Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, iPod Family
Apple patent for charger DRM
I don't think this is such a great idea. According to the New Scientist, Apple has filed for a patent on a new security measure for mobile devices. Basically, it involves locking a mobile device to a particular charging cable so that if it's stolen, it won't recharge when plugged into another cable.
While I appreciate the sentiment of creating a deterrent to theft, this strikes me as more likely to be annoying than helpful. It will eviscerate the after-market supply of charging cables and docks from third party vendors (which are generally more reasonably priced than Apple's offerings). I fear that what has happened with the MagSafe power adapters will basically recur with Dock connectors. When Apple was just using a plug, it was possible to get reasonably priced third-party power adapters (and car/airline chargers), whereas today (since the MagSafe connector is patented) it is not.
This just raises the price and annoyance level ($59 for an airline adapter!?). What do you think? Do you like the idea of DRM'ed iPod or iPhone power adapters?
[via Oh Gizmo]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
mike said 12:13PM on 7-21-2007
cool idea, I just wonder what that means for things like the iHome and other speakers/clocks/iPod chargers.
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Michel said 12:19PM on 7-21-2007
if it allows apple to sell a better and more useful (anti-theft) device, I'm all for this.
I don't care about the industry, they will find a way to exist.
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required said 12:19PM on 7-21-2007
very bad idea
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JKT said 12:26PM on 7-21-2007
Horrible idea. I have been known to misplace my iPod cable from time to time which is why I have a couple of backups. How can I do that if only one can be linked to the device?
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Graham said 12:34PM on 7-21-2007
If I could like more than one iPod cable to my iPod it would be ok since I keep one on my desk, one in my laptop bag etc. The cable just terminates in a usb plug anyway, so you can always just get a generic usb charger.
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Mikek said 12:44PM on 7-21-2007
If apple licenses it. If that license is reasonable. If its easy to migrate to 3rd party adapters. If its not hackable. If if if.......
Otherwise this is a horrid idea.
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Dannel said 12:44PM on 7-21-2007
horrible idea
sometimes I think companies patent things like this to gauge how good their consumer mind control is over us
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Fabrizio Giudici said 12:47PM on 7-21-2007
Well, hackers will be soon able to break the security mechanism, while as you said we users will be forced to pay higher prices. Good idea for Apple shares, horrible idea for my wallet.
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artifex said 12:48PM on 7-21-2007
Is anyone working on retrofitting alternate connectors to their MB or MBP?
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dimmer said 1:05PM on 7-21-2007
From a tech/geek mindset, yes it's a cool idea. As long as it was user selectable, it would be fine. If not, not. How many folks charge their iPods on friends chargers, for example -- and how would you interface/pair the cable and iThing? I'd hope at least for a grace period (five charges from "other" cables to one on the "official" cable).
Wonder if this is using rfid, bluetooth, or ?wi-fi?
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Thecompkid said 1:19PM on 7-21-2007
Hehe, that's hilarious. Apple patents a way to completely eliminate any competition they have in the 3rd party accessory market, and you people believe the bullshit that it's intended as a theft deterrent. I'm as big an Apple fanboy as any there ever was too, but you guys have to get some sense here. I don't care how lovable of a company Apple is, they are just like any other in one key way: they're out there to make their money. (they're...there...their, i'll take my trophy now :) )
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e:leaf said 12:52PM on 7-21-2007
Bad idea. My wife an I both use a MacBook Pro (each) and we use the same chargers all of the time. We have one in the bedroom and one in the living room. A locked plug just wouldn't work for us.
Plus what about iPod cable for car and home . . .
This is a horrid idea.
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Christopher L. Williams said 12:53PM on 7-21-2007
Let me again reiterate, that this is a horrible idea.
As bad as they come.
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Walter A. said 8:28PM on 7-21-2007
Horrible idea. I like being able to use a standardized, USB cable for all my portable devices and to have interchangeability between them.
This is not going to present a big theft deterrent. It will just mean fewer operational Apple gadgets out there, which means more sales of new Apple devices. This is a very Microsoft-like tactic for Apple to consider - Very bad sign of things to come. The devotion and loyalty that Apple fans exhibit could backfire very quickly if Apple starts acting like Microsoft assholes.
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Spencer said 12:58PM on 7-21-2007
That is quite possibly the worst idea I have ever heard. Ever.
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Stephen Macklin said 1:01PM on 7-21-2007
Here's my new business plan.
I'll buy about 100 Apple patented connectors. Then, in exchange for a modest fee and your existing cable, (+ shipping and handling) I will send you an adapter from the new connection to a standard iPod connector.
Of course I would expect Apple to have something like this available.
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neil said 1:41PM on 7-21-2007
Most of these devices have unique ID codes (e.g. MAC addresses), why not refuse to update any device that has been reported stolen...or better yet turn over any location to the police. In a world where the hardware goes obsolete without software updates it should be a simple matter to make crime not pay and then you wouldn't have to worry about things like DRM in the charger...which is probably in the bag that gets stolen anyway.
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SOCOMRAIDER said 1:29PM on 7-21-2007
Just because they filed the patent, doesn't necessarily mean they are coming out with this tech. And as with any type of DRM, there will definitely be workarounds.
No need to stress. It's a simple thing Apple is doing.. patent flooding.
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tkelly said 1:28PM on 7-21-2007
I like this idea, as long as you can program in or register cords that you will allow with it. Like when you plug in a new cord it asks:
Would you like this cord to be registered with your ipod/iphone. If so, enter your password _ _ _ _ _
this would be a password that you would set first getting your ipod/iphone. This would work great with the iPods with OSX that will come out soon
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SHRIKEE said 1:36PM on 7-21-2007
i would assume that IF this feature gets used it would be an option. Like a checkbox somewhere asking If you would want your iPod *protected* or not. I think most users would leave this option turned off. :)
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shrikee
www.sothq.net
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