Keurig Insists Coffee DRM Brings 'Interactive-Enabled Benefits' And Is For Your Own Safety

from the I-got-this-scar-from-my-coffee-maker dept

Thu, Mar 6th 2014 9:31am — Karl Bode

As we recently discussed, Keurig is busy making plans to embed new technology in their new "Keurig 2.0" line of coffee makers that will reject unsanctioned (read: less expensive, competing) coffee pods. The technology would also presumably prevent the use of manual re-usable filters, which are usually found for between five and fifteen bucks online. Keurig's CEO announced the plans to reject "unlicensed pods" last fall, but somehow nobody seemed to really notice the effort until an annoyed competitor pointed it out in a lawsuit (pdf).

Needless to say, Keurig users and the general public weren't particularly enamored of Keurig's plans to lock down their brewing options, with countless users taking to Twitter to complain. The company didn't seem prepared to handle the media reaction to their plans for java-based "DRM." Nor did they seem prepared to give anybody a straight answer, even though their own CEO already confirmed the pod-blocking functionality. As such, Keurig simply started insisting to anyone that asked that the new technology delivered "interactive-enabled benefits":

As you might be able to tell, it appears the company is unwilling to directly acknowledge the fact that they're locking out competitors' less expensive pods. More creative attempts to get Keurig to explain these advanced interactive benefits also proved fruitless:

After a few days and clearly a few meetings, Keurig released a public statement that attempted to flesh out their non-answer. While still refusing to admit something their own CEO already acknowledged, Keurig decided to push the mystery added benefits angle a little harder, even going so far as to claim that blocking you from getting cheaper competing product is about your safety:

"To make brewing a carafe possible, and to continue to deliver everything Keurig lovers already enjoy – high-quality beverages, simplicity, and variety – our new Keurig 2.0 system will feature specially designed interactive technology allowing the brewer to read information about the inserted Keurig pack. With this interactive capability, Keurig 2.0 brewers will “know” the optimal settings for the inserted Keurig pack, for a perfect beverage every time, whether a single cup or a carafe. It’s critical for performance and safety reasons that our new system includes this technology. For those of you who currently own our K-Cup or Vue systems today, we are so happy to have you as part of our family. Rest assured that your brewers will still function as they always have and that your favorite beverages will still be available."

In other words, we must be able to lock competitors' pods (and manual refill units) out of the market to keep you safe from the dangers of potentially lower costs and dreaded coffee-related injury. It's also impossible for us to embed this obnoxious technology in older units, so those will continue to function as you prefer them to -- without us interfering in your purchase options. Sure, you're losing purchase options and will have to pay more for coffee, but isn't the security of knowing your family is safe from the dangers of coffee-related hazards worth it?

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Filed Under: coffee, drm
Companies: keurig

105 Comments

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silverscarcat (profile), 6 Mar 2014 @ 9:00am

So...
When does the Coffee Market crash?

Give up?

When the java dries up.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Anonymous Howard (profile), 7 Mar 2014 @ 12:29am
  
  Re: So...
  This reminds me of Simcity's "critical calculations done on our servers" story. Yeah, totally critically necessary NOT DRM...
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
  - btr1701 (profile), 7 Mar 2014 @ 2:00pm
    
    Re: Re: So...
    While Keurig's actions may be shitty and annoying, I don't get the basis for the lawsuit against them. It's not like one has a general legal obligation to design one's products in such a way that makes it easy for others to compete with them. Keurig can't stop someone from designing and selling coffee packs that work with their machines, but neither are they obligated to design their machines to make it easy for others to do so.
    [ link to this | view in chronology ]
Arsik Vek (profile), 6 Mar 2014 @ 9:13am

It�s critical for performance and safety reasons that our new system includes this technology.

So, are they admitting that current Keurig coffee machines are both improperly performing and dangerous? I mean, they lack this feature, right?
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Wesha (profile), 6 Mar 2014 @ 10:12am
  
  Re:
  > It is critical for [our stock] performance and [our income] safety reasons...
  
