu-ray drive in his system ceased functioning properly.[43][44][45] Sony later released a statement, "SCEA is aware of reports that PS3 owners are experiencing isolated issues with their PS3 system since installing the most recent system software update (v3.00),"[46] and released software update 3.01 on 15 September 2009. However, after installing 3.01, the plaintiff alleged the problems were not only not solved, but the new update created new issues as well.[47][48]
Class action suits filed over update 3.21
Due to the removal of the "
Sony responded to the lawsuits by requesting a dismissal on the grounds that "no one cared about the feature" and that the filings cite quotes from 3rd party websites, the instruction manual, the PlayStation Web site and claims they are invalid proof and that Sony can disable PSN and the other advertised features (playing games that require newer firmware, etc.) as they wish. The lawyers for the plaintiffs reviewed the request and said that this is fairly common at this stage of the process and that the case would be reviewed before a judge in November 2010.[59] In February 2011, all claims of false advertising in the case were dismissed, but the plaintiffs were allowed to appeal and amend the case and the other claims that the removal violated the Computer Fraud and Abuse act were allowed to go forward.[60] In March 2011, the plaintiffs amended their complaint to refute Sony's claims that it was within its rights under the TOS and warranty to remove the feature adding more details to their claims including breach of warranty, breach of implied warranty, breach of contract, unjust enrichment, and breach of several California unfair business practices laws.[61] In April 2011, SCEA again asked that the case be dismissed and made claims that the plaintiffs refiled claim was insufficient and that they were hackers and wanted to violate Sony's intellectual property and asked the judge to grant search rights on their PS3 systems. SCEA also made claims that they were not the division solely responsible for the removal and should not be held responsible despite conflicting information to the contrary.[62] On 18 April 2011, the plaintiffs fired back at Sony's renewed efforts to have the case dismissed by pointing out the fact that Sony had made many of the same claims before and that they had been dismissed by the court and also pointed out several legal precedents under California law that refuted Sony's claims.[63] In December 2011, the whole case was dismissed under the grounds that the plaintiffs had failed to prove that they could expect the "Other OS" feature beyond the warranty of the machine.[64] However, this decision was overturned in a 2014 appellate court decision[65] finding that plaintiffs had indeed made clear and sufficiently substantial claims.
Ultimately, in 2016, Sony settled with users who installed Linux or purchased a PlayStation 3 based upon the alternative OS functionality.[66]
Withdrawal of update 4.45
System software version 4.45 was released on 18 June 2013; however, it was withdrawn one day later because a small number of users were unable to restart their consoles after performing the update.[67] On 21 June 2013, Morgan Haro, a Community Manager for PlayStation Network, announced that the issue had been identified and a new update was planned to be released to resolve the issue.[68] The system update that addressed this issue, version 4.46, was released on 27 June 2013, and a fix for those affected by system version 4.45 was also provided by Sony.[69]
See also
Other gaming platforms from Sony:
Other gaming platforms from the eighth generation:
- Wii U system software
- Xbox One system software
- Nintendo 3DS system software
- Nintendo Switch system software
Other gaming platforms from the seventh generation:
- Wii system software
- Xbox 360 system software
- Nintendo DSi system software
References
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- ^ "PS3 system software update 4.91". Retrieved 27 February 2024.
- ^ "PS3 - System Language". Sony. 13 June 2014. Retrieved 26 August 2014.
- ^ "Tweak It: PS3 GameOS". TheSixthAxis. 17 July 2011. Retrieved 23 April 2022.
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- ^ "PlayStation License". doc.dl.playstation.net.
- ^ "DFRWS 2009 Network Forensics - NETRESEC Blog". netresec.com. 26 January 2011.
- ^ "Khronos Developer Presentations Library". khronos.org. 30 January 2022.
- ^ "ICE Team, AMD & Other Devs Discuss API's - Sony's LibGCM First Modern Low Level API?". RedGamingTech. 2 June 2014.
- ^ "XrossMediaBar". afterdawn.com.
- ^ Sawh, Michael (29 November 2013). "PS4 Remote Play is Sony's killer feature and it's not even new". TrustedReviews.
- ^ "Transfer/Copy videos, music, images to PS Vita from PS3 freely". brorsoft.com.
- ^ LeClair, Dave (11 September 2014). "5 Of The Best Cross-Buy PlayStation Games You Should Play". MakeUseOf.
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- ^ Lowe, Scott (5 March 2010). "Why the PS3 is the Best Blu-ray Player". IGN.
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{{cite web}}
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- ^ "It no longer does everything: no more Linux on PlayStation 3". Ars Technica. 29 March 2010.
- ^ "Sony Playstation 3 'Other OS' Class Action Settlement". Top Class Actions. 27 September 2016.
- ^ "Unlimited PS3 Settlement Gets Tentative OK". Courthouse News Service.
