Microsoft's Device Manners Policy patent enforces "no-talking zones" and more

This is either the best or worst idea ever, depending on your point of view. Microsoft has patented what it calls a "device manners policy" (DMP), a wireless zone-enforced device protocol that allows local operators to turn certain features off (or on) based on local manner and safety policy. Similar to how wireless service on planes can lock out voice but allow data, Microsoft's DMP concept would allow local czars to enforce, for example, "no talking out loud" or "no photography" rules. Audio recording could be disabled at concerts, video recording killed at theaters, and ringers turned off at funerals. Of course, this all requires manufacturers to comply with the DMP protocol in their devices. In the end, we'd be looking at a pre-movie PSA that says "your phone is now being put on silent" rather than "please turn off your cell phone."

[Via Unwired Review]

[Abhishek @ Jun 5th 2008 10:37AM]

Oh hell no!!

[OneLove @ Jun 5th 2008 10:49AM]

Why does Microsoft want to control us?

[Sean @ Jun 5th 2008 10:52AM]

because you can't control yourselves?

[Jon Doe. @ Jun 5th 2008 11:03AM]

"Why does MS want to control us?"

Because there are people in society who can't control themselves?

[Josh @ Jun 5th 2008 11:34AM]

smokey, this is not nam!

[Moorio - XBL: peacebyanymeans @ Jun 5th 2008 11:58AM]

Put these fuckers in movie theaters, please!

[Kurian @ Jun 5th 2008 12:01PM]

Don't worry. Firmware hacks will take care of these restrictions. Unless its implemented in such a way that all "outside" signals are blocked, and they have a "proxy" cell tower thing which can firewall different kinds of transmissions". But that can't do jack about disabling phone features like audio/video recording etc with firmware hacks.

[TravisO @ Jun 5th 2008 3:29PM]

And the first time somebody has a medical incident and can't call 911 the lawsuits will start flowing. Not to mention possible abuse.

Sorry, I'm a firm believer of turning off your cell phone in a movie theater, but any technology that disables/blocks your cell phone is an attack on your freedom and possibly your safety.

If you see such a device, destroy it.

[Jason @ Jun 5th 2008 4:38PM]

"Because there are people in society who can't control themselves?"

So M$ is protecting us from ourselves. How comforting. This isn't necessary if cinemas would just adopt the policy of the famous Alamo Drafthouses and simply toss people out of the theater for being rude.

If anyone dares to alter the functionality of my property I will either:
A. Kick someone's ass
or
B. Sue someone's ass

Either way, no one gets their hands of my phone but me. Firmware
flashes all around! :-)

[Chuckles McGee @ Jun 5th 2008 7:18PM]

In America, you silence phone. In Communist Russia, phone silence you!!

[Daniel @ Jun 5th 2008 10:37AM]

Unfortunately, this isn't going to be an overnight rollout. It will take years for movie theaters to invest in these and deploy them.

[Forrest @ Jun 5th 2008 10:38AM]

So long as they can disable voice service in a 10 foot radius surrounding a cash register I will be pleased as punch.

Get off the phone and place your order asshole!

[Tim @ Jun 5th 2008 11:19AM]

Agreed.

If there's a way to turn off voice calls in movie theaters, I'd actually spend the $10+ to see a movie again.

But I'd imagine cameraphones would be disabled in all of Hollywood to prevent celebrity bits being uploaded to YouTube.

[Brenen Hofstadter @ Jun 5th 2008 10:42AM]

What is the real point here?
Brenan Hofstadter

[qdemn7 @ Jun 5th 2008 10:42AM]

Good!!! Since people these days are so f-ing ill mannered, the only way is to force them to behave.

If you're that important that you need to be in contact 24/7, then stay home.

[kjb434 @ Jun 5th 2008 10:42AM]

They can patent this all they want, but the FCC rules the airwaves and they will have final say on legality in the US.

There may be heavy use in other countries depending on their airwave regulations.