  There, fixed it for them.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Anonymous Coward, 6 Mar 2014 @ 10:13am
  
  Re:
  Yes, the old Keurig coffee machines aren't safe, for Keurig's wallet.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Anonymous Coward, 6 Mar 2014 @ 10:23am
  
  Re:
  Someone file a lawsuit fast!
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
  - Anonymous Coward, 13 Mar 2014 @ 11:59am
    
    Re: Re:
    Funny you should say that http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rogers-family-co-files-lawsuit-against-keurig-green-mountain -inc-for-alleged-anti-competitive-single-serve-coffee-market-conduct-that-rogers-believes-has-harmed -consumers-250209461.html
    [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- nasch (profile), 6 Mar 2014 @ 10:57am
  
  Re:
  So, are they admitting that current Keurig coffee machines are both improperly performing and dangerous?
  
  Unless they recall all their coffee machines and replace them with the new ones for free, then this press release is BS.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
  - That One Guy (profile), 6 Mar 2014 @ 11:07am
    
    Re: Re:
    Was thinking the same thing. 'So you're updating your machines due to safety, does that mean you're going to be ordering a recall of your older machines, and replacing them with the newer, safer ones? No? Then it's obviously not a big problem, is it?'
    [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- tracker1 (profile), 6 Mar 2014 @ 11:49am
  
  Just posted warnings on Amazon.
  Figured I should post a warning about this for their product listings on Amazon.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Ninja (profile), 7 Mar 2014 @ 9:05am
  
  Re:
  Considering our gaming experiences with DRM I expect them to turn into murderous transformers and start killing people that buy any coffee not from that brand in a berserk rage.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- techflaws (profile), 7 Mar 2014 @ 10:37pm
  
  Re:
  You know that's just too obvious for those marketing droid bullshit artists. Someone should point this out to them via Twitter so we can laugh at the rephrased statement too.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
Anonymous Coward, 6 Mar 2014 @ 9:38am

Interactive Features
The new feature is that the Krieg 2.0 will only let you "Interact" with their Pods.

The only interactivity I need (want) with my coffee involves unrestricted consumption of (coffee).
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
- bonnieblue, 6 Mar 2014 @ 7:18pm
  
  Re: Interactive Features
  Then ditch the Keurig. There are other ways to make coffee, you know.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
Shmerl, 6 Mar 2014 @ 9:44am

No DRM will make bad coffee good.
Just don't drink that junk.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Anonymous Coward, 6 Mar 2014 @ 9:46am

Interactive-enabled benefits? You mean aside from DRINKING it? Is Keurig going into the coffee enema business 6-10oz at a time?
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Michael, 6 Mar 2014 @ 9:51am

I'm pretty sure what they are saying is that the new coffee makers are going to detect that you have downed more than 4 cups of coffee and start warning you to switch to decaff.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
- PaulT (profile), 7 Mar 2014 @ 12:24am
  
  Re:
  Close. They're saying that they have to have 100% of the refill market at any cost, and they don't mind coming up with ridiculous excuses for the steps they need to take at the expense of their own customers to do so. I'm sure they don't care whether you're drinking your own weight in caffeine or not so long as they're paid for it.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
sorrykb (profile), 6 Mar 2014 @ 9:53am

The "interactive" features, as explained by Douglas Adams
"When the 'Drink' button is pressed it makes an instant but highly detailed examination of the subject's taste buds, a spectroscopic analysis of the subject's metabolism, and then sends tiny experimental signals down the neural pathways to the taste centres of the subject's brain to see what is likely to be well received.
However, no-one knows quite why it does this because it then invariably delivers a cupful of liquid that is almost, but not quite, entirely unlike tea."
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Anonymous Coward, 6 Mar 2014 @ 10:00am
  
  Re: The "interactive" features, as explained by Douglas Adams
  Quasi-Earl Grey Tea, hot. Just doesn't have the same ring to it.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Leigh Beadon (profile), 6 Mar 2014 @ 10:06am
  
  Re: The "interactive" features, as explained by Douglas Adams
  The one upside of course is that you can use the brownian motion to power the IID
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Bob, 6 Mar 2014 @ 2:11pm
  
  Re: The
  You win the internets today. Pack it up boys, we'll try again tomorrow!
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Hitchhiker's Fan, 31 Mar 2014 @ 6:21pm
  
  Re: The
  Yes!!!
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Ford prefect, 18 Nov 2014 @ 1:55am
  
  Re: The "interactive" features, as explained by Douglas Adams
  Share and enjoy!
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
Anonymous Coward, 6 Mar 2014 @ 10:00am

"It's absolutely critical that our product contain this feature that wasn't necessary in completely functional, nonhazardous models that came before it, for your safety. Critical."
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Anonymous Coward, 6 Mar 2014 @ 10:02am

" our new Keurig 2.0 system will feature specially designed interactive technology allowing the brewer to read information about the inserted Keurig pack"

Because the user isn't smart enough to know what they want....