- ^ Altizer, Roger. "Playstation 3 Backwards Compatibility (PS2 Playable)". About.com.
- ^ Plunkett, Luke. "Sony Explain Why The PS3 Slim Has No Backwards Compatibility". Kotaku. Gawker Media.
- ^ THE PS2 CLASSICS BUYER'S GUIDE FOR PSN
- ^ ARE TROPHIES COMING FOR PSONE AND PS2 CLASSICS?
- ^ Martin, Chris (16 July 2015). "PlayStation Now release date, price, supported device and features: PS Now reaches open beta". PC Advisor.
- ^ Lien, Tracey (24 October 2012). "Sony faces security setback after hackers release PlayStation 3 decryption keys". Polygon.
- ^ Goodin, Dan (24 October 2012). "Sony faces setback as hackers release PlayStation 3 decryption keys". Ars Technica. Retrieved 24 October 2012.
- ^ Westaway, Luke. "PS3 software key leaked as judge ditches PSN hack lawsuit". Crave.cnet.co.uk. Retrieved 24 October 2012.
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- ^ "The Register — New PlayStation Firmware Hack". The Register. Retrieved 24 October 2012.
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- ^ Leadbetter, Richard (23 October 2012). "PlayStation 3: The Final Hack?". Eurogamer.net.
- ^ "PS3 1.90 firmware available". Eurogamer.net. 24 July 2007.
- ^ McElroy, Justin. "PS3's 1.94 firmware adds support for DualShock 3". Engadget. AOL.
- ^ Fahey, Mike. "PS3 DivX, Blu-Ray 1.1, Voice Changing With 2.10 Tomorrow". kotaku.com.au.
- ^ de Bruyne, Nick (15 October 2008). "PS3 2.50 Firmware Update adds Flash support". Lazygamer.net.
- ^ "Accessing the PlayStation 3 Recovery Menu". iTofy.com. 4 June 2014.
- ^ Cunningham, Andrew (30 November 2011). "PS3 System Software Version 4.00 Adds Vita Support". AnandTech.
- ^ "PS3 Firmware 4.10 Brings, Wait For It, A Decent Browser!". thesixthaxis.com. 8 February 2012.
- ^ Seybold, Patrick (2 July 2008). "Firmware v2.40 Status". SCEA. Retrieved 12 July 2008.
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- ^ "Filing for class action lawsuit over 3.21 from Justia by Anthony Ventura". Justia. 27 April 2010.
- ^ "Man Files class action lawsuit over Other OS support removal". Joystiq. 30 April 2010. Archived from the original on 3 May 2010. Retrieved 30 April 2010.
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- ^ "Sony Sued Again For Removing PS3 Linux Feature". IGN. 7 May 2010.
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- ^ "PDF Filing for suite filed by Jason Baker, Sean Bosquett, Paul Graham, and Paul Vannatta over 3.21" (PDF). IGN. 7 May 2010.
- ^ "Sony Hit With Fourth Class Action Lawsuit". IGN. 22 May 2010.
- ^ "PDF Filing for suite filed by Jeffrey Harper and Zachary Kummer over 3.21". US Govt. 8 June 2010.
- ^ "PDF Filing for suite filed by Johnathon Huber over 3.21". US Govt. 8 June 2010.
- ^ "Sony requests dismissal in Other OS case". IGN UK. 20 September 2010.
- ^ "What's Happening in the Class Action Against Sony About Removing OtherOS?". Groklaw. 21 February 2011.
- ^ "The Sony Class Action's First Amended Complaint, as text". Groklaw. 13 March 2011.
- ^ "SCEA Files Motion to Dismiss Class Action Again, More Discovery Disputes, Plus a Revealing Transcript Surfaces - Update". Groklaw. 3 April 2011.
- ^ "Plaintiff's response to Sony's renewed efforts to dismiss" (PDF). Google Docs. 18 April 2011.
- ^ "Sony Tosses PlayStation 3 Upgrade Claims Aside". Courthouse News Service. 9 December 2011.
- ^ "Appellate Court Puts PS3 Class Action Lawsuit Back in the Game". topclassactions.com. 8 January 2014. Archived from the original on 22 March 2016. Retrieved 22 March 2016.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ Kravets, David (21 June 2016). "Sony agrees to pay millions to gamers to settle PS3 Linux debacle". Ars Technica. Retrieved 19 July 2016.
- ^ "PlayStation 3 update causing console fault, Sony confirms". BBC UK. 19 June 2013. Retrieved 20 June 2013.
- ^ Futter, Mike (21 June 2013). "Sony Reissuing PS3 Update 4.45 After Earlier Issues". GameInformer. GameStop. Retrieved 21 June 2013.
- ^ "PlayStation 3 firmware 4.46 released, fix for 4.45 detailed". VG247. 27 June 2013.