The reason that this is being rolled out is that paid for applications can be pulled off of the phone and then distributed illegally, much in the way of about another other computer program.

Now, I have always found complicated DRM schemes to be far more of a burden to legitimate users than it is to software pirates. Simply put, every DRM scheme (to my knowledge) has been defeated. This means that the pirates still get the programs for free and legitimate users have to put up with the DRM.

First I would like to make some points for Google’s system. Twitter, being a wonderful thing, I was able to discuss the new system with a Google employee, @romainguy and an Android dev, @tomgibara.

The first an most important point is, that this system is not being made mandatory and the implementation, and the degree thereof, is left up to the developer.

The biggest problems that plague online authentication is what happens when the user does not have an internet connection or the server is unaccessible (either do to high traffic or the server going offline). The answer to both conditions is that the system allows for the caching of the validation for offline use for “a period of time” before a recheck is required.

I have to admit that the failsafe implementation seems like a good idea, except that its implementation is also optional.

Now for the downsides.

Part of the licensing system require that the phones unique ID number be used. This essentially limits the software that you buy under this system to the device that you are currently upgrading. Did you buy that $30 office suite? Well you’ll have to do it again when you upgrade to a new phone. While you could email the developer to work something out, once again it is DRM places the burden upon legitimate users. Edit 28JUL10. The validation system requires the IMSI not the IMEI, see comments.

The second downside is that while the system has been designed to allow for no server access scenarios, it is up to the developer to allow for them. Because of this, you could find that nice, shiny music player you paid for useless when you put your phone into airplane more for that long flight.

The final downside, to me, is purely philosophical. This move, by Google, strikes me as more of something that Apple would do. Restrictive licensing is essentially what Apple built their empire on and to see Google implementing something like that is, in my opinion, a step in the wrong direction.

So, how is this going to work out? I see it becoming a fixture in the Android Marketplace in the coming months. Quite a few Android developers on Google Groups and on Twitter have been responding very favorably to it. What effect will it have on the Android Market? I guess only time will tell if it becomes a Steam or another SecureRom.

Related (maybe) posts:

1. Did Android force Apple’s hand?
2. Android Phone is for Porn!
3. Randall Munroe on Android Bugs

Warning, if you are particularly allergic to bullshit, don’t click on that link. If you head is sore from frequent face palms don’t click on that either. It is painful enough to make you weep. Personally, I had a hard time getting past buying a IIA vest and then duck taping plates to it.

Hat Tip: Snowflakes in Hell (via The Firearm Blog)

Related (maybe) posts:

1. Form AND Function
2. Imagine what he could do with photoshop!
3. A Pistol for the Nuclear Apocalypse

During the summer in college I spent time working at a grocery store and I’ve also managed at a convenience store. There’s nothing wrong with either of these jobs. The pay is not the best but it’s honest work. Many people frequently refer to this type of employment as “shit jobs”. I believe that this is a very true statement, not because of the work but because of the way that people treat you.

More than at any other type of job that I have had, I have found that people will be rude and condescending towards you for no particular reason. Apparently, they are good enough to shop there but you aren’t good enough to work there.

These are products and services that people wish to have but, oddly enough, providing them apparently makes you a worthless person.

So remember, if you aren’t a decent enough person to be kind to people who are just doing their jobs, stay home, cook your own food and make your own stuff.

No related posts.

Jabba sez, “Compare your lives to mine and then kill yourselves!’

Related (maybe) posts:

1. Déjà vu
2. On the economics of Star Wars
3. What is a frolic?

Other items in this series:

Africa: Where Black People Come From

Pollocks: Not As Dumb As You Think

Mexicans: More Than Just Home Depot

Related (maybe) posts:

1. Kangaroo and Emu flavored chips
2. Mayor Daley says firearm owners are dangerous drunks
3. I would have held out for a better company car

Beelzebub was unavailable for comment.

Related (maybe) posts:

1. Man calls girlfriend a “Fat Chick”, is let out of jail
2. Sign, sign, everywhere a sign
3. Loud Sex is probable cause for search… apparently

If this describes you, then you’ve got a new hobby.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WNcjkZ6d0w

Related (maybe) posts:

1. Kangaroo and Emu flavored chips
2. Imperial Marches
3. When the left hand doesn’t know what the right hand is doing

No related posts.

With any luck, it’ll be a hard, grueling affair, full of pain and heartache because that’s what you people like to read. Right?

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Kids are the best, Apu. You can teach them to hate the things you hate. And they practically raise themselves, what with the Internet and all.

- Homer Simpson

Maybe it was a bit naive on my part, but I figured that as my daughter became older and more autonomous that she would actually take up less of my time. Unfortunately, the opposite is true.

She runs all over the place, getting into everything an everything, laying waste to whatever she manages to lay hands on. She gets up at six in the morning and doesn’t go to sleep until eight or nine at night. I am amazed at how difficult it has become to get anything done.

If only there were thirty-six hours in a day, I’d either get more done or I’d have a psychotic episode.

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