Why does every company think they have to tell me how to do everything? I'm not helpless*!

*unless you tie my hands and take away my ability to interact how I want with my own stuff
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- Sean, 9 Mar 2014 @ 8:51pm
  
  Re:
  As I understand it, the new pods have a flat top with a hemispherical reservoir for whatever the pod contains, and around the underside of the rim is a barcode that identifies the contents of the pod, so that the machine knows whether it's a normal coffee pod and brews a 12-ounce cup of coffee at low pressure, an espresso pod that only needs 2.5 ounces of water but needs to be forced through at high pressure, or is tea or hot chocolate that take different brewing patterns. As such, identifying common patterns between different styles of regular coffee and of espresso would allow the creation of 'generic' barcodes that could be printed on 3rd-party pods to give the same brewing instructions as the OEM pods.
  
  One possible outcome of the lawsuit is that Keurig would be required to make the barcode algorithm public, so that anyone would be able to make a compatible coffee pod with the correct barcode for brewing in Keurig machines.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
Anonymous Coward, 6 Mar 2014 @ 10:02am

This coffee maker is defective by design. At least the word is getting out about this predatory coffee maker, so people can avoid buying this defective product.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Anonymous Coward, 6 Mar 2014 @ 10:07am

will I be put in jail for circumventing their drm?
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
RyanNerd (profile), 6 Mar 2014 @ 10:10am

As discussed before...
DRM is not about copyright or anything like that. It is about POWER and CONTROL. Simple as that.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Anonymous Coward, 6 Mar 2014 @ 2:32pm
  
  Re: As discussed before...
  Right management technologies are insurances of at least a temporary monopoly. Anti-circumvention is a way to legally protect and strengthen said monopoly. Many kinds of anti-circumvention is close to as anti-consumer as you can get.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Anonymous Coward, 6 Mar 2014 @ 4:14pm
  
  Re: As discussed before...
  It's even simpler than that; it's all about money.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
Ron, 6 Mar 2014 @ 10:12am

Did Microsoft buy Keurig?
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Anonymous Coward, 6 Mar 2014 @ 11:26am
  
  Re:
  "Did Microsoft.."
  
  They have large ambitions. They're obviously hoping to be bought out by FaceBook for beeelllioonnz.
  
  The interactivity will be from nanotransmitters in the coffee so that the entire transition from purchase through your digestive system can be plotted on your timeline.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
Anonymous Coward, 6 Mar 2014 @ 10:12am

I wish them luck for I will never be a customer of theirs with these "features".
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Oblate (profile), 6 Mar 2014 @ 10:14am

Keurig's long term plan
I think this is the first step of their long term plan to produce their own version of the Nutrimatic Drinks Dispenser from HHGTTG. There are parallels- having had "coffee" in England, I think I know where the inspiration for the sludge served up by this machine comes from. Adding DRM will allow them to prepare the sludge optimally, with the highest performance and safety possible.

So looking forward to this...
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weneedhelp (profile), 6 Mar 2014 @ 10:16am

Its sad
I had a Cure Egg that was 2 months out of warranty and they replaced it anyway. I was happy with them for doing that although they didnt have to. Its a shame that now I wont consider them as a brand to purchase anymore. The truth is in my case their customer service was great. Time will tell.
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Crusty the Ex-Clown, 6 Mar 2014 @ 10:17am

Every pusher's dream
1. Get you hooked on drugs.

2. Restrict your supply.

3. Profit!!!!
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Anonymous Coward, 6 Mar 2014 @ 3:33pm
  
  Re: Every pusher's dream
  That makes more sense than you might think.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
Anonymous Coward, 6 Mar 2014 @ 10:18am

So have they explained what will happen when the coffee pot's new detector breaks and it's unable to "read information about the inserted Keurig pack"? They will inevitably break, and there should be no technical reason it can't fall back to operating like their current pots just because it does not "�know� the optimal settings for the inserted Keurig pack". I rather doubt their customer base would be pleased with needing to service or replace their coffee pot simply because a sensor broke.
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t3rminus (profile), 6 Mar 2014 @ 10:20am

Wouldn't use a Keurig
... If it wasn't for those re-usable filters. Saving money, and keeping plastic K-cups out of landfills is a great part of it, sure. The real reason is that my favourite locally-roasted coffee just isn't available in K-cup format. I rarely want to brew a whole pot, and like the convenience of not having to constantly clean a press.

