|
|
| Line 1: |
Line 1: |
| {{StubNotice}}
| | #REDIRECT [[Software-gating]] |
| | |
| As a softer version to [[activation]], and related to [[features on demand]], '''software-gating''' is a method to control access to ''features'' in consumer electronic hardware, but are not inherently anti-consumer as they provide useful for security features.
| |
| | |
| This definition does not include closed-source, such as [[wikipedia:Proprietary_software|proprietary software]] or [[wikipedia:Proprietary_protocol|proprietary protocols]], as these can still provide the consumer with fully featured access without needing an account, app, or activation. {{DeletionRequest|I merged it with software-gating, and rewired all previous links to this article to Activation - Reform}}See also
| |
| | |
| *[[Digital rights management]]
| |
| | |
| ==Anti-consumer examples==
| |
| ===Forced account for data lock-in===
| |
| [[Forced account|Requiring an account]] in order to be used, such as with some Google Pixels and specific Android devices, and iPhones needing an Apple account create an easy entry-point for [[data lock-in]], making it harder to switch vendors.{{Citation needed|date=31 Mar 2026}}
| |
| | |
| ===Forced app download===
| |
| ''Apps'' are a popular method for manufacturers to marketed features behind software locks. Examples of this are:
| |
| | |
| *Sony headphones requiring app to tweak its EQ
| |
| | |
| *HVAC app activation of furnace control boards.{{Citation needed|date=31 Mar 2026}}
| |
| | |
| ===Activation & licensing===
| |
| When features are locked behind an activation process, it will require server connectivity. Some implications of this include:
| |
| | |
| *Cloud services that are essential to keep the features working can be put offline
| |
| | |
| *The digital services can change in quality or become more privacy invasive over time
| |
| | |
| ==See also==
| |
| | |
| *[[Digital rights management]]
| |
| *[[Walled garden]]
| |
| *[[Bootloader unlocking]]
| |
| | |
| ==References==
| |
| {{Reflist}}
| |
| | |
| [[Category:Common terms]]
| |
| [[Category:Software]]
| |
