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This is not just a problem with computing, it all stems from 'gillette' style business models, and similar, which ultimately come from that flavor of capitalism

This is not just a problem with computing, it all stems from 'gillette' style business models, and similar, which ultimately come from that flavor of capitalism that says the only reason that any company or endeavor exists is to make a 'profit'. And so the actual goal is not to provide people with the best things, experiences, whatever. The goal is to make as much money as possible from them; the 'thing' being sold is just a hook. You can see it all around; Razors and all kinds of other 'subscription' services, 'smart' devices, which could provide some kind of local smart interface that would truly give users more control, but instead insist on connecting back to a manufacturer's limited service, so data can be mined, adverts sold, etc.

brookst 3y ago
There's some truth to that, but it's a very edgy/cynical view that ignores all of the good from connected platforms. The phone I bought four years ago has a bunch of great features now that were not present when I bought it, and I got those for free. Today, software engineers will go to work and write code to make it even better. The subscription media services I pay for release more new content than I can possiblh watch or read or listen to, and I don't have to drive somewhere and pay for physical media. And in winter months when it's snow and ice outside, I can start my car and get the heater and defroster running from my phone, even if it's in a garage a half mile away. There are some aspects of some business models to dislike, but it is needlessly negative to complain about those without at least being aware of some really great changes since the days of "you bought this brick, it will be the same brick tomorrow".
- jacknews 3y ago
  Well of course, there are some conveniences. But why are they giving you more stuff for free? Obviously to keep you inside their system. And of course some subscription services are just that, you're paying for their ongoing work. To be clear I'm not at all against companies updating their software, in fact they should make it all open so anyone can update it, or at least open up the hardware so anyone can make their own programs for it. I think what you'll find with some of your free updates though, is that eventually they stop, when the product is no longer making money, or for example the demographic that is still using old devices is not one that is deemed profitable. And then you'll be all but forced to buy another device. One that has the same features that are now essential to the way you live your life.

brookst 3y ago

There's some truth to that, but it's a very edgy/cynical view that ignores all of the good from connected platforms. The phone I bought four years ago has a bunch of great features now that were not present when I bought it, and I got those for free. Today, software engineers will go to work and write code to make it even better. The subscription media services I pay for release more new content than I can possiblh watch or read or listen to, and I don't have to drive somewhere and pay for physical media. And in winter months when it's snow and ice outside, I can start my car and get the heater and defroster running from my phone, even if it's in a garage a half mile away. There are some aspects of some business models to dislike, but it is needlessly negative to complain about those without at least being aware of some really great changes since the days of "you bought this brick, it will be the same brick tomorrow".

jacknews 3y ago
Well of course, there are some conveniences. But why are they giving you more stuff for free? Obviously to keep you inside their system. And of course some subscription services are just that, you're paying for their ongoing work. To be clear I'm not at all against companies updating their software, in fact they should make it all open so anyone can update it, or at least open up the hardware so anyone can make their own programs for it. I think what you'll find with some of your free updates though, is that eventually they stop, when the product is no longer making money, or for example the demographic that is still using old devices is not one that is deemed profitable. And then you'll be all but forced to buy another device. One that has the same features that are now essential to the way you live your life.