WebMink

Unbox Unusable

I see Amazon US has launched Amazon Unbox Video, a video sale and rental system. I'd like to try it, but they don't want my business. Despite the fact I have five computers in this room, none of them can be used to view anything from Amazon's new service. I have OS X, Windows 98, Ubuntu GNU/Linux, Solaris Express and Solaris 10 in this room, but because Amazon has decided to use a DRM system from a vendor whose business model has led them to be convicted under anti-trust laws across the developed world, I can't become a customer.

Now, I'm sure I'll get comments from people saying "who cares, they 0wnz the market". But I think it matters. I think this store and the other sucky LockedIn-For-Sure sites like it cast a cold, hard light on the upgrade arms-race that they power and help customers see that they are pawns in a game they fund but don't play. Business models that tell your customers they are crooks leave a bad taste in the mouth, and ones that tell early adopters that they are the biggest crooks & so can't even try the product are insulting, ugly and self-defeating.

Update: From the reviews I am reading (as opposed to the mindless plugs in places like Gizmodo) it seems I am fortunate not to be able to be an Unbox customer as it phones home and enforces usage restrictions that make the RIAA look friendly by comparison. Let's hope Apple does a better job on Tuesday.

posted at 12:05 PM (UK) | |

Comments:

I wouldn't hold my breath on Apple, whatever they may or may not release will be locked in with FairPlay anyway. I guess at least that means you will be able to run the files on one of your machines, and an iPod I guess :)

# posted by Mark Allanson : 5:29 PM

I agree, Mark - I am not very hopeful about Apple's service either. Despite being a big iTunes customer, I have not bought videos from them so far because I can't cut DVDs from them. If their new service won't let me make DVDs I can watch on our TV then I'll not be buying from Apple either.

# posted by webmink : 6:07 PM