Customers who bought the original "Fat" PlayStation 3 between Nov. 1, 2006 and April 1, 2010, can now file claims to partake in the settlement of a nationwide class-action lawsuit regarding Sony's decision to remove Linux support for the video game console.
The lawsuit, which has been in limbo for six years before reaching a settlement back in June, involves the OtherOS feature of the PlayStation 3.Through OtherOS, users were able to set aside part of the console's hard drive so that Linux can be installed there. However, due to what the company said were security concerns, Sony decided to pull the plug on the feature by removing it through an April 2010 update on the PlayStation 3's system software.
The decision to take out the OtherOS feature sparked the class-action lawsuit, as customers alleged that Sony breached warranty terms and falsely advertised the PlayStation 3, among other offenses.
Affected customers can now file claims to receive money from Sony, with the forms available online through a website put up for the settlement. Owners of the Fat PlayStation 3 will have to submit a complete and valid claim form if they wish to receive a payment under the settlement.
There are two types of eligible PlayStation3 customers. The first type is termed Consumer Class A, and this includes all customers in the United States who bought the Fat PlayStation 3 within the given dates of 2006 and 2010 and used the OtherOS feature to install a Linux OS on the video game console. The second type of customer, named Consumer Class B, includes all such customers but who did not use the OtherOS feature.
Consumer Class A customers are eligible to receive a payment of $55 each, while Consumer Class B customers are eligible to receive a payment of $9 each. Only one claim can be submitted per console, with the claim forms also required to include the proof of purchase for the PlayStation 3 and the PlayStation Network ID, which was used on the console before April 1, 2010. In addition, Consumer Class A customers are required to prove that they did indeed use the OtherOS feature on their PlayStation 3.
How much will Sony end up paying in the settlement? That amount is so far unknown, as it will depend on how many claims will be approved and the number of Consumer Class A and Consumer Class B customers that will be involved.
For eligible PlayStation 3 owners, the deadline for filing claims is on Dec. 7. Another hearing will be held on Jan. 24 next year for the approval of the settlement, with the payments to be sent out about 40 days afterward.