Devices are readily available (although illegal in the US) that can completely block wireless signals. Some even fit in your pocket and can form a 30-foot buffer around you so you won't have anyone talking on a cell phone near you....

[mrhahn @ Jun 5th 2008 10:53AM]

From what I can see, it's not something that blocks your cellphone reception. Rather it's something that your mobile device picks up, maybe even a regular WiFi signal, which allows the device to decide what sort of 'zone' it is in.

[404 @ Jun 5th 2008 10:43AM]

I smell fun for hackers.

It could be awesome for cinemas and libraries though. I wonder how easy it is to confine it to individual rooms.

[DoS Rulez @ Jun 5th 2008 10:49AM]

Ya think?

[blinkcowz182 @ Jun 5th 2008 10:43AM]

This is better than buildings that imbed faraday cages all cell phone signals. I wonder how many times some one has had a heart attack and a good samaritan had run outside to get a signal to dial 911. This way they can block all calls except to emergency services. I'm all for it!

[alex @ Jun 5th 2008 11:19AM]

"This is better than buildings that imbed Faraday cages all cell phone signals. I wonder how many times some one has had a heart attack and a good Samaritan had run outside to get a signal to dial 911."

Ummm probably not too many times since most buildings has something called "land lines" that allow people to make calls emergency or otherwise to the outside world. I know it's crazy. These new inventions are getting out of hand.

[kal326 @ Jun 5th 2008 11:23AM]

Because buildings evidently don't have any land lines that would work perfectly fine in case of power outage or loss of cellular signal....

[Todd @ Jun 5th 2008 10:44AM]

Lol, classic Microsoft, trying to govern human behavior. "F" the user, dictate what they can and cannot do. I acknowledge that people yacking on the phone is annoying, but only Redmond would try to use software to control it.

[Farmer Joe @ Jun 5th 2008 10:47AM]

And of course, nobody but Microsoft will "own" it. And they'll have back doors into all the servers.

[Neal @ Jun 5th 2008 11:02AM]

Seriously?

Because a company makes a technology doesn't mean they are responsible for how it's used. Just like a gun can be used for good or bad, you don't blame Colt when someone gets murdered. As for dictating what a person can or cannot do, this is nothing new. You can't scream "FIRE!" in a movie theater when there is no fire - you will go to jail. You can't sit around McDonalds cussing your head off, the manager might ask you to leave, or call the cops.

Of course, this may not even work unless you have a Win Mobile cell phone anyway, so worrying about what might happen, or how your right *could* be abused is a tad premature.

[Isak? @ Jun 5th 2008 11:48PM]

I don't know Neal. I think that the biggest feature I saw that would be illegal is the turning off of the camera at concerts.

Somebody is disabling the features on the phone I paid cash-money for? They're depriving me of the use of my property. Even beyond that, who are they to decide I shouldn't be able to use my products. Annoying people in movies do suck, but there are examples where it's appropriate to use a phone inside a theatre. Police officiers or Doctors being called into an emergency is just one example.

[mike @ Jun 5th 2008 8:10PM]

How long will it be before major tourist attractions put up no-photo zones so they can force you to buy their postcards and other crap? How about the police using a mobile version to eliminate the possibility you could film them doing a Rodney King number on someone?

I love the idea of forcing cells into silent mode in the movie theater, but not at the cost of losing ALL control over which features of the phone work in any given locale. The scary thing is, if the RIAA and MPAA and Clear Channels of the world want this to happen, it very well could - and with legislation to force phones bound for the US to play along, as well. Our jello-spined legislators would surely cave in on this front just as readily as they have to DMCA and the like....

[Forrest @ Jun 5th 2008 10:56AM]

That's the problem jay - people don't seem to have that these days.

Take for example posting a link to your crap-ass blog in comments. You know you shouldn't, but you do it anyway. *shakes head* No self control...

[rbanke @ Jun 5th 2008 10:59AM]

There are two obvious hot buttons associated with this.

