Consumer Rights Wiki - User contributions [en]

Netflix stream-quality controversy

2025-01-16T03:31:48Z

Firelemons: add netflix tag

= 4K plan doesn't provide a 4k resolution stream =

Netflix imposes restrictions on accessing 4K streaming and does not fully disclose the conditions under which these restrictions apply. When new users sign up, Netflix defaults them to the 4K premium plan, without clearly informing them of the intentional limitations on accessing 4K content. If users were aware of these limitations, they might choose not to subscribe to the more expensive plan that Netflix defaults to; however, this information is not provided upfront. This lack of transparency is problematic, as all prerequisites for receiving a 4K stream are not listed in the terms of use<ref>https://help.netflix.com/legal/termsofuse</ref>, terms & conditions<ref>https://www.netflix.shop/pages/terms-conditions</ref>, or help page<ref name=":0">https://help.netflix.com/en/node/13444</ref>.

Netflix, in their [https://help.netflix.com/legal/termsofuse Terms of Service] (TOS), lists reasons why the quality of its content may vary from different devices, as stated in clause 4.7: "The quality of the display of the Netflix content may vary from device to device, and may be affected by a variety of factors, such as your location, the bandwidth available through and/or speed of your Internet connection." One of the factors not listed is the use of [https://developers.google.com/widevine/drm/overview Widevine], a Digital Rights Management (DRM) software which is embedded into most web browsers such as Chrome, Chromium, Electron (CEF), Firefox, Edge, Opera, Safari, etc. A DRM protects media hosted on Netflix from being screen-captured, with one of the methods using "SECURE_DECODE", which uses Widevine to decode each frame displayed. This method demands more bandwidth, with Netflix appeasing the disparity by decreasing the quality to 720p on web browsers.

Currently, Netflix offers 1080p video resolution on every plan they offer on their [https://help.netflix.com/en/node/24926 Plans and Pricing] for a subscription. Consumers who watch Netflix on web browsers will be paying for 1080p resolution while only receiving 720p resolution maximum due to DRM. The TOS allows Netflix to claim your device faulty or your internet speed slow to justify this behaviour.[[File:Netflix signup page- choose plan bottom of page.png|alt=Netflix signup page: plan choice, bottom of page.|thumb|Netflix signup page: plan choice, bottom of page.]]
[[File:Netflix terms of service covering streaming quality.png|alt=Netflix terms of service covering streaming quality|thumb|Netflix terms of service covering streaming quality]]

The only time you see there are any limitations is in incredibly small font, on the bottom of the page where you choose a plan. The 4k HDR option is the default option and has an icon with very appealing colors that draw your eyes to this more expensive option, while you must scroll to the bottom to even be linked to a document that explains the limitations.<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20250111144808/https://help.netflix.com/legal/termsofuse</ref> The explanation provided on this terms of service that must be dug through, is completely inadequate. See below:

== 4K content isn't available on the platform even when it exists ==
Netflix routinely licenses HD content even though 4K HDR is readily available. This isn't advertised anywhere. It also typically includes blockbuster movies, where the visuals are the whole point.

For example: Transformers: Rise of the Beasts is HD only on Netflix<ref>https://www.netflix.com/title/81602889</ref>, whereas its clearly available in UHD on other platforms<ref>https://www.amazon.com/Transformers-Rise-Beasts-Anthony-Ramos/dp/B0BX1MWKHY</ref> , or Blu-ray<ref>https://www.amazon.com/Transformers-Rise-Beasts-4K-UHD/dp/B0C5P5K55N</ref>.

== Terms of Service analysis ==

Netflix's Terms of Service (TOS) obscures critical information about video quality limitations in Section 4.7, which vaguely states:

<blockquote>"HD, Ultra HD and HDR availability is subject to your Internet service and device capabilities. Not all content is available in all formats, such as HD, Ultra HD or HDR and not all plans allow you to receive content in all formats."</blockquote>

Currently, Netflix offers 1080p video resolution on every plan they offer on their Plans and Pricing for a subscription. Consumers who watch Netflix on web browsers will be paying for 1080p resolution while only receiving 720p resolution maximum due to DRM. The TOS allows Netflix to claim your device faulty or your internet speed slow to justify this behaviour.

