Quote:
Originally Posted by PKFFW
... It doesn't mean that the rights of MS to run its business as it sees fit is any less important than someones right to mod their Xbox....
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Again:
(a) MS advertises that the purchase of an XBOX gives you the benefits of Live (for a fee):
(b) you have been paying for Live fair and square;
(c) MS has used modding as a competitive advantage, by conveniently failing to enforce modding restrictions, which over time has made its product more attractive precisely to those who are interested in modding.
There is a good argument, that there are some implied rights for those, who have modded for reasons other than stealing software (such as back ups.)
If services such as Netflix streaming are affected, which clearly have nothing to do with stealing software or cheating, then Microsoft is on even shakier ground.
For what it's worth, I do believe, that at least part of the reason for this action, is an attempt to boost sales to those who like Live, and are willing to fork out another $200 to get it back before the holidays. I also hope that it backfires, and sales of the ugly, noisy beast fall...
Quote:
Originally Posted by PKFFW
... Apple may not make music but it certainly sells music. It is probably the number one driving force for change in the music sales business.
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And again, Apple's big stick against the content providers' attempts to force over $2 per song prices, was the threat of markedly increase "piracy."
Thus, in a generally non-competitive market, such as music, movies, or books, "piracy" often exerts downward pressure on prices and creates a de facto competitive market. Which may not be a bad thing for all consumers.
Cheers to you too.