Have you ever tried to look at a video (online) and get that message saying you can't see it because of where you are?
Or looking to purchase a DVD and see something about what "region" the disc is for?
Happens with software too.
Read a bit of this to see the how and why....
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regional_lockout
Now ask yourself how long it would take claim safety and/or emissions regulations.
Now they can start declaring auto-tronic OPE is region specific and say it can't be sold and shipped to your region because of emissions and safety regulations.
If you think it wont happen? Well then go talk to your brethren in California.
Look at the stories of pro tree guys and their hassles over their equipment.
In another thread, it was mentioned that Stihl is offering ways to track a few new items via your cellphone.
Now ask yourself how small of a step is it to -requiring- "activation"of that auto-tronic OPE through your "smartphone"??
Hell, you had to "activate" that phone didn't ya.
See, you're already being conditioned to it.
(oh and Steve Jobs ghost is so proud of you!)
Hey! Maybe we can start by saying IF the saw is out of bluetooth range that it won't run. (cough, 'cause it's registered to your phone)
..'course We'll just call it an anti-theft feature and only up-charge you $97 extra.
Yeah, that should make it easier for ya to swallow!
Won't cost a laaaarge multinational corp much (amortized per unit) to ad the tiny bit more Digital Rights Management, aka DRM to the OPE and require that region code enforcement and "activation".
And let's not forget the "check engine" light that could be easily added to
the already existing auto-tronics. That start attempts and run time info you guys
think looks so cool on the Dealers computer screen is what the check engine light will be switched on by.
Not too hard to set a usage counter that kills the ignition or retards the ignition timing after a (factory)pre-set number of start attempts or run hours.
Been being done (and accepted/tolerated) in computer software for years, just think of all those "free trial" apps you've played with.
Ahhhhh. And all of that Digital Fuel Injection some of you fellows are clamoring for?
Hmm, can't wait to see what "management features" might creep into that new batch of silicon chips.