Netflix's Terms of Service (TOS) obscures important information about video quality limitations in Section 4.7, which vaguely states:

<blockquote>4.7. The quality of the display of the Netflix content may vary from device to device, and may be affected by a variety of factors, such as your location, the bandwidth available through and/or speed of your Internet connection. HD, Ultra HD and HDR availability is subject to your Internet service and device capabilities. Not all content is available in all formats, such as HD, Ultra HD or HDR and not all plans allow you to receive content in all formats. The minimum connection speed for HD video quality (defined as a resolution of 720p or higher) is 3.0 Mbps per stream; however, we recommend a faster connection for improved video quality. A connection speed of at least 5.0 Mbps per stream is recommended to receive Full HD video quality (defined as a resolution of 1080p or higher). A connection speed of at least 15.0 Mbps per stream is recommended to receive Ultra HD video quality (defined as a resolution of 4K or higher). You are responsible for all Internet access charges. Please check with your Internet provider for information on possible Internet data usage charges. Netflix makes no representations or warranties about the quality of your watching experience on your display. The time it takes to begin watching Netflix content will vary based on a number of factors, including your location, available bandwidth at the time, the Netflix content you have selected and the configuration of your Netflix ready device.</blockquote>

== Streaming requirements and lack of disclosure ==

=== 1. Complete list of requirements ===

* '''Netflix Premium Plan''': Subscription to the Premium Plan.
* '''Device Compatibility''': Devices must support 4K playback and be Netflix-certified.
* '''Processor''': An Intel 7th generation Core CPU or newer with Intel SGX enabled, or an AMD Ryzen CPU.<ref name=":1">https://help.netflix.com/en/node/23931</ref><ref>https://i.redd.it/qd5b42b6814c1.png</ref>
* '''GPU''': Nvidia GeForce GPU 1050 or newer, AMD Radeon RX 400 series or newer GPU.<ref name=":1" />
* '''Display Requirements''': A screen with a resolution of at least 3840x2160 and HDCP 2.2-compliant HDMI ports (for external displays).
* '''DRM Support''': Hardware-based DRM like Widevine L1, PlayReady 3.0, or FairPlay is required.
* '''HEVC Codec Support''': Devices must support hardware decoding of the HEVC (H.265) codec for 4K playback.
* '''Internet Speed''': A stable internet connection of at least 15 Mbps.
* '''Operating System''': Supported OS versions, e.g., Windows 10/11, macOS (Safari), and specific Android/iOS versions.
* '''Browser/App Compatibility''': Certain browsers (e.g., Microsoft Edge, Safari) and official Netflix apps are required.
* '''Updated Firmware/Software''': Devices must run the latest firmware or software, NVIDIA Driver version 387.96 or newer.<ref>https://nvidia.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/4583/~/4k-uhd-netflix-content-on-nvidia-gpus</ref>
* '''Title Availability''': Not all titles are available in 4K; the content must be marked as 4K or UHD.

=== 2. Requirements that Netflix discloses ===

* '''Subscription Plan''': The need for the Premium Plan for 4K content.
* '''Internet Speed''': The recommendation of 15 Mbps for 4K streaming.
* '''Device Compatibility''': Ensuring all devices in the setup support 4K video playback.
* '''Browser/App Compatibility''': Mention that Microsoft Edge (version 118 or later) or the official Netflix app is required to stream 4K content on Windows-based platforms. Likewise, mention that Safari (version 12 or later) is required for 4K playback on Macs (there’s no Netflix app for macOS).<ref name=":2">https://help.netflix.com/en/node/30081</ref>
* '''Display Requirements''': Mention of HDCP 2.2-compliant HDMI ports and display resolution for external devices.
* '''Account Settings''': Instructions to set playback settings to High or Auto for 4K.
* '''Title Verification''': Guidelines on identifying titles that support 4K or HDR.
* '''Mobile Device Limitations''': It mentions HDR might not stream on mobile devices in low power mode. It also addresses limitations like Widevine DRM levels.<ref>https://help.netflix.com/en/node/23939</ref>

=== 3. Requirements that Netflix does NOT disclose ===

* '''DRM Requirements''': No explicit mention of the need for Widevine L1, PlayReady 3.0, or FairPlay DRM.
* '''Codec Support''': The necessity of HEVC (H.265) support is not detailed.
* '''Processor and GPU Capabilities''': The requirement for devices with processors and GPUs capable of hardware decoding HEVC efficiently is not mentioned.
* '''Firmware Updates''': While it suggests keeping devices updated, there is no detail on the necessity for specific firmware versions for 4K, only for Nvidia drivers.

=== 4. Contradictory requirements / misleading documentation ===

* '''System version requirements''': Some Help Center pages state that 4K playback is supported on macOS 10.11 or later<ref name=":3">https://help.netflix.com/en/node/55764</ref>, others, that macOS 10.15 or later is required.<ref name=":2" /> This will lead to confusion among potential new Netflix customers looking if their device will support 4K playback.
* '''Unintelligible statements''': Some parts of Netflix’s Help Center articles are worded in a very strange, unintelligible manner, which seem more like a stream of consciousness, rather than an official documentation. e.g., ''Ultra HD is available only on Mac computers macOS 11.0 or later installed that meet these Ultra HD requirements. Mac computers with macOS 10.15 installed will play in up to Full HD (1080p).'' Moreover, these 2 sentences contradict each other. The former implies that 4K playback is supported on devices running macOS 10.11 and up (that certainly contains macOS 10.15), the latter that macOS 10.15 does NOT support 4K playback, only Full HD.<ref name=":2" />

