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In China your World of Warcraft session is limited to three hours, by law.
Here in the USA, gaming sessions are - theoretically, at least - limited by choice. Parental choice, in the case of minors. For parents who have a difficult time saying no, a California firm is offering the PC equivalent of a chastity belt (our term, not theirs).
Southern California startup Woog Laboratories today introduced the PC Moderator, a $79.95 parental control device it is marketing as a way to "tackle the problem of computer addiction, particularly among teens."
According to Woog's press release, PC Moderator allows parents to limit the amount of time kids spend online "with less conflict." Unlike filtering and parental control software products, PC Moderator is a hardware solution. The device attaches to a PC's video port (VGA or DVI). Parents then configure the PC Moderator with passwords and time limits for as many as 8 users. When the time limit is up, the device simply blocks the video signal from the PC to the monitor.
As we might imagine, your average WoW addict - and the uber-popular MMO is specifically mentioned by the product's creator - might not take kindly to having his or her picture go black in the middle of an endgame instance. To prevent physical attacks, the PC Moderator is protected by an 18-gauge, stainless steel case.
"With the phenomenal response to World of Warcraft, the world's most popular online game, we're worried that more teens are at risk for computer addiction," said company founder Dr. Kenneth Woog. The device is padlocked to prevent removal.
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November 16 2005, 21:12:27 UTC 6 years ago
November 16 2005, 21:14:13 UTC 6 years ago
Padlock.
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Anonymous
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November 16 2005, 21:12:47 UTC 6 years ago
Hmm...
Since this is basically the equivalent of having a parental lock on the TV that keeps Junior from watching it all night, I don't have any issue with this. In fact, this could be a step in the right direction.November 16 2005, 21:13:23 UTC 6 years ago
OMFG :P
Rofl, because simply talking to your kids is apparently too hard...Who wants to bet the kid figures out how to disable it faster than the parent figures out how to enable it in the first place.
November 16 2005, 21:21:36 UTC 6 years ago
Re: OMFG :P
"Junior! Come help yer father install this shiny doodad that'll keep you from using that blasted devil box all day."6 years ago
November 16 2005, 21:13:44 UTC 6 years ago
Gotta love the smiling teenager on their main page.
"Thank you so much mom and dad for restricting my access! I LOVE YOU!!!"
November 16 2005, 21:15:09 UTC 6 years ago
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November 16 2005, 21:18:35 UTC 6 years ago
November 16 2005, 21:23:55 UTC 6 years ago
What about schoolwork?
The nice thing about the software locks is that they restrict what apps you can load, so the kid can work for 5 hours straight on MS Word if they have an assignment due, but only 1-2 hours if they load the "gaming" one. This device obviously can't tell the difference.November 16 2005, 21:46:27 UTC 6 years ago
Re: What about schoolwork?
Nor can it prevent you from doing what you're not supposed to be, such as playing WoW when mommy logs you in to do "homework".Software locks are MUCH better, and just as hard for a child to bypass.
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November 16 2005, 21:23:58 UTC 6 years ago
November 16 2005, 21:24:07 UTC 6 years ago
On Second Thought...
After checking out the home page for the product, it seems like yet another excuse for parents who aren't as heavily involved with their kids as they should be. I don't like that. But I can't really see it affecting me, or the industry. I don't think the majority of MMO players are under the age of 18. And it's not much different than the parental controls on other entertainment devices.November 16 2005, 21:30:08 UTC 6 years ago
At the very least, it's useful for those who are really addicted to WoW in a bad way.
November 16 2005, 21:35:00 UTC 6 years ago
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November 16 2005, 21:39:37 UTC 6 years ago
Wow, they thought of everything...
Even the "I forgot the password" reset function needs you to unlock the device's case. Clever.Although if the kid can get the tower open, he/she can unscrew the device from the inside, and it only locks to the tower, not the monitor...
So a clever enough kid can still bypass it...
November 16 2005, 21:43:34 UTC 6 years ago
Re: Wow, they thought of everything...
Sorry, it only locks the device TO the tower, it doesn't lock the tower shut.This would be extrememly tamper resistant on business machine, and Apple computers, because those you can padlock the tower shut.
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Anonymous
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November 16 2005, 21:45:40 UTC 6 years ago
Sacreligious satire.
Dear Humans! If you can't control your kids, DO NOT BREED!Thanks,
God
PS. I gave you brains for a reason, please use them.
November 16 2005, 23:41:44 UTC 6 years ago
Re: Sacreligious satire.
Here here!There is a reason I dont have children, I'm selfish and I know it. I know I wouldn't do the right thing and take the time to raise a child, so I DIDN'T BREED!
Someone tell me why *my* life must be made more difficult "for the children"
Sorry, that rant just sort of snuck up on me.
