Apple wants your iPod to stop charging for thieves

Hey, it's no shocker that Apple's iPod is a coveted item even for those who acquire their wares in less than legal manners, but a recent patent application from Apple shows that someone at Cupertino cares about you rightful owners out there. Essentially, the technology would invoke a "guardian" recharge circuit, which would disable any further charging if the computer (or "other recharger") it was paired with was of the unauthorized variety. According to Apple, this type of limitation would "serve as a deterrent to theft," and while we can only assume that it would be applied first to the iPhone and iPod, the application does insinuate that other handheld, rechargeable devices could eventually benefit from the invention.

[Via Slashdot]

[anon @ Jul 28th 2007 7:04PM]

no disrespect, but isn't this news a little old already? i recall reading an opinionated flame war on the subject like 2 weeks ago.

[taoprophet420 @ Jul 28th 2007 8:45PM]

I thought it was closer to a month ago. I guess they lost track with the slew of apple patents that have came out the last few months.

[Chuckles McGee @ Jul 28th 2007 7:28PM]

I totally called this way back when.

[MrGam3r @ Jul 28th 2007 11:44PM]

HEY EVERYBODY! couldn't we all just use hide-a-pods so our iPods wouldn't get stolen in the first place?

but seriously i do like the zune. at least the black and white versions...

[ReknapS @ Jul 28th 2007 7:07PM]

Hmmm... How can we at Apple make more money??
I know!!! Lets eliminate a large part of the 3rd party market that helps make our product so popular!!!

This is a nifty idea but its one of those - works in theory, but not in practice - ideas. I'd hate to have to go to the always over priced Apple for accessories and replacements parts that I've lost.

[paragraph @ Jul 28th 2007 8:27PM]

Yes, but there is another issue here, apple will (if they have brains) sell chargers for the new iPods, meaning that an thief could just simply buy one of these (probably obscenely priced) chargers from an apple store or the internet and BAM this 'invention' in now rendered moot.

But then again, apple could refuse to sell the charger to anyone but the registered owner to the registered address... but no-one ever fills out registration cards. Or they could just not sell replacement chargers, meaning that if you lost the ability to charge, then now you need a new iPod.

anyways, this will hopefully never come into practice because it make absolutly no sense, to require a password, PIN, or other means of encryption just to CHARGE an Mp3 Player is the definition of pointless/useless.

oh and what about this: instead of charging the iPod, why not steal all of the music, sell it, and buy an iPod?

you can see where this is going, this makes as much sense as having a copy of your operating system verified to make sure it's real just to download direct X . . . yeah

[nih @ Jul 29th 2007 1:01AM]

Read the article buddy: the charger is generic but the iPod refuses to charge unless the same DRM used with songs is present and passes the ownership challenge. It sounds like you'll only be able to charge from your PC in the future, or you'll be required to re-auth by connecting to your PC every few days.

What I want to know is: how will they handle the inevitable iPod reset issue? I don't know an iPod owner yet who hasn't had to look up how to hard reset their player due to memory corruption issues.

How will you repair and blank your bricked iPod when that option is removed to support the anti-theft charging? A completely separate, survivable flash component? Who knows. They'll probably work something out, and we'll be happier for it. I wish cellphones had this feature already.

[bobartig @ Jul 29th 2007 11:38PM]

@paragraph: You are assuming that Apple is full of a bunch of idiots, and would implement such a critical security feature in a terrible fashion. Just because you are too dim to see a good solution to this problem doesn't mean we are all plagued by the same stupidity.

[syadasti @ Jul 28th 2007 7:17PM]

Stealing Motorola innovation - I hate requiring "authorized" charger $$$$

Blackberries have had device wipe for as long as I can remember. You enter the wrong password 10 times and the device erases itself. It wouldn't be that hard to make the device wipe itself and lock itself until the right code is entered. Apple - steal different!

[letstakeawalk @ Jul 28th 2007 7:24PM]

OK, I couldn't make it through the whole filing, but I assume that there is a way to disable the disable, in the case that I find my stolen item and attempt to use it again. Or, what if I try to charge my stuff at a buddy's house, or on some other equipment than that which I left at home? I travel alot, and use other computers alot. Is there a way to tell the disable feature that I didn't steal my own device, and that the non-original computer/charger that I'm using is only temporary?