== Summary ==

Netflix discloses some prerequisites for 4K streaming, but:

1. They only mention limitations at the bottom of the signup page.

2. The link at the bottom of the signup page leads to a terms of use page that lacks detailed information on obtaining a 4K stream.<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20250111144808/https://help.netflix.com/legal/termsofuse</ref>

3. The help page on how to receive a 4K stream is not linked on either the signup page or the terms of use.<ref name=":0" />

4. The help page excludes many prerequisites necessary for 4K streaming.

* Many users might opt out of the 4K plan if they knew the requirements.
* Users might avoid the 4K plan if they realized Netflix does not provide full information on qualifications for 4K streaming.
* Netflix does not make this information easily accessible, often implying that the user's internet or hardware is at fault, even if they meet the requirements for 4K playback.
* Some users report issues with Netflix on PCs even when meeting all requirements.<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/netflix/comments/18p7dk8/i_have_a_4k_display_but_netflix_wont_show_a_4k/</ref>

== Key Issues ==

=== 1. Lack of Transparency ===

* The TOS does not explicitly list supported hardware.
* The TOS suggests device capabilities are the issue, without mentioning Netflix's specific limitations.
* Netflix chooses to limit 4K streaming to certain devices without disclosing these limits.
* No clear information about browser limitations to 720p due to DRM.
* No direct way to determine if a device is "Netflix ready."
* Playback quality is only visible in advanced statistics accessed via non-standard shortcut, meaning it’s basically hidden from non-power users, possibly so that Netflix’s customers won’t notice they are not getting the service they’re paying for.

=== 2. Buried Information ===

* Limitations are only mentioned in small print at the bottom of the plan selection page.
* The 4K HDR option is the default, with an attractive icon, drawing attention to the more expensive option.
* Users must scroll to the bottom to find a document explaining the limitations.

=== 3. Inadequate Disclosure ===

* Section 4.9 deflects responsibility to the device manufacturer, without providing information on prerequisites for 4K streaming.
* The explanation in the terms of service is inadequate.
* No clear guidance on determining device compatibility before subscribing.

This represents a consumer protection issue where technical limitations imposed by the vendor affect service quality and are hidden from consumers at the point of purchase, while still charging premium prices for resolutions that are restricted on many devices, browsers, and operating systems, even if they are capable of handling them.

== References ==
<references />

[[Category:anti-consumer]]
[[Category:Netflix]]

Sony

2025-01-16T03:27:56Z

Firelemons: add tags

The video titled "Why you should never buy Sony earphones until they fix battery defects!" discusses significant battery issues in Sony's WF-1000XM4 earbuds, particularly after firmware updates. Users have reported severe uneven battery drain, with the affected earbud becoming excessively hot during charging. The common factor appears to be the 1.4.2 firmware update.

[https://www.reddit.com/r/SonyHeadphones/comments/x7mx2n/wf1000xm4_severe_battery_issues/?utm_source=chatgpt.com&rdt=65095 Reddit] [https://archive.is/V0cUP Archived]

'''Key Points:'''

* '''Battery Drain Issues:''' Many users have experienced rapid battery depletion in one earbud, leading to significantly reduced usage time.
* '''Overheating During Charging:''' Some users have reported that the affected earbud becomes unusually hot while charging, indicating potential battery damage.
* '''Firmware Update Concerns:''' The 1.4.2 firmware update is commonly associated with these battery issues. Users have noted that downgrading to earlier firmware versions may alleviate the problem, but this is not a guaranteed solution.

'''Recommendations:'''

* '''Contact Sony Support:''' If you experience these issues, reach out to Sony's customer service for assistance. They may offer warranty replacements or repairs.
* '''Monitor Firmware Updates:''' Be cautious with firmware updates. Before updating, check user forums and official communications for any reported issues related to the new firmware.
* '''Community Feedback:''' Engage with online communities, such as Reddit's r/SonyHeadphones, to share experiences and solutions with other users facing similar problems.
[[Category:Companies]]
[[Category:Sony]]

Category:Sony

2025-01-16T03:26:39Z

Firelemons: create sony tag

This category contains articles about, or relating to [[wikipedia:Sony|Sony]].
[[Category:Companies]]

Samsung

2025-01-16T01:45:08Z

Firelemons: add samsung tag

Samsung is a company incorporated long ago and is now bedded in its country, South Korea's economy, courtesy of making everything from smart rings to oil tankers.

