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The linked paper makes it clear it will be released under a non-commercial license. You will download it gratis (so it won't be paid), but it won't be open source.


So they make a more available alternative, but they maintain control over it, and in turn gain control over the people and companies using it. Similar to what Microsoft did by bundling Windows with PCs[1].

I already have a multitude of ideas on potential nefarious plans based on this, but I'll keep them to myself.

[1]: Sure they got a licence payment, but since it was built into the price and non-optional, it was effectively equivalent to free from the customer POV. It effectively became a tax. I have to admit, Gates might not be a genius programmer but he sure knows how to design dark patterns :)




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