From Playstation Blog:
Consumers and organizations that currently use the “Other OS” feature can choose not to upgrade their PS3 systems, although the following features will no longer be available;
- Ability to sign in to PlayStation Network and use network features that require signing in to PlayStation Network, such as online features of PS3 games and chat
- Playback of PS3 software titles 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)
- Use of new features and improvements that are available on PS3 system software 3.21 or later
This feature became endangered from the moment they omitted it from the PS3 Slim’s firmware. Whether or not the “security concerns” cited in the release are the actual reason is certainly debatable. But with the 360′s dashboard recent defeat at the hands of hackers (no, I won’t link you), it wouldn’t be out of the question that Sony would want to lock down any potential holes in their firmware. The vocal minority will be vocal, but this is little more than a ripple to most users; but it is an interesting ripple.
Firmware drops April 1st, leaving little time for online petitions.