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Apple Declares DRM War On Sneaker Hackers

Posted by kdawson on from the your-clothing-can-tell dept.

theodp writes "Nicholas Carr is not pleased that Apple has applied for a patent to extend DRM to tennis shoes and other articles of clothing. Apple apparently views tennis-shoe DRM as a way to head off a potential plague of sneaker hacking. 'Some people,' the patent application observes, 'have taken it upon themselves to remove the sensor from the special pocket of the [iPod-linked] Nike+ shoe and place it at inappropriate locations (shoelaces, for example) or place it on non-Nike+ model shoes.'"

8 of 330 comments (clear)

  1. Embarassment by Nerdfest · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I'm not an Apple fan because of their tendency to use proprietary standards, etc, but I can appreciate that they build a good user experience for people that are perhaps not as technically inclined. But I think it's definitely moving towards the point where you (as TFA says) are embarrassed to be an Apple fan. This sort of action is just petty.

  2. There is absolutely no reason for this... by plasmacutter · · Score: 5, Insightful

    You can't download an integrated circuit.

    To get the chips, a pair of nikes must be bought, guaranteeing the revenue no matter what the electronics within are use for next.

    I don't see why apple should care. I know I wouldn't give a damn if it were used on another pair of sneakers, modified to play old 8 bit game cartridges, or attached to tomahawk missiles.

    The fact they do care is rather disturbing, as it reflects a general trend toward companies asserting ownership over your stuff. I'm not talking about copyrighted works either, i'm talking about everything.

    They're walking a fine line, installing technologies designed to subvert people's right to modify and use their own devices for their own (sometimes unforseen) purposes.

    You are allowed to sell something any way you wish, but if they sue someone for modifying their own shoes, I expect them to lose, as it's related to physical goods rather than copyrighted material.

    --
    VLC FOR MAC IS DYING! IF YOU DEVELOP, PLEASE SAVE IT!!
    1. Re:There is absolutely no reason for this... by Firehed · · Score: 5, Insightful

      And?

      If you bought the sensor, it's yours to use how you want. It doesn't have a EULA, usage terms, or a license agreement (I own one, and I do not use it with Nike shoes). I'll note that the website that you use to view the data probably does have a EULA, so they would be well within their legal rights to block sensor data determined to be from non-Nike shoes (but, like any DRM, it will cause problems for legit customers and backfire). They don't do that, but there's no reason they couldn't for new customers.

      --
      How are sites slashdotted when nobody reads TFAs?
  3. If I paid money for it, it is mine, surely. by mad+zambian · · Score: 5, Insightful

    'Some people,' the patent application observes, 'have taken it upon themselves to remove the sensor from the special pocket of the [iPod-linked] Nike+ shoe and place it at inappropriate locations (shoelaces, for example) or place it on non-Nike+ model shoes.'"

    So?
    As has been observed on Slashdot many times in the past, if I have bought [whatever], I can do whatever the hell I want with it.
    So I feel the urgent need to own a pair of iPod compatible sneakers, and duly buy a pair. I can now;
    Paint them purple.
    Shred them with a razor blade.
    Change the laces.
    Remove a sensor to see what it is and what fun I can have with it.
    Apparently not. Apple seem to think that they have some say on what I can do with my shoes. What are they smoking? DRM'd sneakers. FFS, give me a break.

    --
    Trying to associate Microsoft with "fun" is like trying to associate Satan with aromatherapy. -Tycho
  4. Re:really? by HomerJ · · Score: 5, Insightful

    here are tons of fake Nikes coming from Asia that are honestly way worse in quality, durability, and comfort.

    Not to be confused with the REAL Nikes coming from Asia that are bad in quality, durability, and comfort.

  5. Re:The realm of what shouldn't be... by dhaines · · Score: 5, Insightful

    >help build community

    Most times I see "community" these days, especially in a "Web 2.0" context, I think it's a euphemism for gathering personal data for marketing purposes.

  6. Re:The realm of what shouldn't be... by stoolpigeon · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I'd be interested in hearing how you've come to know that America is a socially inept country beyond your own observation. If that's all you have, my observations differ. Although, to be fair, I think most statements about America are as much about the rest of the world as they are about the US. This country really hasn't been here all that long and most people I meet still identify on some level with their ancestry - which by and large is made up of immigrants.
     
    Aside from that I'd say that technology does much more to remove isolation than build it up. This conversation I'm having right now is deeper than many I'll have today with people speaking to me in person about weather, sports and gas prices or current events. Not all will be that way, but many. I'm not sure how missing out on a few of those would be detrimental to anyone.
     
    And finally - to be really on topic. When I run I don't want to talk to anyone. I want to listen to music and think. I process things. There is absolutely no reason that every moment of our lives needs to be social. In fact, in order to be of some value socially, I think it is worthwhile to spend a decent amount of time reflecting and thinking - before we speak.

    --
    It's hard to believe that's how Micronians are made. Why don't we see it right now by having you both kiss one another?
  7. Re:The realm of what shouldn't be... by wellingj · · Score: 5, Insightful

    You mean it's much easier to guilt yourself into doing the something if you buy an expensive gimick and have to justify the purchase?

    --
    Money is the root of all evil?