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Category: Technology Author : Steven Hodson Posted: June 24, 2009
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Panasonic says: Use our batteries or we brick your camera


batteries

Okay, this is going to be interesting to watch and see what kind of blowback Panasonic is going to get over this. As of your next firmware update for your Panasonic digital still camera you won’t be able to use third party battery packs. From the press release

Panasonic Digital Still Cameras now include a technology that can identify a genuine Panasonic battery. For the protection of our customers Panasonic developed this technology after it was discovered that some aftermarket 3rd party batteries do not meet the rigid safety standards Panasonic uses.

Some of these aftermarket batteries are not equipped with internal protective devices to guard against overcharging, internal heating and short circuit. If these aftermarket battery packs were used, it could lead to an accident causing damage to your camera or personal injury.

Panasonic’s Digital Camera firmware has been updated on this website to detect these aftermarket 3rd party batteries so such serious safety issues can be avoided.

[ Warning ]
After this firmware update your Panasonic Digital Camera cannot be operated by 3rd party batteries (non genuine Panasonic batteries).

Let the erupting blogosphere commence …..











Comments


2 Archived Responses to “ Panasonic says: Use our batteries or we brick your camera ”

  1. desimal
    Jun 24, 2009

    rub hands together… can't wait!!!
    panasonic reversal in 5… 4… 3… 2…

  2. John E. Bredehoft (Empoprises)
    Jun 25, 2009

    Yes, the Panasonic battery policy, brought to you by the Image Reproductive Association of America (I-RIAA!).

    Seriously, the press release is unclear whether the technology detects batteries that lack the internal protective devices, or whether it just detects non-Panasonic batteries. I predict that if Panasonic reverses itself, it won't be because of the crowds – it will be because of Duracell and Eveready (perhaps masquerading as “Concerned Citizens for Battery Choices”) mounting an advertising campaign condemning Panasonic.