Wired (January 16)
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is suing John Deere and this could mark “a tipping point for right-to-repair.” Deere has prevented farmers and third-party mechanics from making repairs by placing “limitations on its operational software, meaning certain features and calibrations on its tractors can only be unlocked by mechanics who have the right digital key.” Following “years of complaints” about these policies, repairability advocates see the FTC’s suit as “a milestone for consumer rights.”
Tags: Calibrations, Complaints, Consumer rights, Digital key, Farmers, FTC, John Deere, Limitations, Mechanics, Operational software, Repairability, Tipping point, Tractors
Bloomberg (September 24)
“As the likelihood of additional federal stimulus fades, U.S. stock investors are returning their focus to the coronavirus pandemic and not liking what they see.” Consumers are again cutting back and “the prospects for a vaccine in the next few months have also waned just as the latest data shows an uptick in cases.” Moves by the Federal Reserve and “$3 trillion of federal stimulus helped fuel a torrid five-month rally that began in March,” but “their limitations have become clear.”
Tags: Consumers, Coronavirus, Cutting back, Fed, Limitations, Pandemic, Rally, Stimulus, Stock investors, U.S., Uptick, Vaccine
USA Today (August 10)
“The planet recorded its 20 millionth coronavirus case Monday and U.S. lifestyle continues to face changes, restrictions and cancellations.” The real number is probably much higher, “given testing limitations and the fact that as many as 40% of all those who are infected have no symptoms.”
Tags: Cancellations, Coronavirus, Infected, Lifestyle, Limitations, Planet, Restrictions, Symptoms, Testing, U.S.
