Apple planning to disable stolen iPods?

Dave Walker iPod
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Walk down the wrong street wearing your shiny white headphones and there’s every chance you could end up losing your favourite music player. But all that could change if a stolen iPod became useless in hours.

According to a report in New Scientist, Apple has filed a patent titled “Protecting electronic devices from extended unauthorized use,” which would effectively mean it wouldn’t charge if certain conditions are in place. It could be (for example) a specific charger required or use outside a specified area could be prohibited. Whatever condition is put in place, if it is not met, the iPod doesn’t work until things are put right and the iPod is reset.

Sounds admirable in some ways, sounds a nightmare in others (accidental blocking and lost passwords spring to mind). But anything to cut down theft is certainly worthy of considering.

Apple website

Via Ars Technica

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Dave Walker
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7 comments

  • Hey

    I am in my final year of study in university. For my level 3 project i am doing it on the securtiy implications of an ipod. I read your article and found it interesting. I was wondering if you could help me with my project.
    Kind regards

    Tom Robbins

  • Hey

    I am in my final year of study in university. For my level 3 project i am doing it on the securtiy implications of an ipod. I read your article and found it interesting. I was wondering if you could help me with my project.
    Kind regards

    Tom Robbins

  • Hey

    I am in my final year of study in university. For my level 3 project i am doing it on the securtiy implications of an ipod. I read your article and found it interesting. I was wondering if you could help me with my project.
    Kind regards

    Tom Robbins

  • Hey

    I am in my final year of study in university. For my level 3 project i am doing it on the securtiy implications of an ipod. I read your article and found it interesting. I was wondering if you could help me with my project.
    Kind regards

    Tom Robbins

  • Hey

    I am in my final year of study in university. For my level 3 project i am doing it on the securtiy implications of an ipod. I read your article and found it interesting. I was wondering if you could help me with my project.
    Kind regards

    Tom Robbins

  • Hey

    I am in my final year of study in university. For my level 3 project i am doing it on the securtiy implications of an ipod. I read your article and found it interesting. I was wondering if you could help me with my project.
    Kind regards

    Tom Robbins

  • This is such an awful idea! How many of us take our iPods out without a charger and just want to get a little boost at a friends place. And what about car chargers and docks etc. This is a case of too much for too little. It will not deter theft and it will be a PITA for iPod owners. Apple PLEASE think twice. If you must do something then give us the option of PIN locking the iPod – a MUCH better idea.

Comments are closed.