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Digital Convergence Changes EULA, and Gets Cracked

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the oh-thats-real-nice dept.

mfdii writes "Apparently Digital Convergence has changed their EULA. This EULA has been modified to include the CueCat reader in an attempt to shutdown those tinkering with their cats. The old EULA can be seen here." Meanwhile a dozen or so really excellent programs utilize the childishly simple protocol (or, if you're DC, their "Intellectual Property")... and as if that isn't enough, apparently their service was cracked. Anyone who used DCs CueCat software has had their information stolen from the DC servers! This comes from an e-mail being sent in by zillions of people warning them (and also apologizing by giving a $10 gift certificate).

5 of 279 comments (clear)

  1. Not "hacked!" by 1010011010 · · Score: 5

    Their registration "database" was actually a plain text file published on their webserver! No hacking involved. Just type a URL into netscape, and viola, there's the "database." Digital Convergence isn't staffed by geniuses.

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    Napster-to-go says "Fill and refill your compatible MP3 player", which is a lie. It's not MP3. It's WMA with DRM.
  2. Licence a piece of hardware? by funkman · · Score: 5
    Imagine if this worked in all hardware:

    EULA for ACME Toothbrush. By opening the packaging for this toothbrush, you acknowledge that this device will only be used orally. This device may only be used to brush teeth, dentures, or anything as approved by the ADA.

    Improper uses unclude:

    Pets

    Shoes

    Computer parts

    Silverware or any other dishes

    Any other device where the object where the cleaning agent is not toothpaste.

    Our lawyers will attack if this agreement is breached.

    1. Re:Licence a piece of hardware? by Shadowlion · · Score: 5

      What cracked me up was the statement in the EULA:

      The :CueCat reader is only on loan to you from Digital:Convergence and may be recalled at any time. Without limiting the foregoing, your possession or control of the :CueCat reader does not transfer any right, title or interest to you in the :CueCat reader.

      Excuse me?

      How can you "loan" me something if you a) don't know who I am, b) don't bother to record who I am, c) don't ask for any collateral or specify any terms/conditions/length for the loan, and d) retroactively declare it was a loan?

      This sort of seems to me to be equivalent of handing out money on the street one day, and then getting on television the next saying, "Oh, by the way, all those people I gave money to on the street yesterday have to pay me back when I ask for it."

      How absurd.


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  3. /dev/scanners/cuecat by tinla · · Score: 5

    If you'd sooner have your cat on /dev/scanners/cuecat than hanging off the back of a Windows box then you can patch your kernal today... CueCat Driver 0.1.8 was released on Freshmeat mere hours ago.

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    0daymeme.com: Great stuff.
  4. Postal Regulations vs. EULA by elbuddha · · Score: 5


    I received a CueCat in the mail. Apparently because I am a subscriber to Wired. I did not ask for the CueCat, did not order it, did not pay for it (yes I know its free anyway). Under US Postal Regulations, this item is now mine. It is not the property of D.C., they have not loaned, lent, nor licensed it to me. They can not ask for it back, they can not tell me what to do with it. It is mine, period. If they would like to claim differently, they can take the issue up with the Post Office, not me.