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Apple Patents "Enforceable" Ad Viewing On Devices

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the touch-the-lizard dept.

Rexdude writes "Apple has filed a patent that forces users to interact with an ad. FTFA: 'Its distinctive feature is a design that doesn't simply invite a user to pay attention to an ad — it also compels attention. The technology can freeze the device until the user clicks a button or answers a test question to demonstrate that he or she has dutifully noticed the commercial message. Because this technology would be embedded in the innermost core of the device, the ads could appear on the screen at any time, no matter what one is doing.'" We've been following this story for awhile now but it seems to have broken into the mainstream.

5 of 439 comments (clear)

  1. Customer Service : My Screen is Broken by tjstork · · Score: 5, Funny

    Hello Apple? I have a problem with my iPhone. Every time it shows an advertisement, the screen gets smashed. Can you help?

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    This is my sig.
  2. Nothing new, but I can imagine horrible outcomes.. by KreAture · · Score: 5, Funny

    - This is 911.
    * Help, I am being attacked!
    - Hold on sir, I will <click>

    iPhone:
    Video of security-spray followed by the question "Would this product have helped in your situation?"
    Ansver: Yes

    - <click> Sir, are you still there?
    - Sir?
    - hello?
    * gurgle, gurgle.  (bloody mess on ground...)

  3. Want to bypass the enforceable advertising? by L4t3r4lu5 · · Score: 5, Funny

    There's no app for that.

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    Finally had enough. Come see us over at https://soylentnews.org/
  4. Re:Fortunately by Chrisq · · Score: 5, Funny

    If they had any sense they would have patented adverts that don't force user interaction, and thereby force all other companies to make their devices too annoying to use.

  5. Re:Fortunately by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    Hopefully they won't polyester you to click it though.