From DailyTech: The use of remote "remote delete" or "remote lockout" tools to combat theft and piracy is a hot topic of debate across a number of device form factors, including in the console space. For all the concerns over privacy and the deep ties to the cloud in its Xbox One, Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) had never used rumored remote lockout technology on the console -- until now.
A indeterminate, but small number of users have been locked out of Xbox LIVE and "other accounts" affiliated to their consoles (likely Microsoft services). The punishment basically bricks the consoles the users (presumably) legally purchased. The good news for those effected is that punishment isn't neccessarily eternal.
But first -- what caused Microsoft to crack down so hard? It all began with the leak of videos related to an upcoming -- and unannounced -- Gears of War remake/remaster for Xbox One, potentially ruining the sense of surprise for fans.
With the Xbox One finally starting to come on strong after a disappointing pace of sales in 2014, Microsoft is eager to leverage the franchise which it bought from Epic Games, and reportedly it hoped to surprise fans with news of the remake, which reportedly is nearing completion. As is commonly done in these kinds of blockbuster game productions, Microsoft turned to a third party contractor to test early builds of the game.
View: Article @ Source Site
