Planned Obsolescence and the Digital Divide: Tech’s Hidden Strategy Unveiled

In this thought-provoking episode of Your Tech Report, Marc Aflalo sits down with Sandeep Panesar, to unpack the realities behind planned obsolescence and its effect on the tech industry and consumers. The discussion begins with a practical definition of planned obsolescence and its deliberate implementation by companies to encourage faster replacement cycles and sustain long-term sales. Sandeep shares his personal experience with an iPad Air 4 and the challenges he faced after updating to iOS 18, showcasing how software updates can unintentionally or intentionally lead to usability issues.

The conversation also highlights the legal framework surrounding consumer rights, touching on Quebec’s Consumer Protection Act and its similarities to the stringent EU consumer laws. Sandeep and Marc explore the implications of consumer brand loyalty and how information asymmetry benefits large corporations. They then transition into discussing the digital divide, hinting at the ways planned obsolescence can exacerbate technological disparities.

Listeners will gain insights into how companies may influence upgrade cycles, the potential motivations behind these practices, and what consumers can do to stay informed. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in consumer rights, tech sustainability, and the deeper strategies tech companies employ to drive their product ecosystems.

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