Your Paid For Windows 8 Metro Apps: Microsoft's Handy Big Brother Kill Switch

[TRWOV]

As I said, I'm against any company that tries to pull stunts like this.

That's a standard legal boilerplate. Peruse each loan, insurance or lending contract you've got over the years and you'd read similar stuff. Here, take a look at TPU's ToS:

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Hate on.

 

[Mussels]

qubit just shot himself in teh foot there, working for TPU XD

 

[qubit]

qubit just shot himself in teh foot there, working for TPU XD

No I didn't.

Nice quote there, TRWOV. It doesn't actually change anything about what I said and I can't be bothered to explain it over and over. However, I'll just say this: the basic gist of this is that it looks like MS is trying to funnel buying all software through it's Windows Store, thereby imposing these sorts of terms and conditions where they didn't exist before on the Windows platform. This is a Bad Thing.

 

[TRWOV]

I know that it doesn't change anything, I'm just saying that every contract in the planet is one sided and stacked against the user. MS is no exception to this. And those terms didn't exist before because there wasn't a Windows App Store. Doesn't mean that they will delete your apps overnight if you look at them wrong.

Cheers!

 

[mediasorcerer]

Interesting story q, microsoft trending in a concerning direction, ive noticed it too = Good thing we have the right to scrutinise and speak frankly !!! We are not children, it is condescending of corporations to implement draconian frameworks, and if people notice then why not speak up?

Its a co-dependant love hate relationship between the consumer and corporation, the ultimate expression of disdain is to vote with the feet, unfortunately, many dont.

 

[qubit]

Interesting story q, microsoft trending in a concerning direction, ive noticed it too = Good thing we have the right to scrutinise and speak frankly !!! We are not children, it is condescending of corporations to implement draconian frameworks, and if people notice then why not speak up?

Its a co-dependant love hate relationship between the consumer and corporation, the ultimate expression of disdain is to vote with the feet, unfortunately, many dont.

Duh - of course! Why do some people apologize for these companies' naughty practices and shoot the messenger? "Condescending" is a really good word for this behaviour. If I'd thought of it earlier, I would have used it in the article.

 

[newtekie1]

No I didn't.

Nice quote there, TRWOV. It doesn't actually change anything about what I said and I can't be bothered to explain it over and over. However, I'll just say this: the basic gist of this is that it looks like MS is trying to funnel buying all software through it's Windows Store, thereby imposing these sorts of terms and conditions where they didn't exist before on the Windows platform. This is a Bad Thing.

Yes, but as usual, you are doing so in a "the sky is falling" type of way. Making bold assumptions about how things might happen based on nothing other than your opinion on the subject with zero research or logic.

If microsoft wanted us to use Metro exclusively, they wouldn't have given us the option to go back to the deaktop(not talking about the reg hack to restore the old start menu, talking about the default behavior of allowing us to go back to the desktop). And again, you still seem to be arguing like the Windows Store is the only option to get programs, and it isn't even close. The biggest fact is that Microsoft would be hit with anti-trust lawsuits faster than you can say "I hate Microsoft".

The fact of the matter is that the Development Preview was designed to show off Metro, so of course they aren't going to include the option to disable it right in the interface. However, I highly believe that the final release will include the option to turn Metro off, mainly because in the business world Metro doesn't make a whole lot of sense.

And again, that doesn't really matter, because standard programs installed the traditional way work with Metro. Microsoft can't stop this, it wouldn't even be a reasonable business strategy for them to want to. Look at all the custom business apps that are out there for industry specific tasks. Can you image not being able to install those? No corporation in their right mind would accept an OS like that, and Microsoft would shoot themselves in the foot if they even tried it, and Microsoft isn't that dumb. In fact they cater to corporations. Why do you think they kept 98 and 2000 alive so long, and are still keeping XP alive? Here's a hint: It isn't for the home consumer.

 

[Frick]

And again, that doesn't really matter, because standard programs installed the traditional way work with Metro. Microsoft can't stop this, it wouldn't even be a reasonable business strategy for them to want to. Look at all the custom business apps that are out there for industry specific tasks. Can you image not being able to install those? No corporation in their right mind would accept an OS like that, and Microsoft would shoot themselves in the foot if they even tried it, and Microsoft isn't that dumb. In fact they cater to corporations. Why do you think they kept 98 and 2000 alive so long, and are still keeping XP alive? Here's a hint: It isn't for the home consumer.

