iPods are everywhere these days, and one of the easiest ways to determine that someone has an iPod is by looking for the signature white cords. For a thief looking for an iPod, it takes no effort to seek out a potential target. And these targets could be anywhere, a mall, on the bus, or walking down the street. What if there was a built-in anti-theft system on your iPod that would only allow your device to charge one time if the device is being used without authorization, thus deterring theft?
According to Ars, a patent that was recently filed by Apple outlines a method that could be used to prevent unauthorized use. They say, “When the device suspects unauthorized use, the recharging mechanism of the device itself is disabled. Consequently, normal use and enjoyment of the device can be significantly reduced when the recharger is disabled.”
An iPod that can’t be charged is worthless which means thieves would be less-likely to target them.
What defines “authorized” use?
The patent outlines several different “conditions” that the user would define to determine whether use is authorized or not. They include:
- The device connected to unapproved power supply
- Device used “outside a determined geographical boundary”
- Setting a timer for authorization to expire in which case user would have to enter in security code
I’m just wondering how long it would take for someone to come up with a way to get around such a system, because it would have to be possible. What if someone forgot their master security code, or the entire iPod freezes up and they need to reset it? I’m sure there are additional issues that I haven’t thought of, so it’ll be interesting to see how Apple would implement such a feature and if it would really deter theft.
Enjoyed the post? Subscribe to our feed to get a daily dose of CyberNet!
Related Posts:
- Are Touchscreen iPod’s In The Future For Apple?
- Apple Patent Reveals iPod that Wirelessly Controls iTunes
- New iPod Updater Has Been Released
- iPod Rumors Flourish On The Internet
- Get Your iPod Headphones Replaced For Free
Oh, that’s be just super. Products that won’t work outside a region ala DVDs
Are they serious? Thats a total joke! There better be a way to turn it off!!
And i though they were going to use “Hide-a-Pod”.
The Ultimate iPod (And iPhone) Anti-Theft Device ……………
Hide it in a Zune!
Just tell us what iPod model you want to protect and we provide a gutted and hinged Zune with our custom molded iPod casing adapter. We also include a custom cable from the Zune’s controls (see FAQ) and audio output jack that you simply plug into your iPod. No iPod modifications are necessary.
Can I choose my Zune color?
Sorry, no. We only use brown Zunes for the maximum anti-theft protection.
Will all iPod models (and iPhone) fit?
Of course! The Zune is so incredibly huge that there’s plenty of room for any iPod or iPhone along with your choice of accessories, a sack lunch, and maybe a small cat.
http://hideapod.com/
I’m sure that they would offer some sort of way to turn it off, and I find it interesting that Apple is even looking to add such a feature.
@Richard: That’s pretty funny…I wonder if anyone has ever actually tried to put an iPod in a Zune. I once knew a kid who gutted his TI-89 Calculator and put it in a TI-86 case so that it could be used on things like the ACT test.