~GB
6 years ago
November 16 2005, 22:04:03 UTC 6 years ago
So...
I'm not the most clever in the world... but even I can figure out how to use a high grade file. Or, the wires might get a snip snip... and probably easiest... open up the damn tower, unscrew the device, dispose of it at your own leisure. Momma and daddy gonna be grimacing at plunkin' down another $80...Good grief... I think people should be required to pass a test to receive a license that allows them to parent children...
Then we make all government services for children and parents require a said license... not entitled to free public schooling(In some cases, that could be a blessing...), any sort of government funded medical care, ect. And if the parents refuse to get a license, the child gets taken from 'em. Probably better for the kid anyway if the parents are that incompetent...
November 16 2005, 22:07:13 UTC 6 years ago
Re: So...
I think people should be required to pass a test to receive a license that allows them to parent children...So do I. That would solve soooooo many problems. It's actually depressing to think about.
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November 16 2005, 22:17:08 UTC 6 years ago
Software?
I think it is necessary to limit time for some people. I had a roommate once, wouldn't come out of his room other than eat/bathroom. He ordered his food online and didn't have any friends. It was really pathetic.I can see where this can come handy for people that has an addiction problem. But why did they go through hardware? Wouldn't it just be easier to just have a software solution for this? (I know that the hardware used is controlled by software on the computer, but I don't see the reason to actually have the hardware there where software could easily do it.)
November 16 2005, 22:24:13 UTC 6 years ago
Re: Software?
The problem with that, though, is that the person addicted is probably not going to be using one of these, and has a computer of his/her own...6 years ago
November 16 2005, 22:20:41 UTC 6 years ago
Not as easy as I'd hope. But easy enough
You have to remember that keys are typically not well hidden. Assuming they are hidden at all. Even if they are, it is not that hard to find something in any house when you have near infinite time (like teenagers do).Here's the easiest thing to do (that I've thought up):
1. Buy the same type of pad lock.
2. Get an extra key created.
3. Replace parent's keys.
4. Hack saw. (only stated so I can call this hacking, obviously if keys can be accessed it can be taken off by being unlocked)
Now, there are several problems with this. But it works well enough in most cases.
A more clever solution is one with a key logger to get the password. But that can be costly, and it may require a credit card. Though, the engineer in me wants me to build a key logger/hacker myself. It might be cheaper but I question how many 14 year olds can do the later.
November 16 2005, 22:23:57 UTC 6 years ago
Re: Not as easy as I'd hope. But easy enough
Rofl. Excellent idea actually, because how often is the parent going to unlock the device to check the key still works? I suppose the *really* clever parent buys one of those locks that's hacksaw resistant, (with the cover over the bar), but after shelling out $90 US I don't think the parent will want to shell out another $20-30 for a tamper-proof lock...6 years ago
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November 16 2005, 22:21:32 UTC 6 years ago
If the child says no when asked to stop and throws a hissy fit, pull them down from th echair and give them a good smack for being an unthankfull bugger.
Anonymous
November 17 2005, 20:27:12 UTC 6 years ago
You can't do that these days, you get charged with child abuse. :/
November 16 2005, 22:24:14 UTC 6 years ago
Tempting
I'm severely tempted to buy one of these things, just so I can find an effective way to circumvent it, and tell the kiddies all about it. Wouldn't that really piss JT off?November 16 2005, 22:29:27 UTC 6 years ago
Re: Tempting
This has nothing to do with JT. He's demonising games, not the internet.6 years ago
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November 16 2005, 22:25:47 UTC 6 years ago
The site's tagline itself says that it's for "imposing limits." Which is, y'know, the parents' job. If your child isn't responding to your requests to shut off that bloody computer, then getting a device like this is a dangerously slippery slope. Is comparing it to a chastity belt supposed to be a good thing? How many parents use them?
Secondly, of course, there's the practical side. Go over your limit and whoomph, screen off. Mid-game. Or mid-something-else. Now what do you do? Save and quit? Try to initiate a shutdown and hope the game doesn't pop up a dialog box to complain? If the solution is to send the kid away and then unlock the system yourself to shut it down properly, then chances are the average parent won't know how to. And what about the hard work poor Johnny put into shooting all those zombies? He can't save his progress now, meaning he'll have to do the whole thing all over again tomorrow.
There will be many, many cries of "it's not faaaiiir!" following this device. In Johnny's case above, I would agree with him.
A more low-tech solution, but just as effective, is to enter the PC room and turn the power off.
November 16 2005, 22:30:09 UTC 6 years ago
I thought those things died out hundreds of years ago. I kind of wish they hadn't, because then we wouldn't have so many people in this country right now.
