These companies know that they can do this with impunity. Even if there is a lawsuit it will be a slap on the wrist that comes many many years later. Remember

These companies know that they can do this with impunity. Even if there is a lawsuit it will be a slap on the wrist that comes many many years later. Remember the PS3 thing. What needs to happen is new consumer protection laws need to be put in place. Like when these changes occur to stop allowing functionality the manufacturer can either open source everything needed so the purchaser has the ability to self manage and retain the prior functions or the must offer a full refund in the amount of the MSRP regardless of age or proof of purchase, just return the product. Without a downside this will continue to happen. Open sourcing would probably be their best option. Because it's been repeatedly shown that if they offer a good product people will still pay as the hassle for running/managing things like this isn't what most people care to do. The sad fact is they produce a subpar system and they only way they can get customers is to trap them.