I see the potential, but I see a lot of headaches, too.

[chuck @ Jul 28th 2007 7:25PM]

suadasti, that's a nice feature, but i'd bet that most people wouldn't want to deal with the hassle of entering a password every time they turn on their ipod.

of all the devices apple can choose to implement this technology on, i really hope that they offer new chargers for macbooks and macbook pros with this feature.

[Pol Pot Pie @ Jul 28th 2007 7:46PM]

So now instead of just stealing your iPod, the perp will steal your ipod, look up your contact information on said ipod and then do a home invasion and steal your computer and rape your dog.
Thanks Apple!

[matt @ Jul 28th 2007 7:56PM]

how about a pin code thing on the charger? and in itunes

put ur pin in to conect to itunes and put in the pincode to charge aswel

hardly difficult?

[Eric @ Jul 28th 2007 8:00PM]

For some reason, I think Apple is more likely to sit on this than to use it. They just want people to know that they thought of it.

[YouFaceTheTick @ Jul 28th 2007 8:07PM]

Silly idea. Some of us rarely, if ever, use a computer with our ipods. I tend to charge in my car And I certainly NEVER use that POS software itunes for anything. So unless the iPod connects to iTunes, this seems utterly worthless.

[RedBull Runner @ Jul 30th 2007 6:24AM]

So then, What do you use to put music on your ipod? GTKPod or something similar? Or do you run rockbox on it.

[Mr. B @ Jul 28th 2007 8:31PM]

...talk about redefining "closed system"

[Karl @ Jul 28th 2007 9:12PM]

I'm all for Apple trying to prevent theft, but this isn't the smartest way to do it. If it comes to it, the thief could rewire the battery and add an extra charging port.

I'm more for Apple locking iPods to a specific iTunes account. You could still sell them, by the original owner unlocking it from within iTunes, but a thief would have to get your iTunes password to use it. Then, you could, within iTunes, flag your iPod as stolen, and whenever anyone tries to use it, it would be bricked. At least as an optional feature (checkbox - "Lock this iPod to my iTunes account"), it's a good way for preventing theft.

[BigD145 @ Jul 29th 2007 2:09AM]

That's exactly what I would do. If this ever goes into effect, someone will find out which contact points inside have to hooked up to live and ground. 30 seconds later it'll be smeared across the internet and Engadget will link to it.

[Wwhat @ Jul 28th 2007 9:13PM]

It's a good plan, let them separate the apple fanatics and normal people and then only the few fanatics will have ipods, that will open the market nicely. :)

[BillyBob @ Jul 28th 2007 9:45PM]

What a stupid idea. We have 4 ipods in our house, and about 8 methods of charging (PCs in different rooms of the house, at work, in two cars, etc). Generic chargers are so cheap that I have them in several places so that I don't need to worry about remembering where I left it. I don't want to worry about what where I need to charge my ipod, or that I use the "right" charger - I just want to charge the darn thing.

Hey Apple - do you really think someone won't steal an ipod just because you might not be able to charge it? Do you really think your average low-life thief will know this? Or care? Why wouldn't the thief just sell it before the battery dies? Or use it until it's dead and then throw it away and steal another one? This will be a pain in the ass ONLY for the legal owners!

[letstakeawalk @ Jul 29th 2007 2:02AM]

We have a thread winner!! Most likely scenario "Use it until it's dead and then throw it away and steal another one"!! You are correct, sir, this will not reduce theft - only encourage it...

[paragraph @ Jul 28th 2007 9:47PM]

true, but that still proves that this is pointless, it's like password protecting a file, and then storing it with an unprotected copy.

i really think that there is really no point to this other than to make apple some more dough by duping consumers into buying a marginally safer product.

[hardmanb @ Jul 28th 2007 9:59PM]

As I read the patent digest, a report to Apple of theft would generate a signal from Apple to the iPhone circuitry to prevent ANY further recharging of the internal battery, as an anti-use-after-theft device. Thus the enclosed and soldered battery, as otherwise someone could just insert a replacement charged battery. Made sense to me, since Apple did not have the remote-erase capabilty of the Blackberry.

[Chimuel @ Jul 28th 2007 10:22PM]

"The application does insinuate that other handheld, rechargeable devices could eventually benefit from the invention."

Hmmm... Apple will also benefit by licensing the technology to other manufacturers.

