Razer Naga needs always on innernet and has spyware

[Filekutter]

Just saw this at Boingboing.net and well, having been a longtime user of Razer mice this one has got me pissed off. Apparently the driver software suite called Synapse, which contains all the drivers and software for using the mouse's full functionality will only work when you're connected to the internet. Yes, even when the Razer servers are down the mouse becomes a brick.
Also, there's a little bit of info in the user agreement which says that the company can use ALL information collected by its software and disseminate it to any and all parties they wish.
Here's the link to boingboing's article: http://boingboing.net/2012/11/07/razer-naga-gaming-mouse-requir.html

Though I was considering purchasing another Razer in the future, I won't even think of it until Razer kills these two "special" additions to the product. Spyware is anathema, and always on hardware is beyond ridiculous and totally illogical.

And yes, I will be notifying them by email.

 

[SPS]

Hmm that is interesting

 

[yassarikhan786]

Well I an use my mouse without an internet connection. I don't know how much information they collect, but the Synapse software is just so that you an sync your settings. Your mouse should function without it, but obviously you can't change the settings.

 

[Filekutter]

Well, looks like this "issue" is starting to blow up in Razer's face; its now posted as a major thread on Slashdot, with a few interesting points for good measure.
The thread has a link to a well written, quoted, and commented article at Ars Technica, here:
http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2012/11/why-the-hell-does-this-mouse-need-to-connect-to-the-internet/

The points I find most relevant to my own distaste with Razer's Synapse 2.0 software are:

1) (quote) "Razer forces you to create an account with them before you can use the software with the mouse. You can't configure the mouse in any way until you make an account with them and activate your computer and account through their server. … Yes, you can use the mouse as plug and play with basic functionality if you choose not to make an account and activate your computer, but who pays $80 for a basic plug and play mouse? The reason people buy the Naga 2012 is the configurable buttons and to change the DPI, polling rate, set up macros and profiles along with everything else. Razer has no right to lock this away from customers who paid for these features."
I whole heartedly agree, period.

2) I am extremely suspicious of anything that polls and logs, and presumes the right to distribute this information to third parties for profit, period. Secondly this information is being sent to "the cloud". Well, I for one don't trust the cloud, its managers, or those who would data-mine it. Its just silly in my mind to even presume the word trust when it comes to the companies who manage this ... cloud. I manage the security of my hard drive myself, and sometimes find own judgement proven wrong, so to presume a bunch of corporate suits have better judgement makes me squirm like a worm.

Implicit in Synapse is also the ability to exercise DRM rights on the hardware (the mouse) Synapse 2.0 gives full functionality to. Its a GODDAM mouse ! Are we going to wake up one day and find Razer has joined some silly group of politicians, religious freaks, or corporate raiders who have decided that a game, or software is "dangerous", or illegal and make the mouse a brick on launch of these products? Its possible, and we've seen it before. In fact, Microsoft just backed down on such DRM moves on Winderz 8's apps store (games that were PG-13).
I just can't see where this is good for Razer to be honest... I want the mouse and its software to work at full capacity, despite the "state" my computer is in, be it; Unix, Linux, Winderz, and/or on-or-off/line.

Oh, and the Unix/Linux question is also relevant. Is there a Synapse for those who use these other Operating Systems? Or, is there an outlay of $80 at the store just to find that you need Winderz to run it.
Lastly I did see Razer's reply noting that when Synapse is "down" its possible to use the Windows setup to configure the mouse... well, I feel so much better. Actually not. This is NOT what people put that amount of money down for, at all, and it negates the whole reasoning behind buying it. Till Razer removes this restriction, I'll just buy Cyborgs. Oh well, there's my rant, thanks.

 

[Bang]

Thanks for the info. This just cancelled my plans to buy one along with the other parts for my upcoming build. I'll stick to the middle of the road Logitec stuff.

 

[yassarikhan786]

Apparently Synapse has been updated to allow you to keep your settings in "Offline" mode.

 

[FranBunnyFFXII]

I have the Naga Epic and the offline driver is stashed on my hard drives in multiple locations.

F ur Cloud crap Razer
I also have the Naga hex offline driver, because i plan on getting one later on in life.

 

[MacLeod]

Yeah this one had me ticked off pretty good too. I didn't mind using Synapse cause I really like the UI a lot better and since I run a Razer keyboard and mouse its nice to have everything in one place. I didn't mind the whole cloud thing cause you can still use it offline. The thing I don't like is that its mandatory for the newest gear as there aren't any legacy drivers for them. And the whole bit in the TOS agreement that they can use your personal info is total crap. Wouldn't be so bad if they would just offer standalone drivers for their newest gear it would be fine cause you could choose not use them.

Ill still use it cause I really like Razer stuff but I wont recommend them to anybody as long as it's made mandatory.

 

[Blade of Grass]

This is pretty bad, I wonder the the legality of this.
My laptop uses synapse drivers, so I wonder if the start laptop mouse does the same.
Anyway, I hope Razer gets nailed by the law for this, I hate when companies track what you do *cough* F you Google *cough*

 

[MacLeod]

This will have no legal problems cause they're telling you up front they'll be data mining you and you technically don't have to use the Synapse drivers.

 

[Blade of Grass]

This will have no legal problems cause they're telling you up front they'll be data mining you and you technically don't have to use the Synapse drivers.

Good point, I guess you agree to it in the Terms of Service.

 

[Dieman566]

Razer came out and said that you are able to use your offline save.

 

[MacLeod]

Yeah but you still need to setup an account and have online access to get Synapse up and running. Thats the rub that everybody is getting with this. If you didnt have to set up an account then it wouldnt be a big deal.

I personally dont have a problem with it and love Synapse much much better than the legacy drivers for my BlackWidow and DeathAdder. Its a much better interface and its nice having mouse and keyboard drivers in one spot especially for guys like me that dont really mess with profiles and just fine tune the settings depending on what game Im gonna play.

 

[grassman]

This will have no legal problems cause they're telling you up front they'll be data mining you and you technically don't have to use the Synapse drivers.

Uh no..

The only right we have in life is Liberty! Protect it with your fucking life! The fact of the matter is its fraud, treason and razer should be treated as such. Imo scum like this need to be hung and displayed crap like this needs to stop! We are quickly losing our only basic right.