Needless to say I will not be buying one of their new brewers, unless I can use my own coffee.
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- Anonymous Coward, 6 Mar 2014 @ 10:33am
  
  Re: Wouldn't use a Keurig
  Out of curiosity, which re-usable filter do you use? They'd be useful for me, but I haven't really found the time to investigate them to find out which ones are good.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
  - Pitabred (profile), 6 Mar 2014 @ 11:20am
    
    Re: Re: Wouldn't use a Keurig
    Not the OP, but we use an older version of these at work, and they work pretty well:
    
    http://www.amazon.com/Brew-Save-Refillable-Keurig-Brewers/dp/B008XFE2YO/ref=sr_1_2
    [ link to this | view in chronology ]
  - Anonymous Coward, 6 Mar 2014 @ 2:49pm
    
    Re: Re: Wouldn't use a Keurig
    I use the "as seen on TV" ones you can buy at Target, Bed Bath and Beyond, etc. They come 4 to a package, 2 red, 2 black, and are $10 if I remember right. What I like about them as opposed to the "official" reusable cup, is you don't have to replace the bottom carrier in the machine to use them. You fill them with grounds and put it in just like a disposable. This means I don't have to futz with changing part of the machine back and forth to go from my own coffee to one of the actual k-cups.
    [ link to this | view in chronology ]
  - Ron Ziniel, 7 Mar 2014 @ 7:16pm
    
    Re: Re: Wouldn't use a Keurig
    Bed,Bath and Beyond sells great after market reusable pods, 4 in a pack.
    [ link to this | view in chronology ]
  - Anonymous Coward, 18 Mar 2015 @ 4:06pm
    
    Re: Re: Wouldn't use a Keurig
    Here is a Keurig reusable filter on Amazon for about $8 plus free shipping:
    
    http://www.amazon.com/Keurig-K-Cup-Reusable-Coffee-Filter/dp/B000DLB2FI
    
    I've had 3 Keurigs in succession over 8 years: they seem to burn out or stop working in 3 to 4 years. I got the last two Keurigs at Costco and they both came with a ton of K-cups and a reusable filter. The filter comes in three parts, the cup, the screw-on top, and the washable filter, so now I have two, which makes it quicker to switch out fresh coffee grounds when I have a visitor. I never use k-cups unless I get them free. I buy really good coffee beans that I grind myself every other week or so and have always found the K-cups to have sub-par, dried out coffee grounds in them despite the fancy brands. I won't buy Keurig unless I can make coffee from my own beans, so when next I buy a replacement, I'll look for some other brand.
    [ link to this | view in chronology ]
Kirinn, 6 Mar 2014 @ 10:35am

Captain Janeway does not approve. [meme image link]

http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2013/015/e/9/janeway_does_not_approve_by_vitallani-d5rl08w.jp g
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Ben F, 6 Mar 2014 @ 10:36am

New Revenue Stream
This opens up a whole new revenue stream for Keurig -- They will now be able sue their end users for circumventing the DRM in their coffee machines to accept the cheaper pods. Win Win Taking a page from the music industry, just multiply the cost difference of the cheaper pod times the potential number of cups a Keurig can brew in it's lifetime. I am not kidding it is inevitable.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
streetlight (profile), 6 Mar 2014 @ 10:42am

Will the new coffee maker be Internet connected?
This new device must have an internet connection: Ipv4 and Ipv6 capable, 802.11 a, b, n, ac, gigabit ethernet. This so newer, more intrusive firmware and DRM can be installed to defeat any hacks and provide more useful, controlled options. Control through a lan connected device, including lap top or desktop computer, iOS or Android phone or tablet. Optional 11.6 inch monitor and Bluetooth keyboard can be had. The March of Technology.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
- jackn, 6 Mar 2014 @ 11:07am
  
  Re: Will the new coffee maker be Internet connected?
  actually, it wont even make coffee unless it is connected to the internet.
  
