Windows Marketplace 'killswitch' only a last resort
updated 01:05 pm EDT, Fri September 18, 2009
Standard industry feature, says spokesperson
A controversial remote deletion option for the Windows Marketplace is only a failsafe, according to Microsoft. The feature will allow Microsoft to remove applications from any Windows Mobile phone, with or without the consent of owners. A spokesperson clarifies, however, that the command is only intended to cope with apps exhibiting "harmful behavior" or "unforeseen effects."
The person adds that in most cases, an app pulled from the Marketplace will still remain active on a person's phone. Refunds should be available if deletion becomes necessary. The policy is noted to be little different than at other mobile app stores, including Apple's iTunes App Store, or the Google Android Market. Neither Apple nor Google are known to have invoked their killswitches, possibly because of their internal screening processes.
The Windows Marketplace will launch in October, alongside the introduction of Windows Mobile 6.5.
Trust me!
09/18, 01:17pm reply
Would Microsoft lie to you?
climacs
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Sep 2001
Unforeseen effects
09/18, 01:25pm (1 reply) reply
I have no problem with this. As long as it works both ways, that is. I think Microsoft would understand if I turned them off with a remote killswitch, only having to justify it by showing that they were exhibiting "harmful behavior" or "unforeseen effects."
Wonder how long they would last.
This isn't about protecting people, it's about absolute control.
Tralthamidor
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jun 2007
duh
09/18, 01:51pm reply
What, like anyone thought that MS was going to be deleting apps every week for the fun of it?
testudo
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
I don't get it
09/18, 02:14pm reply
Why is a company with such a terrible corporate philosophy so popular?
macuserssmelllikebum
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Dec 2006
Hacker Heaven
09/18, 03:00pm reply
Better then that! Its going to be Hacker Heaven, when someone jacks into the system, and sends a remove command to all the phones :-) HA! Like a Fire Sale for Win Mobile Phones...I can't wait to see the headlines then.
ScottG
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2005
You gotta be kidding...
09/18, 10:00pm reply
At the very least, it says Microsoft has the capability, at any point, to alter my phone, its contents and its service. This is just fundamentally wrong no matter what promises or limitations are implied...this is a dangerous precedent if allowed or supported.
pairof9s
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2008
WGA lite
09/20, 02:52pm reply
Anyone remember how when Windows Genuine Advantage first went online, they managed to remotely disable a whole lot of computers running legitimate copies of Windows?
CmdrGampu
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2009