Microsoft to Disable Unauthorized Memory
posted Saturday Oct 24, 2009 by Scott Ertz
Here is a story to get the weekend going. Microsoft announced this week, via Major Nelson, that in the next dashboard update, the Xbox 360 will no longer recognize unauthorized memory units. Now, for most of us, this is no big deal, but for anyone who has purchased a Datel memory card from, say, Amazon, you are out of luck.. According to a Microsoft spokesperson,
Microsoft goes to great lengths to protect the Xbox 360 and Xbox LIVE service from cheating, which is the primary purpose and use of these unauthorized MUs {memory units}. Unauthorized MUs are not tested for compatibility or certified for safety and compliance standards and thus could damage customer's Xbox 360 consoles.
Memory Units without an official Xbox 360 licensed logo are considered unauthorized and are not guaranteed to work with your Xbox 360 console. All authorized Xbox 360 Memory Units are marked with an official Xbox 360 licensed logo. If you have specific questions about a 3rd party accessory, we recommend you contact that company for additional details.
The good news is that this doesn't affect hard drives and flash drives. You will still be able to store pictures, music and videos on external drives from any manufacturer you want. The only thing you cannot do is store game data on unauthorized devices. Obviously, cheaper-made memory could definitely allow for easier data-tampering than, say, the Microsoft official ones. That would definitely give people who want to cheat an easy ability to accomplish it.
What do you guys think? Is this a valid attempt at securing the integrity of LIVE or is it a way for Microsoft to increase profits?
