In a similar vein to a recent mention of a Verizon trick which attempts to force the user to use an expensive data service to check e-mail, rather than the free built-in WiFi, Uninnovate discusses the (Sprint) LG Fusic which not only disables on-phone features such as MP3 playback when no coverage is available, but also has no way for users to opt out of (or reverse) firmware updates, even when they cause the phone to become inoperable.
Another phone business model designed to frustrate the customer
Bad design, Blog, Business model, Cell phones, Consumer rights, Creeping erosion of norms, Design, Design engineering, Design philosophy, Design with Intent, Designed to be unpleasant, Embedding code, Feature deletion, Forcing functions, Gadgets, Hidden persuaders, Interaction design, Intrusive technology, Mobile phones, Monopoly, MP3, Product design, Ringtones, Sneaky, Software, Technical protection measures, Techniques of persuasion, Technology, User experience, Your property