Forget Dell, the latest corporate shenanigans to annoy me is Sony's new firmware update removing the Linux OS option from the PS3. May I ask that any OB's who feel inclined have a quick look at this link from WP forums and take a minute to lodge the ACCC form.
http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=1416111
Cheers
Attention Militant Consumer Activists
bargainhunter on 03/04/2010 - 11:40
Comments
the accc cant do anything about this
it's in every right for sony to add or remove certain functions from it's products
they can't remove an advertised feature or cripple an existing product - does not me advertised specifactions
4 things for you to learn
1. the option to install another os onto the ps3 was never advertised by sony or in the specifications for a ps3, therefore if they removed it it doesnt "criple" an existing product.
2. the possibility of installing another os onto the ps3 was spread in the enthusist community, not officially by sony themselves in product specification, advertisements or actually having any sort of instructions in the manual to guide a user in doing so.
3. the linux software was never developed by sony, but by enthusists.
4. there is a disclaimer at the top of the specifications page in the manual for the CECHH02 and CECHH03 models (the ones that can have linux installed) that "Design and specifications are subject to change without notice."this might be irrelavant but the ps3 slims cannot install linux anyway
1 thing to learn.. check your facts:
http://au.gamespot.com/news/6162316.html?tag=result;title;0
*
According to the manual, when Sony Computer Entertainment designed the PS3, "it was fully intended that you, a PS3 owner, could play games, watch movies, view photos, listen to music, and run a full-featured Linux operating system that transforms your PS3 into a home computer."
*Thats the main gist of the argument… if they never intended for linux (like the Wii), then they shouldn't have promised or advertise.
i actually read my manual, and if you would like to point out where in the manual it actually tells you where to get the linux software and how to install it i will gladly withdraw my comments and give a full apology
@Trance N Dance: Seriously, the point of my post isn't to extract an apology. Though I thought that whatever you pointed out earlier doesn't mean anything, and it does show that not much research was gone into it, and putting down another person.
here's the link after 15mins of googling. there is an archive of it. there's talk of it everywhere if you do research about it.
http://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/1_00/settings…
You can put whatever you like in the EULA, but if the local law prohibits it, then it doesn't fly.
edit : to add extract of header of URL for those too lazy to visit :)
PLAYSTATION®3
Settings > System Settings > Install Other OS
Install Other OSInstall other system software on the hard disk. For information on types of compatible system software and obtaining the installer, visit Open Platform for PLAYSTATION®3.
5- You don't have to actually upgrade to 3.21
yeah, but he said if you buy games down the line, they may force you to upgrade.
If anything you might have more success complaining to Sony. Start an online petition or something.
Can you ignore the update?
unfortunately, from my research, i think playing future games will be a problem… thats whats putting me off buying a PS3 at the moment…
first they advertised backwards playability.. then they took it out… as in during the manufacturing phase the management kept changing directions… now there's a ps3 slim… just like psp 3000 and the psp go…
probably will wait till the market 'stabilised'.
i don't agree with the 'militant' labels… these consumer protection groups and organisations existed to keep organisations/manufacturers in check.. nothing militant about it… unless people like to deal with dodgy ISPs or support and the likes….
definitely not militant-like.
I think you've got an interesting argument (I see where you are coming from). If you already own a ps3, i'd do the following
1. Call sony
2. Call OFT - OFT will direct you what to do, ACCC just write down the companies name (if there are a great number of complaints, they may act)
3. Book yourself in & sony with small claims court and get your money backTake it to Fair Trading or your state's equivalent department. Products that can be altered by effectively mandatory firmware updates is a relatively new phenomenon. The fact that you have particular functionality at the time of purchase, but which can be removed months down the track by manufactuers, is an issue that needs to be raised so that consumers are given some idea of where they stand in these circumstances.
you have been warned by a disclosure statement at the top of the specification page in the manual for the CECHH02 and CECHH03 models that they can be changed at any time without notice.
isnt it a bit silly having that inside the sealed product…
Doesn't the OFT cost you $150 though?
No self-respecting person would acquiesce to a "specifications subject to change" disclaimer. Carries no weight when it comes into conflict with consumers' statutory rights.
Furthermore, the feature was not only promoted by Sony, but they had an official website dedicated to it. Referring solely to the manual is a bit like the "show me the chapter in the book that deals with code reds" non sequitur that was used in A Few Good Men :)
nice article, smoke them MickJT!!
I love the title of this post, makes me smile everytime i see it pop up :)
… I Very much doubt the ACCC will do anything about this