=== Summary of Anti-consumer practices ===
Samsung has campaigned against pro-consumer legislation in America, retroactively enforced forced arbitration in a mid-cycle update to its OneUI 5 Android skin, and placed egregious requirements on "authorised" repair vendors, including to fully dismantle and then hand write a letter asking to work on a device that has one non-genuine part inside of it. They also pay technicians to scratch peoples' TV's to scam them out of warranties and then further will illegally strike down video evidence of this being done to weasel out of liability for it.

On that vein, whether or not it's true, Samsung now have a few times been accused of astroturfing- particularly on the social platform reddit.

[[Category:Companies]]
[[Category:Samsung]]

Category:Samsung

2025-01-16T01:44:27Z

Firelemons: create samsung tag

This category contains articles about, or relating to [[wikipedia:Samsung|Samsung]].
[[Category:Companies]]

Apple App Store

2025-01-16T01:41:37Z

Firelemons: add apple tag

''I started writing this 6 months ago and didn't really finish it. Feel free to use it as a starting point for an article. Hopefully it's not too technical.''

Writing down some anti-consumer standards Apple has, which in my opinion aren't getting the coverage they deserve from lawmakers. Apple is good at obscuring their intentions with technical roadblocks, typically citing security reasons, or just hoping nobody notices or asks in the first place.

== Background info ==
Important terms you'll run into in this article:

* [[wikipedia:Sandbox (computer security)|Sandbox]]: Reduces exposure of the user's device/data to security risks, by reducing what an app is allowed to do.
* [https://theapplewiki.com/wiki/Entitlements Entitlements]: Apple's method of "poking holes" in the sandbox, to give the app more permissions. Some are available to developers, while many are only available to Apple.
* [[wikipedia:Digital Markets Act|Digital Markets Act]]: The European Union's fairly sweeping recent regulations against forcing companies they classify as "gatekeepers" to play nice, giving smaller businesses access to software/hardware features they've historically reserved for their own use.

== Notarization ==
Since 2015, Apple expects all Mac apps to be "notarized". This is a preliminary, automated malware check, which upon passing, provides a notary certificate that gets "stapled" to the app. Apple's explanation:

<blockquote>
Notarization of macOS software is not App Review. The Apple notary service is an automated system that scans your software for malicious content, checks for code-signing issues, and returns the results to you quickly. If there are no issues, the notary service generates a ticket for you to staple to your software; the notary service also publishes that ticket online where Gatekeeper can find it.<ref>https://developer.apple.com/documentation/security/notarizing-macos-software-before-distribution</ref>
</blockquote>

Whether this is actually a better approach than used by Windows antivirus, where they find out about new malware samples only when they end up on a user's computer, is a separate topic.

To comply with the DMA's regulations on app marketplaces, Apple created a new channel of releasing apps outside of the iOS App Store. Apps go through a notarization process. But the process is definitely ''not'' notarization. The name is intentionally being abused, by contrast to notarization on macOS, to make you believe it is something other than the existing App Review system. Despite the pain some developers and users have with it, notarization on macOS has always been considered a net positive. It made sense to take advantage of its reputation for the entirely different "notarization" on iOS.

See for yourself - view the [https://developer.apple.com/app-store/review/guidelines/ App Review Guidelines] and tick "Show Notarization Review Guidelines Only". While most rules are knocked out by this, a good number of them are still in place. These apps are still reviewed and tested by the App Review team, must have a full product listing in App Store Connect, and can be outright rejected - all in the same way as an App Store app.

By contrast, all that is required for notarization on macOS is for your app to not be malware. You submit it to an automated system that approves it within minutes. '''You don't need to convince Apple your app is worthy of existing on their platform.'''

The point of macOS notarization is that Apple has a record of all binaries that are intended for wide distribution on macOS, and can review them both in advance and on a regular basis for known malware/common malware patterns. Say a malware app manages to initially get through, when Apple finds out, they can go back in the notary records and find every sample of that malware to analyze and block. This is purely a technical process, managed by skilled security researchers, while iOS app review and "notarization" is a business process, managed by workers who have been given a checklist of violations to look for.

Apple is retaining complete control over what's allowed to run on iOS. On macOS, you can choose to run apps that have not been notarized (even though the process to bypass the warning is intentionally difficult). On iOS, you never get even that option. What Apple created is the App Store but with more steps. It still goes on the App Store, just hidden so it can only be installed by the third-party store it's tied to.

* [https://twitter.com/mysk_co/status/1806638308455256242 Mysk: iOS should enable alternative marketplaces to add their own links when users share their apps. Links still point to the App Store and if the app is not available there, this happens.]

== JIT ==
Safari is allowed to [[wikipedia:Just-in-time compilation|just-in-time]] compile code worldwide. The super short version of what that means: it can run JavaScript code ''really fast''. All browsers, and other runtimes like Microsoft .NET, Java, Lua use this. Ok, fine, it's the system web browser, it's very carefully written to be secure, and it's important to the platform to be doing well in performance benchmarks and all that.

