Advocating for Mandatory Open-Sourcing of Software When Hardware Reaches End-of-Life
By
Marciplan
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Summary
The article argues that when hardware products reach end-of-life (EOL), companies should be legally required to open-source the software to prevent functional hardware from becoming useless due to discontinued app support. The author uses their own 'smart' weight scale as an example - while the hardware still works via Bluetooth, the app is no longer developed, rendering the device essentially useless. The piece advocates for extending the 'Right to Repair' movement with European Commission enforcement to mandate open-sourcing of software for EOL products.
Key quotes
· 4 pulledWhen hardware products reach end-of-life (EOL), companies should be forced to open-source the software.
Preferably with the power of the European Commission: enforce that when something goes end-of-life, companies need to open-source the software.
I have a 'smart' weight scale. It still connects via Bluetooth just fine (meaning: I see it connect on my phone) but because the app is no longer in development, it's essentially useless.
A perfect piece of hardware, but useless without the software.
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