Microsoft hit with lawsuit over Xbox memory card ban

[LostPhil]

It really is NOT that simple. It would be like Nvidia updating their motherboard drivers to only support their graphics cards, as they haven't given ATI a license. Or Sony decieding that their HDMI out verification from the PS3 will only be compatible with other Sony devices.

Not really comparable. HDMI and PC architecture are based on standards - hell even HDMI might be licenced? Not sure. Any device connected to a PCIe or an HDMI port would have to work otherwise it'll be breaking the standards, so no one can be locked out.

Microsoft have designed their own controllers with their own memory unit designs which may or may not be patented - it's an entirely different situation. If Datel don't want to work with Microsoft to get their products to work through licencing or other means, how can they expect support by the software/hardware which is entirely proprietory?

EDIT: Sony did the same thing with unlicenced Dual Shock controllers on the PS3 not so long ago, didn't they?

 

[jamief]

It isn't really a competition law issue. There is no requirement for them to allow other companies to make products for their console.

Other companies can make whatever products they want for the Xbox 360.

The issue is whether MS allow these products to work with the 360. I'd be extremely surprised if Datel won this case; MS do not have to allow any peripherals to work with their system outside of existing licence agreements. Even within the licence agreements they have room to prohibit the use of third party devices at their own discretion.

 

[Yungstar 2006]

What's to stop Microsoft charging ridiculous licensing fees and pricing all 3rd party manufacturers out of the market?

there is nothing to stop them and thats the point. it is up to them who they licence product to and at what price.

I think it has more to do with the fact that Microsoft make a lot of money on their peripherals since they're all very low capacity for the price, whilst third parties were offering several gigabyte memory cards for the same price.

it matters not, IT IS m$ PRODUCT AND THEY DECIDE WHO CAN MAKE STUFF FOR IT.

 

[hood1971]

it matters not, IT IS m$ PRODUCT AND THEY DECIDE WHO CAN MAKE STUFF FOR IT.

Lol, this is the crux of an antitrust suit - datel believe microsoft to have an unfair monopoly. So please keep saying this and datel might win .Us consumers will also win as there will be proper competition and better pricing.

 

[Nexus]

The reason they are allowed to license peripherals, aside from the obvious in this case where people have done some bad things with Datel memory units, could be seen from a hypothetical situation.

For example, say a third party developer decides to make a controller that allows you to have virtual sex, which is being used in conjunction with an illegal game which allows the user to have sex with children.

Ridiculous I know.. but bare with me.
Microsoft would have no comeback on the fact that this third party developer had created this, tarnishing their console's reputation.

That's why the Xbox is their product, and they grant a license to whom they deem fair to do so.

 

[Bigpops]

Erm, I hate to tell you, but it's entirely up to Microsoft what you are allowed to plug in to the console.

Prove it.

If I want to poke around in there with a knife until sparks fly and fuses blow, I can, as long as I don't expect them to fix it for me.

 

[mmj_uk]

there is nothing to stop them and thats the point. it is up to them who they licence product to and at what price.

There are consumer laws to stop such anti-competitive behaviour, because in the end it's the consumer who suffers through high prices and inferior products (or low capacity in this case).

 

[Memphis]

Prove it.

If I want to poke around in there with a knife until sparks fly and fuses blow, I can, as long as I don't expect them to fix it for me.

Your analogy is flawed, but I'll let it slide.

When I can be bothered finding the right piece of paper I'll try to get the right bit that allows Microsoft to do what they want to your console provided it doesn't reduce it's functionality without legal reason. If I don't get around to it, I'm not overly bothered if you believe me or not .

I also think I should point out that I don't agree with what Microsoft has done, however I can see their reasoning behind it, and my main belief is that Datel don't stand a snowball's chance in hell of winning.

 

[orderoftheflame]

Prove it.

If I want to poke around in there with a knife until sparks fly and fuses blow, I can, as long as I don't expect them to fix it for me.

Ok then, I'll rephrase his statement.

Erm, I hate to tell you, but it's entirely up to Microsoft what you are allowed to plug in to their service.

Console ban from live everyone using third party Memory Units or ban third party memory units?

I know which would annoy people more.