Apple's [https://apps.apple.com/app/swift-playgrounds/id908519492 Playgrounds] app on iPad is also allowed to JIT. It bundles Apple's [[wikipedia:Swift (programming language)|Swift]] compiler, and shares backend code with the version of Playgrounds found in [[wikipedia:Xcode|Xcode]].

Competing apps like Pythonista (a Python IDE), emulators like Delta and UTM, and terminal environments like iSH, are not allowed to JIT. As such, they need to rely on inferior performance, potentially from an entirely separate implementation of their compiler/interpreter that may be less proven, because the JIT-less implementation doesn't need to exist on any other platform.

Likely the most clear example is UTM SE. UTM is a port of the [[wikipedia:QEMU|QEMU]] emulator to iOS, allowing you to run desktop OSes (Linux, Windows 98, XP, classic Mac OS, etc). iPhone hardware is very capable these days and it runs impressively well, ''if'' you use a hack to enable JIT (which Apple has now patched). "SE" stands for "slow edition" - yes, really. If you compare the true version of UTM to the App Store UTM SE app, you ''will'' feel the loss in performance. It's impressive UTM even got to be on the App Store at all, and the DMA is to thank for it. But Apple is still holding the line on allowing JIT to apps that require that performance.

While UTM SE releasing at all might seem like a pathway to getting Firefox and Chrome "slow editions" on the App Store, browser engines other than the built-in Apple WebKit/JavaScriptCore are [https://developer.apple.com/app-store/review/guidelines/#2.5.6 still outlawed]. In the EU, Apple has blessed web browser JavaScript engines with the option to use JIT. The app must be approved for an entitlement, and then must work within APIs provided by Apple for it. As of January 2025, no browsers have been released using this. We were all anticipating proper competition around web browsers on iOS, but almost a year later, we have nothing. Mozilla has [https://www.theverge.com/2024/1/26/24052067/mozilla-apple-ios-browser-rules-firefox discussed] why.

== Sandbox ==
You might not like app sandboxing, but it's a powerful security feature used on all modern platforms. The reality is very few apps need more than a few basic permissions. [[wikipedia:Flatpak|Flatpak]] on Linux also sandboxes apps, and it seems to work great! Still, it's completely fair that there should be processes for doing things beyond what the sandbox allows. You see some of this with permission prompts - does a flashlight app ''really'' need access to your contacts? (Apple has been burned by [https://www.theverge.com/2012/2/14/2798008/ios-apps-and-the-address-book-what-you-need-to-know apps abusing user data] before the current permission system was built out.)

It can go further than this. As we established in previous sections, an app can be given more access to features of the system using entitlements. These come in a few flavors:

* Completely safe: Entitlements any developer can opt into, with little to no risk.
* Approval required: Entitlements that might be more of a security risk to allow, e.g. giving considerably wider access to the system, or that Apple simply doesn't want to hand out to just ''anyone'' for competitive reasons. The developer must submit a request to Apple with evidence of why they need the entitlement.
* Private: Entitlements that are never allowed for any app developer to use. Many of these are reasonably fenced off because they handle user data that is very risky, or bypasses permission prompts, etc, but can just as well also be guarding features Apple wants to keep to itself.

There have been [https://gizmodo.com/researchers-uber-s-ios-app-had-secret-permissions-that-1819177235 exceptions] where Apple quietly gave a company access to private entitlements anyway, raising eyebrows.

On iOS, you also can't be ''more'' secure than the default sandbox. That might seem crazy if you're not a developer, but it's pretty important for security in a variety of situations. On macOS, there are several entitlements you must declare to decide whether you're allowed to access certain types of user data at all. Android used this design from the very start - you can't even do fundamental things like access the internet without declaring it in your manifest. It makes it very explicit what the app's intentions are.

iOS has one sandbox used by all App Store apps. System apps, and App Store apps developed by Apple, are allowed to expand or reduce their sandbox permissions as needed. Third-party apps do not get the right to expand or reduce their sandbox permissions at all. This is clearly less secure. To take the example of Playgrounds again, while it's allowed to run your code from a separate process executing in an ultra locked down sandbox with very few permissions, competing apps such as Pythonista must run your code in the same sandbox and address space as the main app process. The Python interpreter crashing would therefore crash the entire app, possibly losing work. In the worst case, a vulnerability in third-party code could give access to all data stored by/accessible to the app. If that third-party code could run in its own limited sandbox, the risk is significantly reduced.

The only known workaround is to execute the code via JavaScript, as Apple's JavaScriptCore engine runs in a heavily sandboxed process. This requires you to port the code to JS, which may be a lot of work, or just not viable. You wouldn't want to run the Python interpreter inside JavaScript - the performance would be terrible!

