It was mentioned before by the Oddworld Inhabitants team that if the re-released Abe games sold well there would be an Oddbox, with additionally Munch's Oddysee and Stranger's Wrath ported to Windows.
This sounds more like a reference to that, since there is no indication Squeek's Oddysee or other new Oddworld games are in development.

It runs in systray.exe under last gen Windows. Even Microsoft calls it a system tray at several places, like http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310578 & http://support.microsoft.com/kb/176085 & http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/player/bonuspack/powertoys.aspx#traycontrol to just name a few.

Then don't buy the Xbox version. If you RTFA, it mentions that the data collection was done through Xbox Live.

Of course with its achievements etc. Xbox Live is always tracking everyone in the first place, Eidos' data collection is a logical next step. If you're paranoid, avoid Xbox Live, PSN, and any similar system (including Steam on PC unless firewalled).

Or of course just pull the network plug of the PC or console...

Don't forget about the Apple Software Updater, which is installed even if you opt-out during the install of whatever software (ie iTunes or Quicktime) you're installing!
At least this can be uninstalled again.

Java also insists on installing an always-running update service, with no easy way to disable.

Are there others -- outside of antivirus vendors, one of the few examples where an always-running updater makes sense?