I mean, it used to only Apple products. But now Windows is trying to force an online activation (I know theres a bypass CMD command, but still… they could remove it in the future).
Android phones, while do no require “Activation” are arealy trying to nudge you into connecting to the internet and making an account.
Some OEMs are trying to get you to make an account with them.
I could see a future where some OEMs are starting for force you to go online before the device can be used, or just outright done for every Android device if its Google wanting that to happen.
The most popular Drone manufacturer, DJI, requires online activation. Same with the second leading one, Autel. (Cheaper brands don’t require them, but those drones suck).
If you want to install a security cameras, most of them will require an app 🤮 (they do know that web-browser interface, such as 192.168.1.1 for routers, exists, right? they could just set up a similar thing for those cameras… oh yea thats right, they want to harvest data, thats why the app). And some, especially those “Ring” types, require an account (I haven’t used them, correct me if I’m wrong).
How long before everything is “CONNECT YOUR WIFI” or “DOWNLOAD THE APP”.
Like what next? Do car makers just get rid of the fob all together and be like “DOWNLOAD APP” and use that to open doors and ignition? House door being “Use the App to unlock door”?
🤔
(Are be going towards a technological dystopia?)
🤔🤔🤔
(Oh btw, cars now have this GPS thing. Dealers getting excited like “DOWNLOAD OUR APP” to instantly track your car’s location, and know the tire pressures and everything, and remote start. I’m like… all that is available through an app?.. seems like a security/privacy nightmare. Whats stops a crazy ex from knowing where you are? I don’t even drive btw, was with parents at the dealership to translate, parents did not seem worried about the privacy concerns… 🤷♂️)
andrewta@lemmy.world 4 hours ago
Yes but ONLY because people keep buying the shit. People vote with their wallets. If people would stop buying it companies would stop doing it.
spankmonkey@lemmy.world 2 hours ago
Voting with your wallet is still limited to the available options.
andrewta@lemmy.world 17 minutes ago
I would disagree. If I just don’t buy anything and don’t say anything, you’re right that’s not voting. But if I go into just for example, a car dealership, I noticed that all the cars have subscription fees on them and then I tell the general manager that the reason I’m not buying is because of the subscription fee. That is voting.
The same goes for a stereo receiver. If I walk into Best Buy to buy one, and I noticed they’ll have subscription fees, and I tell the general manager of Best Buy that I’m not buying because of this that is voting.
If I call up Denon or Yamaha or or one of the other companies I say hey do you have a receiver that doesn’t have a subscription? And then they tell me no theyall do I tell them well then I just won’t buy any of them that is voting.
andrewta@lemmy.world 1 hour ago
Sort of true.
Ex: my dvd player broke and the only replacement is an always on player worth a subscription fee. Do I really have to have a new player? No
Can I go do something other than watching movies? Yes
Is it going to mean I’m going to be homeless or lose my job of I don’t have one? No
Then leave it on the shelf.
Microwave: do I need to have one? No. We went for thousands of years without one. Leave it on until shelf.
Alarm clock… go to a pawn shop and find one that is older. There is no reason to buy one with a subscription fee. Your grandma might have an old mechanical one. Leave it on the shelf
Refrigerator might be a hard one to get around, but look for one without the sub fee or the always on concept.
Stereo receiver look for an older one or go without. Leave it on the shelf. If there is a subscription fee leave it
Ask yourself: is there a way around not having it. If there is then go without if needed.
TV breaks: well if they all have subscription fees then say f it and done buy a new one.