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Give iPod Thieves an Unchargeable Brick

Posted by Zonk on from the this-ones-for-the-guy-that-stole-mine dept.

Svippy writes "Apple has patented a technology for new generations of iPods that would detect when a user tries to operate the iPod on an unauthorised machine ... and will refuse to charge. Indefinitely. From the article: 'Every portable gadget with a rechargeable battery has a charging circuit that recognises when the external mains charger has been plugged in. It then manages the transfer of current to the battery. Apple's patent suggests that by attaching a "guardian circuit" to the charging circuit, it would be possible to block the charging process. When a device is plugged into an unauthorised computer, software would compare a security code in the device to a code buried in the software in the computer. Apple already employs a similar technology to "pair" iPods to iTunes running on a specific Mac or PC. If the codes do not match, then the guardian circuit could be triggered to prevent any further charging.'"

9 of 338 comments (clear)

  1. False positives by sleekware · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I can imagine this will raise a lot of false positives. It reminds me of Windows Genuine Advantage, only nastier...

    1. Re:False positives by Hijacked+Public · · Score: 5, Insightful

      You might want to update your conspiracy theory: Apple doesn't include the first charger either.

      --
      "Sacrifice for the good of The State" - The State
  2. It would be unfortunate by Paxton · · Score: 5, Insightful

    ... if car chargers won't work.

  3. Not the only use by Dan+East · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I'm sure the usefulness of this technology in other areas has been considered as well. Specifically, things like bricking a device because a subscription has run out, or disabling it because DRM rights have been violated. After all, once the hardware is in place, it can be used for other purposes by simple software "upgrades".

    Dan East

    --
    Better known as 318230.
  4. Bad idea by hcdejong · · Score: 4, Insightful

    I've recharged friends' iPods on my computer (which is obviously not authorized for that iPod). If that were to result in bricking the iPod, I'd be pissed.

    Unbricking the iPod when it's connected to an authorized computer would mitigate, but not solve, the problem.

  5. great idea by brunascle · · Score: 4, Insightful

    uh oh, your PC stopped booting? congratulations, you iPod just did too.

  6. Um... by GoodbyeBlueSky1 · · Score: 4, Insightful

    What about the (old-fashioned!) method of charging via wall-outlet? Do I have to register my apartment with Apple now?

    Something in this article seems fishy and I don't think we're getting the full story of Apple's intentions, because the whole thing makes zero sense to me.

    --
    why? forty-two.
  7. Er, Stupid idea? by geoff+lane · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Concider the failure modes of such a scheme. Apart from the ones where the thief gets to use the iPod, they all result in the legitimate user losing the use of their iPod.

  8. Why are so many people getting this wrong? by astrosmash · · Score: 4, Insightful

    If the device detects that it has been stolen, through any number of means such as plugging in to an unauthorized computer or by geographic location, the device disables its charging circuit so that it can't be charged from any changer.

    It has nothing to do with the iPod only working with specific, Apple-branded, chargers. That would be stupid.

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    ENDUT! HOCH HECH!