== In-app browsers ==
Safari's in-app browser, that is the minimal version you get when tapping a link from social media, uses an entirely separate data store for each app. The in-app browser isn't aware of cookies in the "full" Safari app, or any other app, and doesn't support Safari extensions. Any websites you're logged into. Apple [https://github.com/openid/AppAuth-iOS/issues/120 claimed] this was to protect malicious apps from stealing or setting cookies in Safari without your knowledge, which is a fair argument, but it's hard to not notice that it makes web browsing inconvenient, encouraging users to install native apps, where they can make transactions through Apple.

This also means your browsing in the in-app browser is just forgotten - there's no history menu, and it doesn't get logged to the history in the full Safari app either. Good luck recalling that article you read a few weeks ago.

== See also ==
* [https://theapplewiki.com/wiki/Eligibility Eligibility]
* [https://adamdemasi.com/2024/04/19/app-marketplace-experience.html The iOS 17.4 app marketplace flow is a disaster]
* [https://adamdemasi.com/2024/04/23/ios-eligibility-features.html Features controlled by iOS 17.4’s eligibility system]

== References ==
<references />

[[Category:anti-consumer]]
[[Category:Apple]]

Apple

2025-01-16T01:41:02Z

Firelemons: add apple tag

{{Under_Development}}
Apple are a company founded in 1976 by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak. There was always a bit of a head in the clouds approach from Apple to designing things, but it seemed to work well until about the 2000's. Suddenly, there was an obsession with cutting excess weight, probably sparked about the time of the iPod, at the cost of repairability and upgradeability. Of course, the iPhone's launch would wind up staging the path of crafting the most popular consumer electronic device in the world, and smartphones now have become one of the most controversial to the right to repair community. That is normally expected to be designed with little regard to ease of independent repair. Sources?

=== 2010's ===
Apple had numerous design failings in the 2010's, and these were often brushed under the rug, and people experiencing such an issue would be normally charged exorbitant amounts for repair. High-cost GPU failures on early 2010's MacBooks, the 2016-'17 MacBook Pro's screen cable skimping scandal, the 2019 16-inch MacBook Pro's SSD failures and more are design flaws Apple have, as they have often, dodged accountability for and continue to do.Sources?

==== Too little, too late - Attempts, or "Attempts" to do better ====
Apple have attempted recent changes to their products that have made them better, but still not on par with some other manufacturers for pro-consumer behaviour.Source? Many believe this to be driven by changing legislation.Who? Certain parts of this, certainly are.Source? This includes:

* Opening an online "self service repair" parts store.Source?
* Making the back glass of iPhones removable.Source?
* Allowing alternative app stores in an update to iOS 17, in compliance with new EU legislation.Source?
* Calibration tools for newly installed used parts in iOS 18, which sometimes work.Source?
* An upgradeable, swappable SSD in the 2024 Mac Mini - albeit you cannot swap these units between M4 and M4 Pro units due to the internal casing's design being different without much good reason.Sources?
* A battery removable with just a 9V battery in the 2024 iPhone 16 and 16 Plus.Source?

==== OS downgrades ====
It is not possible to upgrade or downgrade an iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, etc. to an OS version other than the absolute latest. On Macs with T2 chip or Apple Silicon, the user can select from three modes of secure boot:<ref>https://support.apple.com/102522</ref>

* No security: Allow any OS to run (same as turning off secure boot on a PC)
* Medium security: Allow any OS that is signed with a secure boot certificate (default, same as turning on secure boot on a PC)
* Full security: Only allow the latest version of macOS, do not allow any other OS

iOS devices only support full security mode. The device checks for a cryptographic "[https://theapplewiki.com/wiki/APTicket ticket]", which are tied to the OS version and CPU serial number. These are provided by a server, which only provides them for the latest version (with very specific exceptions). The device refuses to boot if the ticket does not match. [https://theapplewiki.com/wiki/Firmware_downgrading Workarounds] exist, but with major caveats that are not viable for most users.<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SHSH_blob</ref>

Users often complain of new OS versions slowing down their device. Once a new version is installed, there is no opportunity to go back. This also restricts the user's choice to jailbreak the device, as the latest version naturally has patches for the latest jailbreak exploits. App developers also require access to earlier iOS versions to test that their app works correctly. The alternative, Xcode's iOS Simulator, is not a complete replacement for real hardware, as it does not have all features of a physical device.<ref>https://contextqa.com/test-on-ios-emulators-simulators/</ref> Instead, app developers are forced to purchase several test devices, and remember to ''never'' allow them to update.

