The one "gotcha" that microsoft could be caught in is anti-competition. For example, if a DIY hard drive upgrade results in banning, there is a very strong argument that this represents an anti-competitive act. In principle, it's the same as your car's manufacturer voiding your warranty because you had someone else perform an oil change.
Personally, I think a lot of the DRM stuff is slowing progress. Companies are so concerned about people stealing that they keep getting in the way of those who are trying to move forward. I would be a very happy camper if I could rip all my games to a central server and play them from there, or download them. If I could do that, I would consider buying a second 360 so I could play in another room. Instead, I am tied to an optical disc.
Microsoft doesn't stop you from modding your 360. The software will simply not work, and they are under no obligations to support it. (The EULA for the Xbox is for the software. There are no EULAs for hardware.)
And yes, when it comes to software, auto manufacturers use encryption that can only be bought from them...hence the $150 alternator, and the $600 computer.
it's true that they can't be responsible for a mod which causes software to stop working. However, if their software specifically checks that the hardware is Microsoft-branded, that borders on anti-competitive practices.
As far as your car goes, you can absolutely get third party parts. Tuners routinely install replacement software to get more control over the engine. Of course, if you blow up your engine, you're going to have a hard time convincing them it's warranty work.
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The one "gotcha" that microsoft could be caught in is anti-competition. For example, if a DIY hard drive upgrade results in banning, there is a very strong argument that this represents an anti-competitive act. In principle, it's the same as your car's manufacturer voiding your warranty because you had someone else perform an oil change.
Personally, I think a lot of the DRM stuff is slowing progress. Companies are so concerned about people stealing that they keep getting in the way of those who are trying to move forward. I would be a very happy camper if I could rip all my games to a central server and play them from there, or download them. If I could do that, I would consider buying a second 360 so I could play in another room. Instead, I am tied to an optical disc.
Microsoft doesn't stop you from modding your 360. The software will simply not work, and they are under no obligations to support it. (The EULA for the Xbox is for the software. There are no EULAs for hardware.)
And yes, when it comes to software, auto manufacturers use encryption that can only be bought from them...hence the $150 alternator, and the $600 computer.
it's true that they can't be responsible for a mod which causes software to stop working. However, if their software specifically checks that the hardware is Microsoft-branded, that borders on anti-competitive practices.
As far as your car goes, you can absolutely get third party parts. Tuners routinely install replacement software to get more control over the engine. Of course, if you blow up your engine, you're going to have a hard time convincing them it's warranty work.