Thumbscrews

[Mario]

I just read that the sound system vendor SONOS has changed their privacy policy recently.
Users must accept the new policy or "Their systems don't get software updates anymore and may stop working at some point in the future".

http://www.zdnet.com/article/sonos-accept-new-privacy-policy-speakers-cease-to-function/

This is the big risk with all cloud-based services and solutions. Even if you "buy" a product, you are totally dependent on the vendor. Hard- or software that only works with a cloud connection may stop when the vendor goes bust, or just makes demands you are not willing to fulfill (like demanding more and more of your private data or maybe rising annual fees you ware unwilling or unable to pay).

[DigPeter]

looks a good reason to remain out of the cloud

[Mario]

I like the cloud for storing encrypted data. Copies of data I have on my own system as well, that is.

But this is different.

a) You already have a SONOS sound system, paid for it.
b) At some later time, SONOS tells you that you either need to give them deeper access to your private data or your sound system will stop working.

Like, you buy a new car. And two years later the car company tells you that you either give them access to all the data your car collected about you, or it will not get any updates, the navi will stop working, maybe even the motor control electronic. All stuff in the care that needs the vendor cloud to work properly...

Ughs...

[Jingo]

Well.. not exactly the same - but I just read that DJI is forcing users to download and install their latest firmware or they will shut down your drones.... ugly!!  They are saying it is to prevent drones from falling out of the sky due to battery issues... and I get that... but still... http://gizmodo.com/dji-will-turn-off-your-spark-drone-if-you-dont-update-f-1798332088