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Amazon patents "anti-window shopping" tech
Edvard:
Don't know how they patented a router setting, but:
Having long thrived on shoppers checking on their phones to see if a product is cheaper online, Amazon’s “Physical Store Online Shopping Control” patent aims to prevent you doing just that in a Amazon-run real-world store.
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https://www.theverge.com/2017/6/15/15812986/amazon-patent-online-price-checking
from Packt Dispatch and The Verge
wraith808:
I think you're not getting the implications. When in the physical store for Barnes & Noble, I sometimes check prices on Amazon. Same in Best Buy, Costco, etc. It's usually using the free wi-fi in the store. This would prevent that while you're in the store and on their wi-fi. I don't see what the use is other than to piss off customers that are currently on your store, however, as you could just turn off your wi-fi connection and use your cell phone's connection instead. But there you go.
Playing the long game to shoot yourself in the foot.
Deozaan:
So is this a defensive patent which Amazon will use to keep benefiting from such behavior? So the likes of Walmart and Barnes & Noble can't stop you from checking the price on Amazon?
I don't see what the use is other than to piss off customers that are currently on your store, however, as you could just turn off your wi-fi connection and use your cell phone's connection instead.-wraith808 (July 16, 2017, 08:21 PM)
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That assumes you are paying for a data plan. Most people with cell phones probably are, but still... there are some people who don't pay extra for data. :)
Edvard:
I think you're not getting the implications. When in the physical store for Barnes & Noble, I sometimes check prices on Amazon. Same in Best Buy, Costco, etc. It's usually using the free wi-fi in the store. This would prevent that while you're in the store and on their wi-fi. I don't see what the use is other than to piss off customers that are currently on your store, however, as you could just turn off your wi-fi connection and use your cell phone's connection instead. But there you go.
Playing the long game to shoot yourself in the foot.
-wraith808 (July 16, 2017, 08:21 PM)
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No, I get the implications just fine, and I believe most folks won't even be aware of what's happening. They'll probably just accept that when in Amazon (or Amazon-owned franchise), you do as your Amazonian Overlords allow, and won't bother turning off Wifi. Further, I believe it is a dual-edged sword; like Deozaan said:
So is this a defensive patent which Amazon will use to keep benefiting from such behavior? So the likes of Walmart and Barnes & Noble can't stop you from checking the price on Amazon?-Deozaan (July 16, 2017, 10:39 PM)
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This is a patent, which means that others can't legally use the same tech without negotiating with Amazon. That said, a simple router setting would do the same job, which leaves me scratching my head how... I just... :huh:
On a personal note: To be honest, if I'm in a brick-and-mortar store, I've already done my online homework, and I am there for the express purpose of buying something that I need that day, and I am fully aware that I am paying for the convenience. On many occasions I have gladly paid Radio Shack (R.I.P.) 5 bucks for a 75 cent part because I needed it today. No data plan needed.
wraith808:
On a personal note: To be honest, if I'm in a brick-and-mortar store, I've already done my online homework, and I am there for the express purpose of buying something that I need that day, and I am fully aware that I am paying for the convenience. On many occasions I have gladly paid Radio Shack (R.I.P.) 5 bucks for a 75 cent part because I needed it today. No data plan needed.
-Edvard (July 16, 2017, 11:11 PM)
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When I'm in a brick and mortar store, it's usually to spend time out with my family. My daughter loves to go to Barnes and Noble, and I just hang out and sometimes see something I want, so compare the prices. Same with Best Buy. I don't go in to buy, but to browse.
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