“Apple has invented a novel method of disabling stolen iPods - by preventing them from charging … The company has filed a patent for a technology that recognises when a device is plugged into an unauthorised computer and, if it is, prevents any further charging.”

Similar to the way in which stolen mobile phones can be deactivated and made less attractive to thieves, Apple has come up with a way to prevent stolen iPods from working. Kudos to Apple for thinking of ways to reduce theft - but by patenting it, they may prevent other manufacturers from using the technology. Surely reducing crime is more important than protecting this idea? From PC Pro News, here. Via Slashdot, here, and BOL, here.

Posted Tuesday, August 7th, 2007 @ 4:10 am
Filed in business and productivity, community and social, science and tech

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Further reading

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1. SETI success
2. Complete iTunes albums
3. Jobs against DRM?