Software locks: Difference between revisions
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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. | 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. | 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]] | |||
* [[Digital rights management]] | |||
==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== | ||