== References ==
<references />

[[Category:Companies]]
[[Category:Apple]]

Category:Apple

2025-01-16T01:39:51Z

Firelemons: create apple tag

This category contains articles about, or relating to [[wikipedia:Apple_Inc.|Apple]].
[[Category:Companies]]

Category:Meta

2025-01-16T01:31:42Z

Firelemons: Create tag for meta

This category contains articles about, or relating to [[wikipedia:Meta_Platforms|Meta]].
[[Category:Companies]]

Google

2025-01-16T01:21:09Z

Firelemons: add google tag

Google LLC, founded in 1998 by Larry Page and Sergey Brin, is one of the most influential and dominant technology companies in the world. Originally developed as a search engine to organize and index the growing amount of information on the internet, Google has since expanded into a wide range of services and products, becoming a central player in digital advertising, software, hardware, and cloud computing.

Google's search engine remains its most well-known service, but the company has significantly diversified its offerings. Key products include the Android operating system, the Google Chrome web browser, Google Drive for cloud storage, Google Maps, [[YouTube]], and Google Play. Additionally, the company provides digital advertising services through Google Ads, generating the majority of its revenue. In recent years, Google has also developed hardware products such as the Pixel smartphone and Nest smart home devices.

Google has faced ongoing scrutiny related to data privacy, competition, and its dominant position in the market. The company has been the subject of various legal and regulatory challenges, particularly concerning antitrust issues, the use of personal data, and its impact on consumer choice.

=== Google Stadia Shutdown ===
In January 2023, Google announced the shutdown of its cloud gaming service, Stadia, which was launched in November 2019.<ref>https://www.theverge.com/23380140/google-stadia-ending-shutdown-latest-news-gaming-tech/archives/2</ref> Stadia required users to purchase games individually, unlike other gaming platforms that offer subscription-based access. Upon the service's closure, Google promised to refund consumers for their purchases, including both games and hardware. However, users needed to initiate the refund process themselves- refunds were not automatic.<ref>https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-get-your-google-stadia-refund/</ref>

Stadia users were effectively renting access to games, as the platform did not allow for traditional ownership or offline play. With the service discontinued, consumers were left without access to the content they had purchased. Stadia users who had bought controllers and other peripherals for the service were also impacted by the shutdown. While Google offered refunds to customers who requested them, many Stadia consumers were left with equipment that no longer performs the advertised functions and limited recourse for repurposing or reselling their devices.<ref>https://www.gamerevolution.com/guides/852697-stadia-shut-down-how-to-use-controller-chromecast-without-app</ref>

[[Category:Companies]]
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[[Category:Google]]

Category:Google

2025-01-16T01:20:02Z

Firelemons: Create google tag

This category contains articles about, or relating to [[wikipedia:Google|Google]].
[[Category:Companies]]

Amazon PhotosPlus discontinuation

2025-01-16T01:13:55Z

Firelemons: Add amazon tag

Amazon PhotosPlus was a Subscription based service that offered users the ability to display their chosen photos on their devices as the "primary content". Additionally, It provided 25GB of Amazon Photos storage, and costed 2$ per month. Announced<ref>[https://www.pocket-lint.com/what-is-amazon-photosplus/ What is Amazon PhotosPlus]</ref> in October 2023, Amazon sent an email informing its users that they were discontinuing<ref>[https://www.threads.net/@wheelsee/post/C-58LrqSbYW?xmt=AQGzdSySswLxRPEtQdHvzY0PMn5k0eXCG2lzMqmc0irZoIQ Email sent to all PhotosPlus users informing them of the cancellation of the service]</ref> the service, cancelling it on September 12, 2024.

The Amazon Echo Show 8 was a Digital Frame, launched at 149.99$. For 10$ more, you could get the Amazon Echo Show 8 Photos Edition, which came with 6 months of PhotosPlus and the ability to display your photos as the "primary" content. Amazon spokesperson Courtney Ramirez<ref>[https://www.theverge.com/2023/9/22/23885332/amazon-echo-show-8-photos-edition-digital-frame-price-fee Amazon Echo Show 8] </ref> confirmed that “Occasionally, Alexa will provide content suggestions based on a customer’s interest. However, photos will remain the primary content.”

After the cancellation of the PhotosPlus Service, the Amazon Echo Show 8 Photos Edition is identical<ref>[https://www.howtogeek.com/amazon-cancels-photosplus-subscription/ Effects of cancellation of the PhotosPlus Service on Amazon Echo Show 8 Photos Edition customers]</ref> to the Amazon Echo Show 8, and user who wish to display their photos have to do so with advertisements and promotional content.
== References ==
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[[Category:Incidents]]
[[Category:Amazon]]

Amazon

2025-01-16T01:12:30Z

Firelemons: add amazon category

Amazon.com, Inc. is a global leader in e-commerce, cloud computing, and digital streaming, founded in 1994 by Jeff Bezos. Originally launched as an online bookstore, Amazon quickly expanded into a marketplace offering a wide range of products, including electronics, clothing, household goods, and groceries. Today, it is one of the largest companies in the world, with a dominant presence in retail, technology, and logistics.

