Want to Compile Code for Cell for use on Linux? Now you can....

[BlueTsunami]

They couldn't distribute their Linux/Cell code if they tried to change the license to something non-GPL. The basic idea is that if they use GPL code to make Linux/Cell, the code that they write also must be distributed under the GPL. This basically means that to whoever they distribute a binary of the product, they must also distribute the sourcecode. It does not however, mean that they need to make their derivative available to anyone who wants it.

Basically the GPL is a way to make sure that if you take my work which I've made available to you, enhance or extend it, and redistribute it, you must distribute the original sourcecode along with your changes. It prevents others from profiting from your work while denying others the same opportunity.

Having said this, they could do something sneaky like use DRM to only run authenticated/certified GPL programs and charge for authentication. In this case, the GPL can't help because the code is still GPL, the PS3 just won't run it unless a valid authentication key is distributed with the binary. I could see someone trying this at some point now that DRM is becoming so common in hardware. It's actually a nice feature if *you* control the DRM keys, (so you can allow or disallow software from being run on your computer based on what kind of authentication they can provide).

It's not so great when someone else has that control over your hardware.

Nite_Hawk

Ahhh I see. So it will be interesting to see how Sony manages this on the PS3. They promised an open environment for the PSP (which is far from what happening). Hopefully its delivered with the PS3.

 

[Carl B]

I don't think it's too imperetive that Sony actually profit from the Linux aps written. They themselves will expend minimal resources and certainly recoup any Linux costs of their own in price padding built into the sale price of the hard drive. I do think though that jumpstarting a dev community and turnign them on to writing Linux apps for Cell will have positive implications for helping to spread Cell around, outside of PS3. And every time a Cell chip is sold, that's some money for Sony (even if bought from IBM or Toshiba).

 

[Black Dragon37]

This makes me think...

How popular is Linux to the general public? All they seem to know is Windows these days.

If Linux comes with the PS3, it may increase its popularity, maybe so much to the point where Microsoft would have to step up their game drastically.

Is this what Microsoft fears most about the PS3?

 

[Carl B]

On that front it's all about the long-view by both Sony and MS, something that's been discussed on and off here before. From Sony's angle, they're (along with Samsung, etc...) looking for a future in which your consumer electronic devices basically house computers - or all necessary computer functions - and from the MS standpoint they (along with Intel, HP, etc..) are looking towards a futre where the PC emulates the functions of myriad consumer electronics.

We'll see what happens.

And then on top of it, anyone and everyone wants to control the future of digital content distribution.

 

[BlueTsunami]

This makes me think...

How popular is Linux to the general public? All they seem to know is Windows these days.

If Linux comes with the PS3, it may increase its popularity, maybe so much to the point where Microsoft would have to step up their game drastically.

Is this what Microsoft fears most about the PS3?

Probably not. Mainly because you have to activley go out and search for a Linux image, burn it to a disk and go through the install process. With Windows, it usually comes pre loaded with a Dell or something and if they need it re installed again, it brought to a local tech or family member. I would most definatley love for my family and friends to move to a user friendly Distro of Linux. Hopefully (because of the PS3) more people move to Linux (no matter how small the movement is).

I don't even think MS is flinching by the way. They already have the game pretty locked (OS Market).

 

[Carl B]

Anyway all the grand 'master plan' visions aside, who can argue with the simple fact that a full Linux distro shipped on the PS3 HDD, coupled with an active homebrew community, equals awesome?

All of the 'console war' stuff aside, fiddling around with this is something I see myself taking immense pleasure in.

 

[MfA]

IF simply buying the standard HDD expansion allowed you to run Linux and create your own programs that would be awesome ... do we know that is necessarily the case though? (From the horse's mouth.)

 

[Titanio]

IF simply buying the standard HDD expansion allowed you to run Linux and create your own programs that would be awesome ... do we know that is necessarily the case though? (From the horse's mouth.)

Kutaragi has said they are considering preloading PS3 hard disks with Linux, in the context of having an open platform to allow people to write programs and develop a software "ecosystem" for Cell etc.

On a general note, re. some of the points raised, I think one of the big issues MS had an eye on when they decided to enter the market with Xbox was the potential for a large shift away from PCs in the home - toward consoles being the main "computer" in the home - and the thought of Linux powered Playstations dominating that field. Their first move was Dreamcast - if it had been a success, or heck, if they struck a deal with Sony to include a Windows OS in Playstation, I don't think they'd ever have entered the market (at least until such a deal broke down ). Hardware isn't really their business, the only reason they're there is to push the software (Windows), and maintain its dominance as the face of computing shifts. Moving into hardware was obviously a big step, I'm sure not one they were particularly glad to take, so I think that underlines the importance of this to them - it is really a very serious issue for them.

 

[Shifty Geezer]

King Kenny also mentioned the availability of applications from the outset, or someting like that. I certainly came away from one interview with the impression KK was expecting image and video manipulation packages to appear on PS3. That would tie in with his overall PlayStation dream as well. It's supposed to be the computer where you do fun stuff, and not just games.

 

[Carl B]

Exactly, the idea of PS3+Linux HDD kit as Amiga 2006.

Works for me!

Kutaragi seems keen on the idea of bundling a fully operable Linux OS with the HDD, but we'll just have to see if that actually comes to fruition. IBM seems to be making good progress on the Linux/Cell adaptation though.

 

[Shifty Geezer]

Exactly, the idea of PS3+Linux HDD kit as Amiga 2006.

That's just what I'm hoping, only a LOT rests on the OS if this is the case, and it's easy to make a hash of the OS.