Amazon has a patent to keep you from comparison-shopping at it's stores (browser, WiFi)
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I was going to say that I bet the FTC or the FCC would have something to say about Amazon trying to curtail it, but then I remembered our current Federal government isn't inclined to make new regulations, especially if they stifle business.
I look up items on amazon, compare prices and customer reviews - and then visit eBay. I would be absolutely astounded if millions of other folks don't do the same.
Under what premise? This only works if you are using the store Wi-Fi. Should they not have control of the wi-fi service they are providing for free?
Network neutrality. If you're providing customers access to "the Internet," you shouldn't get to filter it for the express purpose of stifling competition. Providing customers access to what you openly admit is a walled garden that includes your site is a different story.
And if their technology somehow affects customers' in-store access to competing sites while on wireless service, those customers' wireless providers will (and should) howl to the FCC.
I was going to say that I bet the FTC or the FCC would have something to say about Amazon trying to curtail it, but then I remembered our current Federal government isn't inclined to make new regulations, especially if they stifle business.
While *in* their store, you are on *private property* and they can thus do whatever they want ...
I take pics of the items, then go home, look at competitors prices and reviews.
I wonder ...
If you do NOT log onto *their* WiFi, but use your phone's own resources, can they still block ?
I wonder ...
If you do NOT log onto *their* WiFi, but use your phone's own resources, can they still block ?
See, that's what I'm thinking makes this a patentable, sinister idea and a potential issue for the Feds. They could use geo-locating to determine that you're connecting to their site from their store and use some method to prevent the same browser from accessing a similar product on a competing site, based on that geo-location.
Suggesting a private network a company is allowing you to use for free should be subject to network neutrality rules is a bit of stretch .
Quote:
And if their technology somehow affects customers' in-store access to competing sites while on wireless service, those customers' wireless providers will (and should) howl to the FCC.
....and use some method to prevent the same browser from accessing a similar product on a competing site, based on that geo-location.
Um, not only no but hell no. Setting the legal issues aside the prerequisite for this would be what would amount to a malware infection. Such a scheme would be exposed immediately and would be a PR disaster of epic proportions.
Unless there is no other option, I have gradually veered away from Amazon and gone with Ebay more and more often when I have to make a purchase online, due to Amazon's delivery which has gotten slower and slower for non Prime members. which seems indicative of their overall eroding customer service philosophy (which used to be better when Amazon was in its initial growth phase) as this latest move demonstrates.
I live no where near its stores, so it's irrelevant in my case, but from a philosophical standpoint this is just one more reason to stick with that decision.
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