Some computer games require you to be connected to the Internet at all times to play them. While that sounds reasonable for online multiplayer games such as World of Warcraft or Team Fortress 2, it doesn't make sense for single-player games that you play on your own. Always-On DRM limits access to the purchased game due to that requirement.
Not only is it necessary to have an Internet connection to play the game, which means no playing in situations where you do not or where unreliable, it also means that you rely on the game company server to be online as well.
The Razer Naga 2012, a high-end computer mouse with 17 buttons optimized for massively multiplayer online games, may be the first mouse, but not the only Razer device, to use a similar DRM-like system. When you connect the mouse to your PC or Mac for the first time you will notice that it functions as a basic plug-and-play peripheral until you install Razer's Synapse 2.0 software, which is needed to configure and make advanced functionality available on the system.
The software displays a login prompt right after installation that cannot be bypassed at this point in time. It is necessary to create an account and be connected to the Internet to configure the mouse on your local system. Synapse 2.0 offers an offline mode, but that only becomes available after you have created the account and registered the mouse with Razer.
The Synapse 2 FAQ highlights that all Razer products using Synapse function as expensive plug-and play-devices, and that Synapse 2.0 is needed to configure the device properly so that all of the functionality becomes available:
Razer Synapse 2.0 offers a service above and beyond basic functionality to enhance your Razer product's capabilities. This includes features like configuring and saving macros, key binds, and preference settings. Razer Synapse 2.0 also maintains your devices in optimal condition by automatically updating and downloading driver and firmware updates, in addition to its cloud-syncing ability.
Razer Synapse 2.0 is not compulsory software to get your Razer peripherals working, but it is advisable if you want to get the best out of them.
Razer Synapse 2.0 Overview
Set-up instantly from the cloud with the world’s first cloud-based setting network for gamers. With Razer Synapse 2.0, your gaming preferences for all your Razer devices are locked and loaded anywhere in the world.
By instantly storing your custom settings and Razer add-ons online in the cloud, you can retrieve them at any time, from any location so you’re always primed for good gaming. It completely eliminates the painstaking process of reconfiguring your peripherals each time you log into a new computer so you can spend more time dominating the competition.
New PC? Trip to the LAN center? New peripherals? No problem. One sync and you're ready to go.
Your Personalized Device Settings Anytime, Anywhere
Razer Synapse 2.0 is our unified configuration software that allows you to rebind controls or assign macros to any of your Razer peripherals and saves all your settings automatically to the cloud. No more tedious device configurations when you arrive at LAN parties or tourneys, as you can pull them from the cloud, and get owning right away.
Infinite Settings & Profiles
Every game is different and comes with its own set of control requirements. No longer limited by onboard device memory, Razer Synapse 2.0 brings the brain of your Razer hardware to the cloud allowing you an infinite number of profiles, configurations, and allows for longer, more complex macros.
Inter-Device Communication
Razer Synapse 2.0 has evolved. Now your peripherals can talk to each other. Temporarily change the sensitivity of your Razer mouse by holding down a button on your Razer keyboard or quickly change keyboard profiles using the mouse scroll wheel, with customizable lighting reflecting these changes.
Create macros on your mouse and have it available on your keyboard, or just save it to the cloud for later use. There is no limit to what you can do with the hive mind that is Razer Synapse 2.0.
TECH SPECS
Version:
1.11.03 (PC)
1.12 (MAC)
File Size:
12.3 MB (PC)
14.4 MB (MAC)
Date added:
June 28, 2013
Price:
Free
Operating System:
Windows XP 32-bit
Windows Vista 32-bit / 64-bit
Windows 7 32-bit / 64-bit
Windows 8 32-bit / 64-bit
Mac OS 10.6 -10.8
System Requirements:
100 Mbyte of free hard disc space
Valid e-mail, software download, license acceptance, and internet connection needed to activate full features and for software updates. After activation, full features are available in optional offline mode.