  Just like keuring 1.0, this is for suckers. If you really like coffee (and the environment), i would get something like one of these
  
  http://www.amazon.com/Capresso-EC100-Espresso-Cappuccino-Machine/dp/B004NTBLR0/ref=sr_1_12?ie=U TF8&qid=1394132737&sr=8-12&keywords=capresso+coffee+makers
  
  http://www.amazon.com/Gaggia-1 02532-Espresso-Pure-Semi-Automatic-Espresso/dp/B0015QX3BG/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1394132768& ;sr=8-11&keywords=gaggia+espresso+machine
  
  both are great. You would need a good grinder too.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- vorpal (profile), 6 Mar 2014 @ 9:24pm
  
  Re: Will the new coffee maker be Internet connected?
  Will it be RFC 2324 compliant?
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
  - G Thompson (profile), 6 Mar 2014 @ 10:22pm
    
    Re: Re: Will the new coffee maker be Internet connected?
    I'd forgotten about this... Thanks.
    
    Now think I'll have another coffee since it seems there is too much blood in my caffeine system
    [ link to this | view in chronology ]
New Mexico Mark, 6 Mar 2014 @ 10:42am

Beautiful!
Don't know if you came up with the phrase, "java based 'DRM'" but that's a keeper! Almost spit my coffee when I read it.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Anonymous Coward, 6 Mar 2014 @ 10:50am

java-based "DRM."
I see what you did there. :)
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Anonymous Coward, 6 Mar 2014 @ 10:58am

Is it going to throw a 403 error when you put in a competitor's pod?
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Chuck, 6 Mar 2014 @ 11:38am
  
  Re:
  Actually it will throw a 402 error.
  For those that dont know HTTP return codes, it's 'payment required'
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Anonymous Coward, 3 Oct 2014 @ 5:38pm
  
  Re:
  It will say "OOPS", and give you a number to call and a page of their website to visit, with more information and help getting free K-cups with the correct technology on the lids to offset any inconvenience the transition causes.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
That One Guy (profile), 6 Mar 2014 @ 11:05am

New selling point?
I don't even drink coffee, and I would still be tempted to pick up a brewer that did the 'hot cocoa bitch!' thing with each cup.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Andrew Jackson's Cranky Ghost, 6 Mar 2014 @ 11:16am

Sic transit gloria Keurig
No way I'd ever spend that kind of scratch even before this. It doesn't make better coffee than my Mr. Coffee anyway (sorry, anti-drip snobs).
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- Anonymous Coward, 3 Oct 2014 @ 5:41pm
  
  Re: Sic transit gloria Keurig
  Mr. Coffee has Keurig-licensed brewers...
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
Anonymous Coward, 6 Mar 2014 @ 11:19am

Some uninformed stuff going on on this topic.

1. A cheap 3rd party capsule could leak and hence damage the appliance.

2. None of this is new - all appliance manufacturers take steps to limit use of 3rd party capsules where they possibly can..
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Chronno S. Trigger (profile), 6 Mar 2014 @ 11:34am
  
  Re:
  Are you seriously defending this insanity?
  
  1. Did you also know that washing the appliance could cause damage? Are they going to prevent you from washing the thing in the wrong way?
  
  2. No it isn't new, ask the ink manufacturers how DRM is working for them.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Pitabred (profile), 6 Mar 2014 @ 11:36am
  
  Re:
  Sure, a 3rd party replacement could leak. That's a risk the buyer takes, and it's not warranted by the manufacturer. But even then, manufacturers don't get carte-blanche for that, either. I can use aftermarket air filters and oil filters on my car, even aftermarket parts, and if the problem isn't directly connected to the aftermarket part, they can't deny warranty service. Same with appliances.
  
  For someone speaking about being uninformed:
  
  http://www.business.ftc.gov/documents/bus01-businesspersons-guide-federal-warranty-law#Ma gnuson-Moss
  
  To save you actually reading:
  
  "Tie-In Sales" Provisions
  
  Generally, tie-in sales provisions are not allowed. Such a provision would require a purchaser of the warranted product to buy an item or service from a particular company to use with the warranted product in order to be eligible to receive a remedy under the warranty. The following are examples of prohibited tie-in sales provisions.
  
  In order to keep your new Plenum Brand Vacuum Cleaner warranty in effect, you must use genuine Plenum Brand Filter Bags. Failure to have scheduled maintenance performed, at your expense, by the Great American Maintenance Company, Inc., voids this warranty.
  