They would indeed be stupid to destroy one of the best things about Windows: the gargantuan amount of software avaliable.

 

[AsRock]

Oh boo hoo, Microsoft is starting an Apps store just like everyone else. OMG IT IS THE END OF THE WORLD!

Talk to me when they take away the ability to buy and install programs from disc or other sources... Then, and only then, can we make a big deal out of this.



It is Quibit, that is kind of what he does. Especially when it comes to anything Microsoft, he really loves blowing everything they do out of proportion and putting the biggest doomsday spin he possible can on it.

But that's what normal news reporters do ..

Blow up or not it's still showing the shady agreement that goes a long with buying these apps..

 

[badtaylorx]

HA!!! i live in Maine, USA.....where we have a 48 hr state mandated "cooling off period!!!

 

[faramir]

and windows follows apple?
apple must sue windows coz they copy apple's concept
i hope apple will sue windows

And I hope my window will sing a cucumber.

 

[Wile E]

Well, the Metro interface has been created to replace the standard desktop and you can only use it with apps from the Windows Store, so yes, developers and users will have to use it. They are indeed, trying to "pull an Apple".

Just look at the way they're trying to control who supplies hardware for their ARM-based Windows 8 computers in Microsoft Tells ARM Partners to Pick Notebook Vendors. And if you think it's "just me" with a title like that, this article was written by bta - Microsoft is going for total control, nothing less. There's no other way to put it.


The answer I explained to Panther, above applies to yourself, too. The fact you got a refund, makes no difference. They took something away from you, didn't they? Of course you got a refund.

And please don't go calling my articles crap, thanks. That's just trolling and I'd appreciate it if you didn't speak like that - let's keep the conversation pleasant and on topic. No one makes you read them, do they?

They aren't controlling anything out of the ordinary. They aren't trying to screw you out of anything. They are launching an app store. That's the news. That's it. Launching an app store. Everything else you added is pure opinionated FUD, and quite frankly, I'm getting sick of reading through these conspiracy theories to try to weed out a few facts.

I'm sorry you hate my choice of words, and yeah, they are a bit harsh at times, but to me this truly is junk journalism. It belongs on FUDzilla, not TPU.

If Windows becomes a walled garden like Apple's, believe me, it won't last that much

Windows "openness" is one of the reasons it became the number one desktop OS in the world, surpassing Mac OS.

I always like to compare Windows vs. Mac OS to Android vs. iOS. Android is quickly becoming the ruling mobile OS in the globe because of its open nature, as this trend persist, iOS will remain as a niche. Microsoft can't afford to lose the market share of its star product and if they were to adopt a business model a la Apple, I think they will be assuming that risk

Apple isn't even a walled garden. You can still install apps not from the app store as well. The app store being added to OS X did not change anything else. It's just an added way to get apps. Same with MS's app store.

Hell, even Amazon has an android app store, and it is capable of the same exact things this MS app store is capable of. Nobody is freaking out about it.

Mountain out of a molehill.

Have read quickly through this thread, my comments are:

1./ It is a legitimate concern
2./ I can't see a walled garden in the corporate/enterprise/gvt markets
3./ And not in professional or enthusiast retail either
4./ BUT, and I genuinely believe this, many software companies are devilishly trying to move to a software-as-a-service business model where you license the use and that use is limited by time that **** Windows 8 Lite for free **** could well operate closer to this concept.

W7 Starter was utter tosh. I can imagine a W8 or W9 with a bottom end product for free, with walled garden app store. Brings down the cost of "netbooks" and "webstations" and moves to a more differentiated pay-for-feature product.

Read everything in it's entirety and research the matter, and you'll see the Win 8 "walled garden" does not exist. It is nothing more than smoke and mirrors.

But that's what normal news reporters do ..

Blow up or not it's still showing the shady agreement that goes a long with buying these apps..

TPU always had a higher standard than what "normal" news reporters churn out.