In addition to its e-commerce platform, Amazon is a major player in cloud computing through Amazon Web Services (AWS), which provides cloud infrastructure and services to businesses globally. The company also offers a variety of digital services, such as Amazon Prime, which provides streaming video and music, and Alexa, its voice-activated virtual assistant. Amazon has also developed consumer products like the Kindle e-reader, Fire tablets, and Echo smart speakers.

Amazon has faced significant scrutiny and criticism, particularly concerning its treatment of workers, marketplace practices, data privacy issues, and its impact on small businesses. It has been involved in various regulatory and legal challenges related to anti-competitive behavior, safety, and consumer protection, with calls for increased oversight on its business operations.

== Controversies ==
Amazon is no stranger to controversy, below is a listing of every documented controversy Amazon has had documented on this wiki: 
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Controversy
!Year
!Background Info
!Aftermath
!Related Article
!Related Video(s)
|-
|Amazon sells lethal litterbox
|2024
|Amazon was caught selling litterboxes that have been murdering cats and potentially harming, if not killing young children.
|Unknown.
|
|<ref group="Video References">https://youtube.com/watch?v=p6Y19nSPvC4</ref>
|-
|Amazon adds ads to premium subscription
|2023, 2024
|
|Continues to occur.
|
|<ref group="Video References">https://youtube.com/watch?v=RSi6g5-xUaY</ref> <ref group="Video References">https://youtube.com/watch?v=ua_QL9YysHQ</ref> <ref group="Video References">https://youtube.com/watch?v=VLFpU9aqtXc</ref>
|-
|Amazon sells faulty/fake Toshiba Hard Drives
|2024
|
|Unknown
|
|<ref group="Video References">https://youtube.com/watch?v=DeUNC7z5MM0</ref>
|-
|Amazon allows fraudulent listings
|2014 - 2024
|
|Fraudulent listings continue to be added, some removed.
|
|<ref group="Video References">https://youtube.com/watch?v=qZCMislL6_I</ref> <ref group="Video References">https://youtube.com/watch?v=7trdHLtsFKM</ref> <ref group="Video References">https://youtube.com/watch?v=B90_SNNbcoU</ref> <ref group="Video References">https://youtube.com/watch?v=DiKflg8Uko4</ref> <ref group="Video References">https://youtube.com/watch?v=y83BS_mK9GE</ref> <ref group="Video References">https://youtube.com/watch?v=Rhb0ID9z4aE</ref> <ref group="Video References">https://youtube.com/watch?v=XZNn2mO3dNQ</ref> <ref>https://youtube.com/watch?v=C0YNLWdj9sQ</ref>
|-
|Amazon allows sellers to bribe customers for better ratings.
|2024
|
|Continues to occur.
|
|<ref group="Video References">https://youtube.com/watch?v=eS698R-bxuc</ref>
|-
|Amazon has bad marketplace algorithms.
|2023, 24
|
|Algorithms still seem to be nonbeneficial.
|
|<ref group="Video References">https://youtube.com/watch?v=tAaSXz8CBMc</ref>
|-
|Amazon trashes refurbished market.
|2022, 2023
|
|Unknown
|
|<ref group="Video References">https://youtube.com/watch?v=h3qgbvq2SWs</ref> <ref group="Video References">https://youtube.com/watch?v=qzUXmeaZsIQ</ref>
|-
|Amazon wrongfully deletes accounts.
|2023
|
|Some accounts reinstated.
|
|<ref group="Video References">https://youtube.com/watch?v=Kcohq313q00</ref> <ref group="Video References">https://youtube.com/watch?v=SyEgD-5GK9c</ref> <ref group="Video References">https://youtube.com/watch?v=NfiIXooD77s</ref>
|-
|Amazon engages in anticompetitive behavior
|2021, 2022
|
|Unknown
|
|<ref group="Video References">https://youtube.com/watch?v=YBJoSGWdP0Y</ref> <ref group="Video References">https://youtube.com/watch?v=XCLx4mVJ4gk</ref>
|}

=== All Louis Rossmann videos covering Amazon:  ===
<references group="Video References" />

=== General References: ===
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[[Category:Companies]]
[[Category:Amazon]]

Category:Amazon

2025-01-16T01:09:26Z

Firelemons: create amazon

This category contains articles about, or relating to [[wikipedia:Amazon_(company)|Amazon]].
[[Category:Companies]]

Category:Netflix

2025-01-16T01:01:39Z

Firelemons: period for consistency

This category contains articles about, or relating to [[wikipedia:Netflix|Netflix]].
[[Category:Companies]]