  While you cannot use a tie-in sales provision, your warranty need not cover use of replacement parts, repairs, or maintenance that is inappropriate for your product. The following is an example of a permissible provision that excludes coverage of such things.
  
  While necessary maintenance or repairs on your AudioMundo Stereo System can be performed by any company, we recommend that you use only authorized AudioMundo dealers. Improper or incorrectly performed maintenance or repair voids this warranty.
  
  So... yeah. No legitimate reason for it, and it's unconscionable to try to justify it.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Fred Sanford, 6 Mar 2014 @ 2:10pm
  
  Re:
  1. Is this happening now? If so, I haven't heard anything about it.
  
  2. You're right, and we've been suing their pants off to keep that crap off the market because it is anti-competitive bullcrap.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- PaulT (profile), 7 Mar 2014 @ 12:44am
  
  Re:
  "1. A cheap 3rd party capsule could leak and hence damage the appliance. "
  
  It could also be damaged if I decide to try using Coke instead of water or decide to try to drop kick it across the kitchen. Ditto if I try to modify the device to change the way it works, its capacity, turn it into a tea maker or anything else.
  
  In all of these cases, it's my right to do whatever I wish. For the manufacturer, the appropriate response is "you misused the appliance and it's not covered under our warranty as stated in the enclosed warranty agreement", not "we will try to make it impossible for you to use the device in any way we haven't approved".
  
  "2. None of this is new - all appliance manufacturers take steps to limit use of 3rd party capsules where they possibly can.."
  
  ...and the newness or regularity of such actions does not justify them. It's a cash grab, nothing more, and you're either a fool or a liar if you say otherwise (unless you're one of those rare people willing to argue armed with facts, of course).
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
Mister Presso, 6 Mar 2014 @ 11:21am

Keur-rigged
Let's not do a focus group and just launch this half-brewed idea. How long did it take ink cart refillers to bypass the Espon chip? One week, one month? Bueller?
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Pitabred (profile), 6 Mar 2014 @ 11:37am
  
  Re: Keur-rigged
  You think they don't know about that? They're going to put in some string of "proprietary" information that has to be transferred, and then claim copyright infringement.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
  - PaulT (profile), 7 Mar 2014 @ 1:08am
    
    Re: Re: Keur-rigged
    Exactly. They put in some "DRM" then, no matter how weak or ineffective it actually is, the DMCA allows them to sue anyone making compatible refills.
    [ link to this | view in chronology ]
crade (profile), 6 Mar 2014 @ 12:03pm

Anyone who buys that is an idiot.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
JoeCool (profile), 6 Mar 2014 @ 12:03pm

Doesn't matter in the US
US law is pretty settled on this now (by at least two cases that set precedence) - if you use patent or copyright protection as a security measure, it loses said protection and competitors are fulled allowed to use exact copies of the protection for interoperability. The cases were concerning Lexmark printers and some garage door maker, and exactly match this case here. Keurig doesn't have a legal leg to stand on concerning competitors making compatible pods.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
- crade (profile), 6 Mar 2014 @ 12:09pm
  
  Re: Doesn't matter in the US
  Don't be ridiculous. There is no other way to use patent or copyright, and they added special protection to DRM specifically so it can be used as a security measure.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- crade (profile), 6 Mar 2014 @ 12:16pm
  
  Re: Doesn't matter in the US
  Is this is why apple, microsoft, and every gaming company can't use patents and copyright to tie hardware and software together and sell licenses to allow people to make stuff for their hardware? Or is that different?
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
Trevor, 6 Mar 2014 @ 12:16pm

Um...
since "it�s critical for performance and safety reasons that our new system includes this technology," does that mean Keurig will be issuing a voluntary recall of all previous Keurig models, and replace them with this new unit, free of charge to the user?

Or should someone contact the FDA about the potentially harmful Keurig models on the market at the moment?
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Trails (profile), 6 Mar 2014 @ 12:34pm

Stupid
I bought a keurig because I could use a refiller. If they remove that I'll go back to a french press.
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Jason, 6 Mar 2014 @ 12:45pm

"Interactive enabled benefits"

Translated: Your machine will detect a coffee packet has been inserted. Your machine will actively scan the coffee packet. The coffee in your machine will be compared to a list of approved coffee packages that we will allow you to use in your machine. If the package you have inserted matches one of the previously approved packets on the list, then we shall grant you the benefit of a cup of coffee.

