Friday 30 April 2010

So Where's Our Lawsuit?

Sony had pulled the plug from 'Other OS' feature in PlayStation 3 console with firmware 3.21 update that created quite a ruckus last month. Disappointed with that move, Anthony Ventura from California has filed a suit against Sony for "intentional disablement of the valuable functionality originally advertised as available" in the PlayStation 3 console, reported IGN. Lawsuit says that Sony's act of removing 'Other OS' support was more concerned with potential piracy.


However, Sony had clearly stated that the removal of Other OS feature was simply for security reasons. That didn't scare PS3 hackers as GeoHot demonstrated custom firmware for retaining 'Other OS' support on PS3.


The lawsuit states, "On information and belief, contrary to Sony's statement, the 'security concerns' did not involve a threat to PS3 users, but rather reflected Sony's concerns that the Other OS feature might be used by 'hackers' to copy and/or steal gaming and other content." The suit alleged Sony for violating California's Unfair Competition Law by restricting the PS3's functionalities via "forcing consumers to choose between the Other OS function and the Other Advertised Features impaired by Update 3.21."


Ventura seeks compensation and legal fees from this lawsuit but no fixed amount was mentioned. However, the suit does state that the amount in controversy is in excess of $5 million

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