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Microsoft Patent Monetizes Your TV Remote

Posted by Soulskill on from the you-will-pay-in-all-the-ways-you-are-able dept.

theodp writes "Microsoft, reports GeekWire, is seeking a patent on monetizing the buttons of your TV remote. In its application for a patent on 'Control-based Content Pricing,' Microsoft explains how one can jack up the cable bill of those who dare fast-forward past a diaper commercial or replay a sports highlight. From the patent application: 'If a user initiates a navigation control input to advance past (e.g., skip over) an advertisement, the cost of a requested on-demand movie may be increased. Similarly, if a user initiates a replay of a sporting event, the user may be charged for the replay control input and for each subsequent view control input.'"

4 of 234 comments (clear)

  1. too late by alphatel · · Score: 5, Funny

    I skipped this article.

    --
    When the foot seeks the place of the head, the line is crossed. Know your place. Keep your place. Be a shoe.
  2. let's be consistent by tverbeek · · Score: 5, Funny

    Does the patent cover giving the customer a refund if she pushes the "off" button?

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    http://alternatives.rzero.com/
  3. Re:Fortunately I don't habe a TV remote by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Obligatory Onion
    http://www.theonion.com/articles/area-man-constantly-mentioning-he-doesnt-own-a-tel,429/

  4. Alternate motive? by kpainter · · Score: 5, Funny

    I wonder if they plan use this to charge people for skipping Windows 8?