Do we own our hardware?

47Ronin

47Ronin

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For South Africans this is a big deal I think as we pay a lot for our stuff.
 


Yea, I think the Third World is going to get a rude awakening.
 
I guess the question here is, not do we own our hardware? But do we care if we don't?

Scarcity of goods like electronics or just the microchips needed for cars should be a big indicator as we move forward. I think car manufacturers didn't realize that holding all the tools and parts captive will backfire this badly. See if there was an OEM company producing microchips and computers for cars as replacement parts, they could have absorbed those parts into their production runs. Now there are thousands upon thousands of cars that are rusting away because they can't be fitted with what should be a basic component?

I think we are about to see a massive change, and soon. I don't think countries can allow things like food security to be controlled by a manufacturer that wants to control everything via software. Eventually they will outlaw this type of thing. I don't know. But imagine if your car gets a software update that kills it because they think it is time for you to buy a new one? That is the type of behaviour we may see moving into the future.
 
47Ronin said:
imagine if your car gets a software update that kills it because they think it is time for you to buy a new one?
Click to expand...

Apple did this years ago where they intentionally slowed down phones causing people to buy new phones istead of replacing batteries. As scary as this seems with the automotive industry. Unless there's no regulations soon we might see this happening especially with EV vehicles where they'll have a lifespan
 
You can own your hardware. Its not however the easy route and takes some research and work to make sure you don't buy hardware without free and open firmware/software options. Its clear people don't care though otherwise the corporations wouldn't do what they are doing.
 
Broes Wyn said:
Apple did this years ago where they intentionally slowed down phones causing people to buy new phones istead of replacing batteries. As scary as this seems with the automotive industry. Unless there's no regulations soon we might see this happening especially with EV vehicles where they'll have a lifespan
Click to expand...

EVs already have a life span the battery pack.
 
That 100% the Apple direction. Apple controls what, how and when its users experience their devices.

Samsung can try, but fortunately Android can be found on many devices. Same for Windows devices.

Software is unavoidable, specially those who have a monopoly.

Consoles usually stick around for a couple of years before there is an upgrade. But won't surprise me if the Xbox and PlayStation follows the Apple direction and kills of old consoles. Even though it will have a big negative impact in poor countries.

Tesla controls all its cars. This will also eventually switch over to a monthly subscription.

3rd world countries will be left behind. But they don't mind. Living in the past is fun for some.
 
Broes Wyn said:
Apple did this years ago where they intentionally slowed down phones causing people to buy new phones istead of replacing batteries. As scary as this seems with the automotive industry. Unless there's no regulations soon we might see this happening especially with EV vehicles where they'll have a lifespan
Click to expand...
In the end, people just don't care any more. I saw a man that just went out of his way to break an iPhone because of anger. He didn't care about the battery, the data or the fact that he could get physically harmed. This was 2 weeks ago at a parking lot.

He drove a really nice car, I remember it being a Land Rover, but I cannot recall the model. Point is, this individual had money but no respect for his phone, car or whoever else was on the other side of that conversation.

I think that is the problem. I respect my stuff, many people do. But others don't and those are the clients that will kill the right to repair. Because money talks...
 
KleinBoontjie said:
You don't even own the car you buy, any more. BMW now sell you a full kitted car, but you have to pay a subscription to enable features like heated seats or sunroof. So the feature is there in the car you bought and paid for, but can't use.
Click to expand...
Nothing new. For centuries BMW drivers have not figured out how to activate the indicators.
 
If it's Apple then nope. The whole "right to repair" court case thing showed that.
For most other hardware manufacturers it's yours to do what you wish, mostly.
 
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