Some Xbox 360 users losing their memory
Microsoft locks out aftermarket Xbox 360 memory units; Datel objects, launches antitrust lawsuit
Are you one of thousands of Microsoft Xbox 360 users that have recently purchased a third-party memory unit for the Xbox 360 to store data and saved games? If so, you are likely suffering from memory loss. As a consequence of a recent mandatory update of Xbox 360's firmware, all third-party memory units have been disabled by Microsoft. Datel Design & Development ("Datel"), for one, is not taking this development sitting down. Having sold over 50,000 of its Memory Max cards to Xbox 360 users since May of 2009, Datel has responded by initiating a an antitrust lawsuit pursuant to the California Unfair Competition Law alleging that Microsoft has unfairly targeted Datel and its customers, and that permitting Microsoft to go ahead with its lock-out will "forestall innovation, and deprive future consumers of the benefits of competition."
It will certainly be interesting to see how this battle plays out in the courtroom; though I'm rooting for the little guy, my money's squarely on Microsoft. Check back regularly for further updates.
Gamasutra coverage here