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>So good for security, but bad for e-waste and second hand sales I concur, but it's true for even consumer devices like smartphones. Once the software updates
by Abishek_Muthian 6y ago
>So good for security, but bad for e-waste and second hand sales
I concur, but it's true for even consumer devices like smartphones. Once the software updates stop, if security is the key then the devices are e-waste. Many times, I wish there was an International law which forces manufacturers to unlock their device when they stop pushing software updates to their device, so that alternate firmware can be installed. Of course this is just a wishful thinking, even those who abandoned their smartphone segment entirely(MS) didn't do this, So why would those who run profitable business out of planned obsolescence do it?
- xwdv 6y agoIt almost seems that a law like that would be something out of a sci-fi or cyberpunk universe.
- Abishek_Muthian 6y agoMarginalised people living among e-waste in every Cyberpunk universe is already true anyways.
- ajuc 6y agoWe live in a cyberpunk universe. The only think it got wrong was aesthetic.
- swiley 6y agoInstead of grunge everything is covered in RGB LEDs. Literally almost everyone my age has RGB LEDs everywhere. All over their rooms and not to mention keyboards.
- theandrewbailey 6y agoBright neon-colored lighting is a big part of the cyberpunk aesthetic.
- ornornor 6y agoThe law doesn’t need to be international, only one large enough market needs to do it. The market has to matter enough that the manufacturers won’t just say “screw them” and pull out of it. Then the mechanics are there and everyone benefits even those who live where there is no such law.
- saagarjha 6y agoManufacturers already sell unlockable/non-unlockable devices per-market. Not having this be international means they’ll just lock the device where they can.
- g_p 6y agoThe UK is currently taking steps towards this - the plans aren't perfect, but will require "security updates until" dates, no default or symmetrically derived passwords, and a vulnerability disclosure programme to be available. It doesn't go as far as to force unlocking, but requiring transparent disclosure of a committment to security update longevity (like Chromebooks and pixel phones have) is probably the first step along the road to that.
- Dylan16807 6y agoYou can get a pretty good idea of how long security updates will be provided already, so does that help almost ever? Like, great, now Motorola has an official promise to do security updates for for 15 months post-launch. If they decide to release a permanently locked phone, the consumer's still getting screwed just as much. Basically, "doesn't go as far as" sounds like a massive understatement.