I mean, it used to only Apple products. But now Windows is trying to force an online activation (I know theres a bypass CMD command, but still… they could remove it in the future).
Android phones, while do no require “Activation” are arealy trying to nudge you into connecting to the internet and making an account.
Some OEMs are trying to get you to make an account with them.
I could see a future where some OEMs are starting for force you to go online before the device can be used, or just outright done for every Android device if its Google wanting that to happen.
The most popular Drone manufacturer, DJI, requires online activation. Same with the second leading one, Autel. (Cheaper brands don’t require them, but those drones suck).
If you want to install a security cameras, most of them will require an app 🤮 (they do know that web-browser interface, such as 192.168.1.1 for routers, exists, right? they could just set up a similar thing for those cameras… oh yea thats right, they want to harvest data, thats why the app). And some, especially those “Ring” types, require an account (I haven’t used them, correct me if I’m wrong).
How long before everything is “CONNECT YOUR WIFI” or “DOWNLOAD THE APP”.
Like what next? Do car makers just get rid of the fob all together and be like “DOWNLOAD APP” and use that to open doors and ignition? House door being “Use the App to unlock door”?
🤔
(Are be going towards a technological dystopia?)
🤔🤔🤔
(Oh btw, cars now have this GPS thing. Dealers getting excited like “DOWNLOAD OUR APP” to instantly track your car’s location, and know the tire pressures and everything, and remote start. I’m like… all that is available through an app?.. seems like a security/privacy nightmare. Whats stops a crazy ex from knowing where you are? I don’t even drive btw, was with parents at the dealership to translate, parents did not seem worried about the privacy concerns… 🤷♂️)
My parents watch videos from Wechat lol (🤔)
And sometimes Youtube too, but since google is now getting so aggressive and Newpipe breaks all the time, and I’m not about to get blamed if they can’t watch their Chinese drama shows on Youtube. (I don’t want to become “free tech support” lol)
Personally, all my Movies/TV are all through piratebay over VPN, and use VLC.
Youtube is just Firefox/Fennec + uBlock Origin (and VPN for privacy)
Nobody watches “TV” anymore, why do that when I can use a computer/laptop and watch whatever I want in any room in the house that I choose to be in, or use my phone and watch on the go. The TV in my house is like 15 years old, it’s just in the living room collecting dust. I probably would never get a “TV” in my life time.