Smartphones as Desktop Computers: The Ownership Rights Debate in Modern Computing
By
medhir
The kind of bagel that ruins lesser bagels for you.
Summary
The article discusses how modern smartphones like the iPhone are essentially full computers capable of running desktop operating systems, using the announcement of Apple's new MacBook Neo as a catalyst. The author notes that the MacBook Neo uses the same A18 Pro chip found in the iPhone 16 Pro, raising questions about why users can't install their own software on devices they own. The piece explores the philosophical and practical implications of device ownership rights in an era where smartphones have desktop-level computing power but remain locked down by manufacturers.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledYour iPhone (or any other smartphone) is a computer capable of running a complete desktop operating system, and has been so for quite some time.
I couldn't help but also notice it comes equipped with an A18 Pro chip, the very same chip that powers the iPhone 16 Pro I carry in my pocket.
The new MacBook Neo announcement raises old questions around what rights we have (and don't have) to install software on devices we own.
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