Sony has just released a system software update for its PS3 gaming console, which turns 19 this year. The company said the update, version 4.92, improves system performance and also updates the Blu-ray player encryption key to ensure playback of movie discs.
Image source: eurogamer
These types of updates occur annually because the Advanced Access Content System (AACS) encryption key used to protect copyrights regularly expires. This copyright protection technology requires the appropriate key to be present on both the disc and the console in order to play new movies.
The newer PS4 and PS5 consoles use the same technology, but these devices can receive a new key automatically, while on the PS3 this can only be done by updating the firmware.
The company stopped producing the PS3 back in 2017, about a decade after it first launched. As of March 2017, more than 87.4 million PS3 consoles have been sold. The PS5 has sold 75 million units, with the PS4 selling about the same.
It appears that Sony will continue to release AACS encryption key updates for the PS3 until it stops supporting the console entirely.