PS3's loss of Other OS feature spurs an additional set of class-action complaints in Northern California court, alleging breach of contract, false advertisement, more.
In an effort to enhance the security on pre-Slim PlayStation 3 models, Sony removed one of the system's most versatile features, Other OS, as part of firmware v3.21 in April. With the feature, tech-savvy gamers could install the Linux operating system on the PS3, effectively turning the gaming console into a desktop computer.

Linux isn't the most popular OS, but it certainly has an active base.

Sony's decision has not been looked upon kindly by many Other OS proponents, and the move has already sparked one lawsuit seeking class-action status. Now, two other lawsuits have been leveled at Sony over its removal of the feature, and both are seeking to be elevated to class-action complaints.

The first suit, filed on April 30 in the US District Court of Northern California, notes that Sony engaged in a protracted advertisement campaign promoting the PS3's ability to install Linux by way of the Other OS feature. "Each plaintiff purchased a PS3 with the justified expectation that Sony would continue to support the Other OS function and other features and would not deliberately cripple those functions," the suit notes.

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