The good:
Shut these idiots up in movie theaters. Disable voice AND text messaging in movie theaters, people seem to lack ANY respect for their fellow people these days and this would be a feature that might help bring people back to movie theaters who current avoid them like the plague due to this BS.

The 'bad':
Recording video at will in venues and such is something people will be all pissed off about. However, this is a recent thing anyway. You've never been allowed to bring a video camera into a concert. Now that phones can record video they are simply so many and too small to deal with. If your ability to bootleg video was cut off, you are put right back where we were only a couple short years ago. It's not as if the past 20 years have been open season with video recording at concerts and they are now trying to stop you.

[ePants @ Jun 5th 2008 11:26AM]

Indeed.

Though, the net good of having slightly less annoying movie outings will be vastly outweighed by the social net loss of furthering most people's belief that their own actions are not their own responsability. It will lead to scenarios where people say ridiculous things like, "This isn't a restricted zone, therefore I have a right to use my phone/device here and an obligation to excercise that right." Granted, most will say this with their actions rather than verbally- because they will at that point have no vocabulary other that text slang.

This world doesn't need any more removal of presonal responsability.

I think a new system should be implemented where everyone's phones are automatically registered as they enter the theatre (perhaps with a local zone using a similar device). Those whose phones remain silent throughout the film would receive an incentive and reward- perhaps some media clip or movie theme ringtown sent to them via text or an electronic coupon for their next visit- while those who use their phones are charged a reasonable yet unpleasant fee per device-activation offense. Repeat offenders could potentially receive pro-rated ticket prices, be banned completely, or have their individual device singled out and deactivated while on the premesis.

I think this is a masterful plan, and it took me all of 30 seconds to develop.

[rbanke @ Jun 5th 2008 11:31AM]

Good points. It's a shame we live with millions of adult 4 year olds isnt it?

[CubeGuy @ Jun 5th 2008 12:51PM]

As long as MS makews the DRM devices for businesses rather inexpensive, I don't see that as being too big of an issue.

[OneLove @ Jun 5th 2008 11:01AM]

@jay:

Please exercise some self control and stop advertising your lame website here.

[Joel @ Jun 5th 2008 11:03AM]

So we should outlaw alcohol as well? This is supposed to be a free country. If you want to exercise your lack of self control, that's your right. I'm not saying that it's good by any means, but where does the enforcement stop? You can't make or receive calls on your cell phone while you're driving? You gotta think big picture....

[DigitalSciGuy @ Jun 6th 2008 2:06AM]

I don't know about you, but I sure as hell don't have sympathy for drivers who use their phones, hands-free or not, ever since a woman on her phone crossed three lanes at 75mph and almost side-swiped a friend and I into a barrier.

This technology is also incredibly useful for sensitive areas where photography or filming is prohibited. I have a friend of mine who can't even bring her phone to work because she works at GM's research labs and her phone has a camera.

[Jon Doe. @ Jun 5th 2008 11:06AM]

No such thing anymore. Children being raised now a days and even young adults think there is something in the Constitution about having a cell phone. All I have to say about the dipshits who bring their cells into theatres and are lighting it up and talking during the movie is I hope you all get ebola and die a horrible horrible death.

[cornellian @ Jun 5th 2008 11:08AM]

I think talking free zones and putting sounds on silent mode is a great idea.

People have no manners today.

However, I would never purchase a phone which would allow someone to disable features to help DVD and CD sales.

[Abhishek @ Jun 5th 2008 11:08AM]

I don't really mind ppl who talk on their phones.
I worked at a gas station, then at a motel and as a janitor all throughout my college.
And now I am onna those ppl who needs to constantly be in touch, working, conversing on the cell even if i'm out taking a quick lunch break..because it's a very stressful and high energy environment that I work in.
I graduated ABOVE flipping burgers and saying "Thank you come again" at the 7-11's (I'm indian..so I can make the Apu joke), and if someone else didn't and is stuck at a minimum wage job, I do make an effort to be courteous, but NO WAY am I giving the "feelings" of a Mickey D's worker, priority above my work!