Enjoy your "Interactive Enabled Benefits"
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Get off my cyber-lawn! (profile), 6 Mar 2014 @ 12:47pm

Keurig changes are for SAFETY?
does that mean our current Keurig devices are highly dangerous IEDs which are liable to Hurt/Maim/Kill us at any time? Do I need to wear body armor to make a cup of joe now?
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Get off my cyber-lawn! (profile), 6 Mar 2014 @ 12:48pm

I prefer the French Press....
I just haven't found a frenchman that would fit in mine yet!
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Anonymous Coward, 6 Mar 2014 @ 1:08pm

"going so far as to claim that blocking you from getting cheaper competing product is about your safety:

"To make brewing a carafe possible, and to continue to deliver everything Keurig lovers already enjoy ..... It�s critical for performance and safety reasons that our new system includes this technology."

Be fair. They don't claim it's for the user's safety at all. It could be for the safety of their CP (pronounced CoffeePee, closely related to EyePee).
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Chris-Mouse (profile), 6 Mar 2014 @ 1:10pm

Step 1: Add DRM to coffeemaker
Step 2: License DRM to major coffee suppliers
Step 3: Change license terms to ban production of V1.0 K-Cups
Step 4: Gain monopoly position in K-Cup market
Step 5: Watch consumers abandon K-Cups for cheaper systems
Step 6: Sue customers for failing to pay monopoly prices
Step 7: ???
Step 8: Profit?
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- crade (profile), 6 Mar 2014 @ 1:27pm
  
  Re:
  If history is any indicator.. Step 7 is lobby for laws that say people have to give you money even though they don't want to.
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akp (profile), 6 Mar 2014 @ 1:25pm

I can't wait for these to hit shelves, so I can start slapping warning stickers on them.

"Warning: Only works with Green Mountain brand k-cups."
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scotts13 (profile), 6 Mar 2014 @ 1:41pm

It's been done
Realistically, Keurigs major competitor, Tassimo, already does this. The barcode provides cup size, pressure, temperature, and programmed-in pauses specific to that beverage. And you know what? It makes a better cup of coffee.

It has also blocked, just by coincidence, unauthorized suppliers of coffee for the machine.
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- Anonymous Coward, 9 Mar 2014 @ 8:06am
  
  Re: It's been done
  Over designed. If you want to make sure the cup size matches the amount of water used, you just use the cup you are going to be drinking from to add the water. Stupid useless "feature".
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Elie (profile), 6 Mar 2014 @ 1:45pm

My Keurig will become a T-disc?
I have both a Keurig and a Tassimo. What they're describing as new features sound like what Tassimo does already with their T-discs. Does that mean they're innovating right into a competitor's territory?

BTW, I love both, but for different drinks.
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Paul, 6 Mar 2014 @ 2:37pm

Keurig
They have joined with the Sirius Cybernetics Corporation, so their new motto is "SHARE AND ENJOY"
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afn29129 (profile), 6 Mar 2014 @ 2:38pm

Hacking a Keurig 2.0... DMCA
Yeah lets see.. Someone posts a how-to guide on the 'net
'Hack your Keurig 2.0 to accept pod re-use'
Results; DMCA notices, site take-downs, contributory infringement claims etc.
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Paul, 6 Mar 2014 @ 2:40pm

Death of a company
And here we see how a company dies. Not by the swift decapitating blade of a competitors better product, but by a hundred thousand pissed off customers who are now returning their Keurig machines to their places of purchase. Woe befalls them as their short sighted quest to corner a market fostered not loyalty to their brand, but hatred to their blind ambition and callous aloofness.

I never saw the point in these machines since its takes all of 30 seconds to start a pot (or a cups worth of a pot) of coffee in a $15 Mr Coffee machine. I spent $40 for my machine as it has a clock and auto start an that is as far as I go. If you are so needing to spend $200 on a coffee maker that makes 1 cup at a time, you would be better off stopping by a coffee shop every morning rather than buying new pods for what will eventually be a premium priced crap in a wasteful plastic tub.
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- known corward, 7 Mar 2014 @ 5:18am
  
  Re: Death of a company
  the reason people buy them is two fold.
  
  1. they only want a single cup of coffee and the kuerig does that quite well.
  
