Software-gating: Difference between revisions
Renamed the software lock article essentially to make it clearer that it is different from activation and DRM because it is about putting marketed features for hardware behind software which isn't provided in the product itself, but needs to be installed or signed up for by the user |
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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. | 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. | ||
==Anti-consumer examples== | ==Anti-consumer examples== | ||
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[[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 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 === | ===Forced app download=== | ||
''Apps'' are a popular method for manufacturers to marketed features behind software locks. Examples of this are: | ''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 | *Sony headphones requiring app to tweak its EQ | ||
* HVAC app activation of furnace control boards.{{Citation needed|date=31 Mar 2026}} | *HVAC app activation of furnace control boards.{{Citation needed|date=31 Mar 2026}} | ||
=== Activation & licensing === | ===Activation & licensing=== | ||
When features are locked behind an activation process, it will require server connectivity. Some implications of this include: | 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 | *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 | *The digital services can change in quality or become more privacy invasive over time | ||
== See also == | ==See also== | ||
* [[Digital rights management]] | *[[Digital rights management]] | ||
* [[Walled garden]] | *[[Walled garden]] | ||
* [[Bootloader unlocking]] | *[[Bootloader unlocking]] | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||