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Why Would a Mouse Need To Connect To the Internet?

Posted by samzenpus on from the bring-me-my-bluetooth-spoon dept.

jbrodkin writes "In this hyper-connected, networked world, many more of our devices are getting linked to the cloud, whether we want them to or not. That's sometimes good, and sometimes bad, so when a basic device like a mouse requires a user to go online and set up an account to activate all of its functionality, people are understandably going to ask why? The latest entry in the saga of 'Why the hell does this thing need to connect to the Internet?' comes from Razer, which has caused an uproar by asking users to register gaming mice on the Internet. While it's mainly for syncing settings across devices, gamers are complaining that certain functionality might not be available unless you create an online account for your mouse. Razer has responded to the controversy, but its answers aren't entirely satisfactory."

3 of 249 comments (clear)

  1. And the next step? by Crazy-San · · Score: 5, Insightful

    So at the current trend of technology am I going to have to start paying a monthly fee to use my mouse, or at least the more advanced features of it. All it would take is a Firmware update, which they can force if the mouse is connected to the internet. I can see it now, a little popup inviting me to take advantage of all the great features available with RAZER Plus.

    1. Re:And the next step? by z0idberg · · Score: 5, Insightful

      So you only gave a LITTLE more money rather than a LOT more money.

      That should teach them. Go you!

  2. Re:razer synapse by Formalin · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Or 10 cents worth of EEPROM.