Tue, Nov 24, 2009 | 09:30 GMT

Datel sues Microsoft over memory unit ban

Datel’s taking Microsoft to court over the fact it blocked third-party 360 memory units in its last title update.

“The dashboard update is intended to, and does in fact, disable Datel’s memory cards,” said the company in the lawsuit, filed in US District Court for the Northern District of California.

“On information and belief, Microsoft’s purpose in disabling Datel’s memory cards is to prevent consumers from choosing a Datel product that offers far better value for the price. There is no benefit to consumers from Microsoft’s decision to target and disable Datel memory cards. To the contrary, Microsoft’s actions will leave approximately 50,000 consumers with useless memory cards (and without the ability to access their data on the cards), forestall innovation, and deprive future consumers of the benefits of competition.”

You can read the full suit here, should you feel the need.

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8 comments

freedoms_stain
24/11/09, 9:41 am

This doesn’t affect me, but I do think it was a complete dick move from Microshaft.

sennasnit
24/11/09, 9:43 am

Microsoft have been in a lot of bother when it comes to competition, I think this one could work for Datel. Seems like a stupid move, seeing as it’s only 50,000 units.

Psychotext
24/11/09, 9:48 am

Shit situation all round really. Datel should have never manufactured the memory cards knowing that they weren’t licensed to do so… and Microsoft should have never outright blocked them.

JonFE
24/11/09, 9:59 am

I remember reading that some of these cards offer swappable mini SD cards, in which case they could pose a security threat.

NiceFellow
24/11/09, 10:33 am

Now if only a HHD manufacturer fought for the right to provide cheaper HDD for the 360.

I hate the way all the consoles/handhelds try and squeeze you with the accessories – my particular annoyance is cunning changing of the charger with the result I have a huge number of chargers for all types of GBAs, DSa, mobile phones, etc.

Psychotext
24/11/09, 10:36 am

On the bright side, many mobile manufacturers will be switching to the new micro USB standard for chargers as of next year.

theevilaires
24/11/09, 10:38 am

hmm a 2 GB isn’t bad for one of those things…what was M$ top limit? 512mb?

sennasnit
24/11/09, 10:45 am

I think that this is one of the things Sony has got right, standard laptop drives, keyboards, mice and bluetooth stuff plus region free games, fair play to ‘em.