[Greg @ Jun 5th 2008 11:16AM]

Did we read the same article? I have no idea what you are talking about.

[J @ Jun 5th 2008 12:05PM]

That's a pretty elitist attitude. The McDonald's worker is no less important than you, and has the right to not be bothered by your self-important constant blathering on the phone. If you have work to do, you should be doing it at work. When you're at lunch, you should be eating. You do not "need" to be constantly in touch. Your work is only important to you, nobody else gives a crap. And if you really think you need to be in constant contact with work, you need to find a better company to work for.

[armedwithjello @ Jun 5th 2008 1:17PM]

What about all the people waiting in line behind you while you delay ordering so you can take that "important" business call? Answering machines and call ID are wondrous things. You have no right to slow down another person's life to speed yours up.

It sure sounds like you have a great job if you eat at high-class places like McDonald's, by the way. I'd like to have a huge expense account like yours!

[Jon Doe. @ Jun 5th 2008 11:10AM]

Free country doesn't mean you have to be a jackass. If that is the case I should be free to come down out of my seat in a theatre and break your nose if you are on your phone. But I can't because there are limits to "free". So too should there be limits on how much of an asshat you can be in places where phone's have no damn business.

[Joel @ Jun 5th 2008 11:16AM]

Being a jackass and physical injuring someone are two totally separate things. There are some serious flaws in your logic

[rbanke @ Jun 5th 2008 11:16AM]

@Joel

Yes it is a 'free country' however that does not mean business owners do not have rights of their own. If a business owner chooses to keep you from annoying his other patrons, that does not violate your rights as it is your choice to visit that business to begin with. People seem to allways use the 'free country' line but dont seem to understand what that even means.

[Joel @ Jun 5th 2008 11:21AM]

I understand that. I work for a company that has certain areas where I cannot have a cell phone. I don't complain about that. They confiscate my cell phone when I go into these areas. If business owners want to enforce rules like that, then that is their right. To enforce it on your cell phone is a totally different thing.

[ShyGuy91284 @ Jun 5th 2008 11:31AM]

My concern is about limiting the effectiveness of such devices. Wifi is not limited by room, it's by signal strength. If someone was using this tech, will it really be limited to the single area, or the single area + some other area?

[Isak? @ Jun 5th 2008 11:56PM]

I don't know Neal. I think that the biggest feature I saw that would be illegal is the turning off of the camera at concerts.

Somebody is disabling the features on the phone I paid cash-money for? They're depriving me of the use of my property. Even beyond that, who are they to decide I shouldn't be able to use my products. Annoying people in movies do suck, but there are examples where it's appropriate to use a phone inside a theatre. Police officiers or Doctors being called into an emergency is just one example.

[Nathan Dbb @ Jun 5th 2008 11:56AM]

I believe that being able to record and photo is part of having a free society (as in freedom). What keeps THE POLICE (not the band) from using a transmitter like this to make sure that people don't see the next time they beat down some kid?

Rodney King (for people over 25)
&
Don't tase me bro! (for people under)

They would have had no traction with out the recordings

.

For all you people who think that the masses will not tolerate this, YOU ARE WRONG!

I didn't think that people who tolerate the DVD forcing them to watch and not watch parts of the disk -- but they just get used to having their belongings command them to do things.

People will just get used to anything, if you give them time and no alternative.

[John Stracke @ Jun 5th 2008 12:00PM]

The gadgets *I* want to see have this feature are my kids' toys, so I can turn them off at bedtime.

At the moment, though, some of them don't even have off switches, so I don't expect it'd happen soon.

[Isak? @ Jun 5th 2008 11:58PM]

Batteries brother. Just pop those beasts out. Or instill the fear of god in your children like my parents did to me. It’s what turned me into the successful rock breaker I am today.