Updates to Keep Others Out
The Wii just put out a system update, which I will not be applying to my Wii console. If you know what is good for you, don’t update your Wii. Why not? Nintendo’s technical support forum are being hit with reports from people whose Wii consoles have bricks after 4.2 update.
This 4.2 update re-writes code of the Wii console to stop any unauthorized, third-party channels from calling the Wii home. But the problem is that those who have not mod/hack their Wii console now have serious bugs, issues and even bricked machines. The Wiis are now nothing but an over-sized paperweight.
Nintendo Response
“Some of you have reported problems with your Wii console after updating to the Wii System Menu 4.2. The symptoms most people are describing usually occur when the Wii has been modified. However, some of you also mention your system has never been modified.
We’d like to help get your system working properly again. If you’re experiencing problems with your Wii console after downloading Wii System Menu 4.2, and you believe your system has not been modified, please give us a call. If we find that you have a normal system and the update caused your system to not work, we’ll repair it at no charge.
Please call our Customer Service Department at your earliest convenience, 1-800-255-3700. We are open 6 AM to 7 PM, Pacific Time, 7 days a week.”
Bigger Issue
Here is my problem; this update was to stop Homebrew Channel support. This is unacceptable.
Updates should be limited towards future expansion or usability. Updates are not supposed to keep you from doing what you want with your product. Wii isn’t the only one who practices technical control of their product.
Apple’s iTunes sends updates to make sure that anyone with a Palm Pre can’t have access to their product or hack for more functionality. iTunes’ developers make sure they build in each update code to keep from “mod or hack” out of your iPhone/iPod by causing your product to no longer work. Are buyers of a product supposed to keep the product exactly as the day of purchase? That is unrealistic.
Technology changes constantly. New gadgets, products and application are springing up all around the world and most users want to keep their gadget up with these new elements. Why are companies keeping users form enhancing or modifying their own experience? This is a business practice that would not be tolerated in any other industry.
What if the auto industry had the same type of policy? Ford limiting owner to specific tires, can’t change paint color, couldn’t install non-company accessories or non factory adjustments without loss of warranty or car no longer works. Following the trend of Nintendo and Apple your car wouldn’t start because of a new spoiler installation. How pissed would you be? You own the car and able to do what every you want with your car. Why can’t that be the same with technology?
It is time to expect realistic tech support and not to be bullied into being technologically subservient.
Technology Bullies
Imagine you bought a home. You put up pictures, change the paint in the rooms, update the electricity or add better windows to make your home more personal. But then your insurance company writes you,
“You are no longer supported because of alterations. The coverage of the home is priced for the home current state of purchase. Any changes without consent from your insurance provider will void coverage and/or utilities will be shut off permanently.”
You would be unhappy, frustrated and angry. That is the way you should feel when technology forces you to conform to something you own.
- ISPs are withholding bandwidth because you are watching television online rather spending $100/month for a cable bill.
- Apple iTunes limits you to only ripping music CD music but will not rip a DVDs
- Can’t run Apple software on a Windows machine or vice-versa without complicated or expensive applications.
- Lan Phones for nothing more than a number cost on aver $42.month.
- Google Maps will no longer be available on Apple portable products.
- New gaming consoles are not backwards compatible.
- Computers we own can’t install legal Windows OS more than one machine. (Imagine only allowed to paint one room in your house with the same paint from the same paint can.)
There are many more examples. It is time that we as users demand full ownership of our technology.
Realistic Expectations
If we want to add any 3rd party update to our own product we should be able without interference from the originating company. There is of course always a consequence in putting 3rd party elements into any own product. Sometimes we brick the gadget ourselves. But, there should be a reset option for any product to put it back to factory original, even for a small fee or code.
Companies take full advantage of controlling gadgets and cause many users to loose functionality to the product. These products didn’t come from dollar/pound shop and it cost much more money to replace dead technology then a new pair of sneaker or 19″ television.
Any update for my tech products is now going to be put off letting others take the risks. I no longer trust companies for their updates. My new practice model,
“Do not update anything until six months have passed and confirmation from the company via email that my product will function after update”.
I want it in writing.
Just because technology allows for virtual control, updates or mods from a company legally doesn’t mean it is ethical. I believe it is unethical to limit what one does with personal property. Once the transaction was made towards my ownership the company should have no say in how I wish to use the product. There should be no limitations, control or attempts to sever technology relationship/handshakes/connections that have been successfully established.
It is time to stop technology bully practices. Products should be seen as a template product not a completed closed product. Users should have the ability to change anything they want to a product for maximum individuality. Bring control back to the user. Because the more you control the user and product the higher the chances new individualistic technology users will stop using controlled product quickly bringing the value down.
Individuality always trumps being a Borg.