The problem is the DMCA, not Apple. At worst, Apple is being overly restrictive here just to cover their asses -- which is bad, admittedly, but it's the law that needs to change.
> and they control his machine.
But they don't. This is why we can all install VLC :) or even an alternative OS if we choose.
Comments
> because the company that built it disapproves
Or because the company that built it has to adhere to the rules dictated to it by whatever the DVD-playback licensing authority is.
e.g. see this article on why DVD playback in many Linux distros is illegal http://www.itworld.com/open-source/105736/legalizing-linux-d...
The problem is the DMCA, not Apple. At worst, Apple is being overly restrictive here just to cover their asses -- which is bad, admittedly, but it's the law that needs to change.
> and they control his machine.
But they don't. This is why we can all install VLC :) or even an alternative OS if we choose.
Apple is not an innocent victim here. They could fight the DMCA on a number of levels.
Instead they implement their own DRM (e.g. for iTunes) and invent whole new kinds of locked-down platforms. (App store)
They talk about smashing big brother but they sell telescreens.