Sony 'Anti-Used Game' Patent Explored

Sometime in 2000, Sony patented a process that would 'verify a disc as legitimate, register the disc to that particular game console, then wipe out verification data so the disc would be rendered unreadable in other PlayStations'. Despite unrest in the gaming community over this technology, the company has repeatedly stated they have no plans to use it in the PS3. The LA Times explores this persistent debate, examining why Sony developed the tech and why gamers are nervous. From the article: "Whatever Sony's plans, the tempest [over the patent] illustrates the changing nature of ownership as millions of people accumulate vast collections of digital entertainment. Few people realize that when they buy software or music or movies, they are actually buying a license to use, watch or listen. That's why it violates copyright laws for people to sell copies of their music collection." Thanks to 1up.com for the link.

Comments

Re:Wii is not so great either

[another_fanboy]

Just curious: has Nintendo announced a price yet, or are they still holding off?

Also, now promoted...

[SuperKendall]

I find it really wierd that this story was one of the subitems on the front page but is now a full story! How did that happen?

I feel the same way as you do, this is out of hand.

Re:there's a reason so few realize the rules

[riflemann]

We did have a blast the first day with the phones, and even found a couple of trick ways to get our own customized dial tones to the phones without paying for downloads. But, aha, Verizon was on to those tricks, didn't mention the surcharge for sending pictures to each other (actually they at least strongly implied within the "plan" we could send pictures back and forth free ad nauseum), and we found lots of nasty little extra charges to the tune of ~$20 ... all within the one week pro-rated new-phone period.

This was such an annoying and unexpected treatment, we've all pretty much retired the cameras for any use at all... Too bad, it was kind of fun, and I'd have been willing to even look at pricing plans, had they not sucked me in without any heads up.

Can't you just offload the photos with bluetooth/IR/cables? I'm not sure why you'd actually want to go the expensive route and send them over the network...

Blatently Political Statement

[edward.virtually@pob]

[Rant] Anyone who votes for anything other than the Democratic ticket in 2008, no matter who is on it, is either a fascist or a fool. The Democrats are only the lesser of two evils, but they are the lesser and the only non-Republican choice with any chance of winning. I hope to God the fools on the left who threw their votes away in 2000 and 2004 voting for pie in the sky candidates with no chance of winning realize by now that they need to vote for the candidates who CAN win. Candidates commanding 3% of the vote cannot win, they can only drain enough votes from the Democrats for the Republicans to win again. Since all modern presidential elections are only a couple of percentage points from 50/50, that is CRITICAL that that 3% is not wasted on Nader (BURN IN HELL, you country ruining mofo) or other such distraction again in 2008. Spread the word: Vote Democrat in 2008, NO MATTER WHAT. Unless you want eight more years of this fascist hell Bush has turned our beloved country into in just six years. [/Rant]