Locked-Down Tablets Endanger FLOSS For End Users

itwbennett writes "If you buy into the idea that tablets (and ultrabooks, and smartphones) in the enterprise are nothing more than glorified thin clients, then Microsoft's Surface presentation seemed more flashback than future. And if you're a fan of free software, the announcement might also have struck fear in your heart. While Microsoft has never locked out apps based on license, it's not impossible that they might chose a more locked-down Apple-esque approach for Surface, writes blogger Brian Proffitt. 'And that could put free software for end users very much at risk.'"

Re:Lock Out

[UnknowingFool]

And when did this happen? Oh you're referring to VLC where some of developers objected to it being placed in the App Store by someone else. The developers objected to Apple putting DRM on the code (which they put on all apps) which goes against GPL. So Apple removed it. How dare Apple respect copyright by following the wishes of the copyright holders!

Re:Lock Out

[jschottm]

I've bought plenty of GPL software through retailers who didn't have to supply me with the source code.

"Your license to each App Store Product is subject to the Licensed Application End User License Agreement set forth below, and you agree that such terms will apply unless the App Store Product is covered by a valid end user license agreement entered into between you and the licensor of that App Store Product (the "Application Provider"), in which case the Application Providerâ(TM)s end user license agreement will apply to that App Store Product ... You acknowledge that: you are acquiring the license to each Third-Party Product from the Application Provider"

Even if your argument was true, all they'd have to do is provide the ability to download the source code (which they get to charge for).

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[account_deleted]

Comment removed based on user account deletion

Re:Really?

[morgauxo]

Under the DMCA we aren't free to unlock the devices after we buy them. How is that freedom?