Apple Working On Tech To Detect Purchasers' "Abuse"

Toe, The writes "Apple has submitted a patent application for technologies which would detect device-abuse by consumers. The intent presumably being to aid in determining the validity of warranty claims. 'Consumer abuse events' would be recorded by liquid and thermal sensors detecting extreme environmental exposures, a shock sensor detecting drops or other impacts, and a continuity sensor to detect jailbreaking or other tampering. The article also notes that liquid submersion detectors are already deployed in MacBook Pros, iPhones and iPods. It does seem reasonable that a corporation would wish to protect itself from fraudulent warranty claims; however the idea of sensors inside your portable devices detecting what you do with them might raise eyebrows even beyond the tinfoil-hat community."

Comments

These aren't your devices

[Attila Dimedici]

however the idea of sensors inside your portable devices

That is the mistake right there, the article is talking about sensors inside of Apple's devices. What you thought you owned that device you bought from Apple? That's not what Apple thought, they are just allowing you to use it, as long as you give them money and don't use it in any way that they disapprove of.

This should do well in Europe.

[ground.zero.612]

Because Europe is a land where people enjoy having their actions and lives dictated to them under the guise of protecting themselves from themselves. Which for the record, is not possible with anything less than handcuffs, force fed tranquilizers, and 24 hour supervision. I'm so glad I'm the age I am in the country I'm in, knowing that very soon I will be dead and shortly after my country will end up just as FUCKED.

Re:This should do well in Europe.

[ground.zero.612]

I especially like how stating the truth is trolling. Let me state it differently so I can get modded Troll again:

This should do well in Europe. Because Europe is a land where the members of that society have decided that freedom and everything that goes along with it (such as free will, free thought, etc) is too dangerous to have, and as such legislates it away at every possible chance specifically to protect themselves from themselves.

Re:I guess this could make sense

[Ardaen]

Well, it is pretty offensive as well. Making fun of a minority that in fairly recent history has been frequently abused, oppressed and even murdered. It'd go over better if it didn't leave certain things implied or in question.

Re:Yes, but it's Apple

[mgblst]

Yeah, except exactly the same things happen in all major electronics, laptops and mobile phones. Including Microsoft Zunes. So who is getting grief here, Microsoft who also do this, or Apple who do no different to anyone else in the industry, except they are patenting it, and they are the ones being vilified.