Who is Sony?
Fanboy. Sony didn't do anything valuable since they co-op the CD standard with Philips. They created later the SACD (again with Philips) just to add revenue to their music records branch by fixing of the perceived weakness of copying the CD's. Now they are pushing DSD downloads. Clogging the internet with the DSD's noiseshaping and calling it a "revolution".Possibly the single most innovative electronics company in the last 50 years. Sony. The one and only.
The Sony HAP-Z1ES has revolutionized how music is enjoyed at home. Don't take my word for it though; simply walk around any audio expo and see how many non-Sony rooms are using one with thier systems. Also look at how many similar products are now on the market.
Well, then buy Apple, use Linux or any MS product either. All have issues with this this (usually from nefarious sources).
As Prisoners said, the Sony unit was one of the best integrated one box units for streaming. Yes, there are others but none as slick or as fast as the Sony. Say what you will, Sony has really pushed the envelope but many of those products do not come to the US, Unfortunately.
Well, then buy Apple, use Linux or any MS product either. All have issues with this this (usually from nefarious sources).
I am not aware of the companies he mentioned doing anything like this. Lenovo had their "Superfish" scheme, but I am not aware of anyone else approaching this type aggressive behavior.The point was, it was an illegal under the table attempt to install a rootkit in the registry of computers running Windows. Why should somebody be forced to purchase a different OS to avoid this sort of thing. If you will recall at that time the RIAA had a scorched earth policy on piracy. Fortunately all a moot point now as the RIAA is hardly in any control anymore thanks to BS such as this.
As far as Sony audio equipment I will no longer own any of it for technical reasons. The build quality of their audio equipment back around 1990 was not that good. It might be OK now but I have moved on.