And what about the hard work poor Johnny put into shooting all those zombies? He can't save his progress now, meaning he'll have to do the whole thing all over again tomorrow.
I think the kind of parents that are interested in products like this don't really care about Johnny's fun.
Anonymous
November 16 2005, 22:27:19 UTC 6 years ago
But then again, I suppose that most of the potential customers for this product are less tech-savy than my dad. I've noticed that a lot of non-techies either grossly overestimate or underestimate a kid's ability to cirvumvent parental controls and rarely go for a simple (and free) solution.
Anonymous
December 1 2005, 23:04:42 UTC 6 years ago
I've noticed that too. people do highly over estimate or under estimate what we're able to. of course we can ask friends, or search ways or something, but still.
November 16 2005, 22:29:38 UTC 6 years ago
.......
Sorry to say but this is fucking retarded.I mean seriously, ever heard of restricted computer use or watching what your child does on the computer.....God..I remember a friend who had to sign his name up when he had to use the computer at his house and for how long.
What's next? DNA active keyboard and mouse that electrifies if anyone under 18 uses the computer after 10 PM?
November 16 2005, 22:31:58 UTC 6 years ago
Re: .......
What's next? DNA active keyboard and mouse that electrifies if anyone under 18 uses the computer after 10 PM?Because of what other technology that can lead to, I will fight that kind of crap to the death.
November 16 2005, 22:34:02 UTC 6 years ago
I think kids these days will find ways around this device.
November 16 2005, 22:44:24 UTC 6 years ago
Anonymous
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November 16 2005, 22:42:17 UTC 6 years ago
Easy steps to bypass
1) temporarily replace the key to the padlock on your parents keychain. copy key, and unlock device when parents not around. don't forget to replace the key back2) sneak a peek at parents entering password. they never pick a hard to type one anyway
3) open case & unscrew device from the inside
And remember kids, don't sneak extra time when parents are around, or you'll be found out. The sneaky child gets the cookie!
And to parents, for gawd's sake talk to your kids about responsible computer use. Save yourself $80...
November 16 2005, 22:48:53 UTC 6 years ago
Re: Easy steps to bypass
Due to video cards being AGP, unscrewing the device may not accomplish much.If the only possible hole is locked, it doesn't bode well. But I should mention that this depends on individual computers. I know that wouldn't work for my tower.
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November 16 2005, 22:59:25 UTC 6 years ago
Maybe...
Maybe you could... parent your @#$%^&*ing child?!November 16 2005, 23:05:13 UTC 6 years ago
what do parents know anyway?
i don't know if this is still the case in majority, but it seems the parents that WOULD buy this sort of product are the ones that would be using it as total last ditch. these parents probably aren't the brightest in the bunch as nothing else worked. if they're not the brightest, chances are junior probably is IT for the family. especially with older parents.as a babysitting device, i like the idea. as a solution to a problem it's incredibly flimsy as many of the people that WOULD use it are technophobes anyway.
November 16 2005, 23:09:39 UTC 6 years ago
Re: what do parents know anyway?
Yeah, that's the general consensus here. If it's used to keep EVERYONE off the computer during the night, or when the parents are out, it's really handy. But ONLY if the parent is serious, and does more than just install this device (talk to the kid, buy good locks, secure the tower, pick a complex password & keep changing it, etc)Otherwise the kid will figure out how to bypass it within the week.
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Anonymous
November 16 2005, 23:32:20 UTC 6 years ago
BrainStorm!
Hey, got an idea here! Okay hear me out. We can also make a device that numbs the kids' jaws...No really! When ever the kid starts expressing his ideas, views, or hatred of the PC Moderator, it just turns off the kids mouth. No more having to deal with your kid's bad mouthing issue, no more back talking, all of it solved! Thank God for technology!Anonymous
December 1 2005, 23:26:08 UTC 6 years ago
Re: BrainStorm!
screw that, that's child abuse! and against our constitutional rights! we have freedom of speech, thereby giving us right to express ideas, views, hatred of passwords, etc! and stating opinions and wanting to discuss ideas is NOT back talking! my parents are always calling me a smartaleck when I say I don't agree with them! and they tell me I have to be 18 for the constitution to apply, but my english teacher told me it applies to me! unless you're being sarcastic, then that's funny.6 years ago
November 16 2005, 23:47:01 UTC 6 years ago
Okay, so...
When will we start seeing microchips that can be implanted into a child's brain to give them electric shocks every 1.5 seconds until they stop playing games?For that matter, when will we have microchips to be implanted in a parent's brain to give them electric shocks when their level of parenting plummets?
November 18 2005, 05:27:25 UTC 6 years ago
Re: Okay, so...
If that were to happen, my days would be filled with nothing but sending ambulances to electrocution victims.← Ctrl← Alt
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