Software-gating: Difference between revisions
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{{Incomplete}} | {{Incomplete|Issue 1=should have real-world examples with references}} | ||
Related to [[forced app download]], '''software-gating''' or '''software companion''' is a method to control device features through ''external'' means in consumer electronic hardware. It is characterized by a dependence on that external software/app to configure or control some part of a device. | Related to [[forced app download]], '''software-gating''' or '''software companion''' is a method to control device features through ''external'' means in consumer electronic hardware. It is characterized by a dependence on that external software/app to configure or control some part of a device. | ||
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Software-gating is not inherently anti-consumer as it can provide useful in some scenarios. Examples of this being: | Software-gating is not inherently anti-consumer as it can provide useful in some scenarios. Examples of this being: | ||
*'''Customization''': | *'''Customization''': It allows the user to finely tune device behavior, which would be really hard to implement with hardware buttons and switches. Examples of that being a piece of software to program the behavior of RGB keyboards, mice or hue-changing lamps. | ||
*'''Security features:''' Authentication devices that utilize software dependency to create security benefits for consumers. | *'''Security features:''' Authentication devices that utilize software dependency to create security benefits for consumers. | ||
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===Anti-consumer=== | ===Anti-consumer=== | ||
Software-gating becomes a problem when it limits the consumer's choice, their only options being privacy invasive, cloud-dependent, or intentionally limited in favor of paying a subscription. | Software-gating becomes a problem when it limits the consumer's choice, their only options being privacy invasive, [[Forced cloud|cloud-dependent]], or intentionally limited in favor of paying a subscription. | ||
Examples of anti-consumer software- | Examples of anti-consumer software-gating: | ||
*'''Unnecessary app:''' What could have easily been done with hardware switches or displays, is now instead done with an external app in order to exert more control over the customer. This is often marketed as a way to provide extended functionality, while in reality it is a solution in search of a problem. | *'''Unnecessary app:''' What could have easily been done with hardware switches or displays, is now instead done with an external app in order to exert more control over the customer. This is often marketed as a way to provide extended functionality, while in reality it is a solution in search of a problem. | ||