 

[mediasorcerer]

Whether qubit is right or wrong, wheres the gratitude that he is having the guts to challenge anyway?

sorry-but having an apathetic attitude towards news can go to hell, i for one am glad he is standing up and questioning things like this, and that is the point, instead of just going along with it all like a good little consumer.

 

[Easy Rhino]

closed models are better for the consumer in the end. apple has proven this time and time again. microsoft is finally catching on. open source will continue to thrive. nothing to be worried about.

 

[mediasorcerer]

Agreed rhino, that they are, its a question of how far will these corporations go regarding protecting our rights and freedoms like privacy and choice etc.

Corporations sometimes have a lot of gumption when it comes to things like that, anyone with a modecum of sense and critical thought would question the ethical foundations of such mentality.

 

[Wile E]

Whether qubit is right or wrong, wheres the gratitude that he is having the guts to challenge anyway?

sorry-but the sheep can go to hell, i for one am glad he is standing up and questioning things like this, and that is the point, instead of just going along with it all like a good little consumer.

Guts to challenge what? There is nothing here to challenge. It's all blown completely out of proportion. MS isn't trying to screw anyone over by this.

There's is a time to challenge, then there is a time when you need to take off the tinfoil hat.

 

[Easy Rhino]

personally, im not sure why some people are so against closed models. apple has been very successful at it as they draw thousand of developers despite the walled garden. consumers love the app store apple put together because it has millions of options and are all guaranteed to work and be safe. i really dont see anything wrong with that. if the walled garden was bad for the consumer apple would be dead in the water.

 

[kid41212003]

personally, im not sure why some people are so against closed models. apple has been very successful at it as they draw thousand of developers despite the walled garden. consumers love the app store apple put together because it has millions of options and are all guaranteed to work and be safe. i really dont see anything wrong with that.

I think people are scared the idea of closing/censorship/filtering.

Ignorance is bliss => walled garden.

"Frog at the bottom of the well" not sure if u get this preference...

 

[Mussels]

personally, im not sure why some people are so against closed models. apple has been very successful at it as they draw thousand of developers despite the walled garden. consumers love the app store apple put together because it has millions of options and are all guaranteed to work and be safe. i really dont see anything wrong with that. if the walled garden was bad for the consumer apple would be dead in the water.

except for the hundreds of useless, misleading apps.

for example there is one on the apple store that advertises how it gives you twice as much battery - by giving you two battery meters.

just because its a closed model doesnt mean the app quality gets any better.

 

[Wile E]

except for the hundreds of useless, misleading apps.

for example there is one on the apple store that advertises how it gives you twice as much battery - by giving you two battery meters.

just because its a closed model doesnt mean the app quality gets any better.

And it doesn't get any worse. The closed model at least has a reliable means of doing something about malware infested apps.

 

[Mussels]

And it doesn't get any worse. The closed model at least has a reliable means of doing something about malware infested apps.

true, malware apps are most likely prevented. got a point there.

 

[TRWOV]

Whether qubit is right or wrong, wheres the gratitude that he is having the guts to challenge anyway?

sorry-but having an apathetic attitude towards news can go to hell, i for one am glad he is standing up and questioning things like this, and that is the point, instead of just going along with it all like a good little consumer.

Challenge what? A run-of-the-mill contract? Do you pay rent? Look at your contract, I'm pretty sure that, according to it, your landlord could come in the middle of the night and kick you out, just because. Doesn't mean that he will do.

M$ needs those provisions in the contract just in case they ever need to deny access to an app you've purchased. Why you ask? Copyright issues (clone apps, see Lugaro in Apple's App Store for an example) and security reasons (like if an app has a serious exploit and needs to be pulled until it's fixed) would the the chief reasons. It sucks but it's necessary because if they don't cover their asses with those provisions they would be hit right and left with lawsuits every time they had to do it.

Even an internet forum, where nothing is at risk, except your access to the very same forum, has some sort of kill switch (read TPU's ToS for an example).

 

[Easy Rhino]

yes, these terms are in every software companies contract agreement. think of them as "cover your ass" just in case malware hits the network. pretty standard really. nothing to see here.