Apple's New iPod anti-theft technology

Apple patents iPod-crippling anti-theft technology

Considering the heat Apple is facing over the battery in the iPhone, this article was amusing to say the least. Apple has patented and may in the near future employ an anti-theft mechanism in the iPod, one that permanently disables charging. The idea is that if an iPod is stolen and then later attached to an “unauthorized” PC, the device will recognize the machine as such and then disable its ability to charge – forever. It does this through the use of an intelligent circuit that can prevent charging if it fails to find a proper security code on “authorized” machines. What exactly qualifies a machine as “authorized” isn't mentioned, nor if the device would be able to be unlocked if it was later recovered by the proper owner... or what would happen if the “authorized” machine needed an OS X reinstall. Still, the concept is interesting. You can read the patent filing for the tech.

iPhone Review, FREE iPhone with accessories?

Apple iPhone (4GB/8GB) for free? Well, I wish, but these babies are so pricey compared to other cellular offerings. iPhone requires a Two-year AT&T contract required for purchase. iPhone is NOT usable with other wireless carriers, forcing users to rely upon AT&T’s less than superb customer service and inconsistent network coverage. Never mind the customer's regional or personal needs.

But, it IS an iPhone, the next-generation cel phone with the best industrial design. The iPhone has iPod quality audio and video playback, and great telephone performance in handset, speakerphone, or Bluetooth modes. The iPhone has “visual” voicemail. Gorgeous, high-resolution 3.5” widescreen display and novel multi-point touchscreen controls make iPhone stunning to operate and even has a good built-in speaker. iPhone has full-day battery life for typical users, and good e-mail client with initial signs of enough features (some Exchange server support, Word, PDF, and Excel document display) will satisfy demanding businessmen. iPhone also has EDGE performance for web and even YouTube video use, boosted to sub-laptop speeds when switched to Wi-Fi (802.11b/g) network.