  2. no pot and filter holder to clean.
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  - John Fenderson (profile), 7 Mar 2014 @ 8:31am
    
    Re: Re: Death of a company
    If those are the reasons, why aren't people using a pour-over cone? It has all the same advantages, but only costs a couple of bucks, won't fail, and you can use any coffee you like.
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Coffenonomus, 6 Mar 2014 @ 3:11pm

DRM Hack keurig
Tools: scissors, clear tape, Barcoded new k-cup old refillable k-cup

Step 1 careful dissect your k-cup with scissors and cut out the barcode

Step 2 tape barcode on refillable unit.

Step 3 brew as normal

Step 4 screw Kurieg. I like the machine because I am the only one in my house that drinks coffee so it is convienent and clean (I have 2 young kids the last thing I need is more clean up). But hate most k-cups. I buy from my local roaster and have a burr grinder and make a serving and brew fresh.
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Steve, 6 Mar 2014 @ 3:25pm

Alternative
Back to Mr. Coffee.
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- Anonymous Coward, 6 Mar 2014 @ 6:28pm
  
  Re: Alternative
  "Back to Mr. Coffee."
  
  I never left him.
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Anonymous Coward, 6 Mar 2014 @ 8:21pm

I'm going to offer a prize
For the first person to crack their DRM and publish the method.
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Jane, 6 Mar 2014 @ 10:17pm

Keurig
When this Keurig dies there won't be another. I like brewing loose tea in the plastic cup. Besides, it's MY CHOICE, not theirs! DRM = GTH
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Pixelation, 6 Mar 2014 @ 10:52pm

Final question
Who is brain dead enough to use a Keurig coffee maker? Coffee straight from the bung hole.
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Pernille Fischer, 7 Mar 2014 @ 12:42am

Same same thing
This is the wonder coffee brewer which is popular in Denmark
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- Pernille Fischer, 7 Mar 2014 @ 12:43am
  
  Re: Same same thing
  Oh, sorry no link
  https://www.tassimo.co.uk/MachineRange/Technology
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Dan Tobias, 7 Mar 2014 @ 4:49am

It's safer to use authorized coffee capsules? Why, do they have some sort of technological protection against spilling hot coffee on yourself, meaning that McDonald's could have saved a lawsuit by using it?
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A. Nnoyed (profile), 7 Mar 2014 @ 6:18am

Keurig hypocritrical
When Keurig's management mentions customer safety they are hypocritical. Keurig failed to properly test a Mr. Coffee Keurig Pod Coffee maker they licensed. As a result a recall was ordered on August 30, 2012 here:
http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2012/Mr-Coffee-Single-Cup-Brewers-Recalled-by-JCS-Due-to-Burn-Hazard/

Furthermore Keurig management failed to learn from Tassimo's experience with proprietary pods. In 2006 most stores that sold small appliances sold Tassimo coffee makers. I am now unable to find Tassimo brewers sold anywhere but on line. I was originally a Tassimo customer but replaced the Tassimo with a Keurig around 2009 because it was difficult to find Tassimo Pods and because of Tassimo's restrictions preventing me at the time, from making French Vanilla Coffee in the Tassimo Brewer. By requiring customers to use proprietary pods, Keurig management is writing there own epitaph.
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Michael, 13 Apr 2014 @ 12:52pm

keurig alternative
Yes, Keurig just doesn't want to have competition. Yet just use a keurig alternative such as the AeroPress http://thecreativealternative.com/best-single-cup-coffee-maker/ and save a ton of money and get the best cup of coffee I ever tasted, or use the Mr Coffee machine and save even more without needing to buy the expensive k-cups http://thecreativealternative.com/mr-coffee-cafe-latte-machine/
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arcturus, 1 May 2014 @ 11:28am

not for long
This 2.0 DRM scheme is likely being defeated as we speak.
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Hunter, 14 Jul 2014 @ 4:38pm

Keurig 2.0 hacked
Looks like someone figured out how to crack this thing already: http://noroundtwo.tumblr.com/post/91780866043/keurig-2-0-hacked
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hdofu, 26 Sep 2014 @ 1:06pm

It is for safety reasons
I mean you could be using a 3rd party cup that deploys too much caffeine, and it could cause you to work twice as hard and strain a muscle... I mean these keurig guys really have your best interests at heart.
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Roddy, 19 Jan 2015 @ 3:22pm

"Interactive"
They throw around "interactive" like it is special. That just means you can USE it. Every single appliance I own is interactive. In fact i would be more impressive to have appliances that aren't interactive, because that would mean they are completely automated.
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