[kc @ Jul 29th 2007 12:08AM]

Does Apple really think that we're this gullible?

Duh!

[Kei @ Jul 29th 2007 1:34PM]

It's apple. Of COURSE they do. Unless you work for them, they think you're half brain-dead.

[Asha @ Jul 29th 2007 12:38AM]

Just curious - will this work on existing iPods?

[scotjo @ Jul 29th 2007 12:31AM]

This won't prevent your iPod from getting stolen, and the thief will NOT return it to you, just because it can't be charged.

Love it or hate it, the iPod is coveted. If you have one and want to keep it, protect it (These things are small enough to fit in you pocket).

[Paul @ Jul 29th 2007 1:05AM]

so what happens if my charger breaks, I have to buy a new ipod?

[Argot @ Jul 29th 2007 7:35AM]

Nah, just steal one.

[Me!!! @ Jul 29th 2007 4:12AM]

it wont be long until this system is exploited.

[Tom @ Jul 29th 2007 5:47AM]

Do it with some kind of fingerprint recon on the backside... like some laptops have

[fontendet24 @ Jul 29th 2007 8:16AM]

I think that this invention is bad for Apple itself.
If you lost your ipod/iphone - what to do then? You'll go and buy a new one.
Apple makes more money that way, than some selling some cheap chargers.
And that's impossible to just service the current numbers of devices - millions ipods and millions of iphones in future - Apple hotline will be hot 24/7.
This invention never will see a green light.

[Cuimhne @ Jul 29th 2007 8:51AM]

Thieves are pretty stupid, the fact that no other sim card but my own works in my phone (because it's locked to my sim) didn't stop someone from stealing it...this is hardly a deterrent

[Sutekh @ Jul 29th 2007 11:58AM]

Why can't they just shut the ipod down by using iTunes? You have the serial number and the iTunes in your computer knows that it was used by you before and you just should enter the serial number, simple as that.

[bruckwine @ Jul 29th 2007 2:24PM]

crap idea - as said countless times not everyone uses that POS iTunes!

[Sutekh @ Jul 29th 2007 2:50PM]

You should be able to disble your ipod through Apple website and whenever iPod connects to the internet through whatever program, it can be disabled.

[Neeko @ Jul 29th 2007 11:04AM]

FUCK THIS... This is a DUMBASS idea that only would hurt the customer.. WHY do i need all this security for a freakin MP3 player. it doesnt have sentive info on it like a laptop.. What if i NEVER and i mean NEVER use ITUNES.. Not every person who uses an ipod uses that crap.. All this does it further close the IPODecosystem and force people to only use APPLE products... GOOD JOB STEVO..I lov hown apple pretends that THIS IS FOR THE CUSTOMERS SECURITY..Are people actually that stupid that they dont see right through this?

[Sutekh @ Jul 29th 2007 12:00PM]

Looks like you are.

[phil @ Jul 29th 2007 1:24PM]

I still don't understand how this is a theft deterrent. It's possible that the thief will take your iPod, use it until it dies, and then steal another one, or sell it while it still has power. Or, you could just go on the internet and see just how many ways and methods people have found to get around this security feature.

...I would also imagine that reformatting the iPod would probably erase the memory of which charger it's paired to.

I can see, shortly following this release, that Apple will follow it up with the iSafe, complete with iris scanners, lasers, and a self destruct feature. Now your iPod will be completely safe from theft, and you can spend more money than a new iPod costs keeping it safe...


iThink this "security feature" only appeals to the iParanoid.

[Tony Colonello @ Jul 29th 2007 1:25PM]

Too many problems and unanswered questions for this to ever work.

I did not read the actual kink but just going by what has been said here these are some of the things that came to my mind.

1. I never used iTunes after the first week or so. Will this force me to subscribe to iTunes?

2. I travel to Asian several times a year. Will I be able to use my ipod on my computers at my house or office in Thailand?

3. Look how many cars are stolen each month. I agree with the person that said a thief will just use it until it stops working and then steal another one. Most auto theft is for joyrides not to keep or try and resell.

4. What about the resell of used ipods? Will this kill the e-bay market for them?

5. If you're afraid of your ipod being stolen keep it in your pants. Why do 90% of ipod users have to hold it and fondle and caress it? They flash it around like some gang sign say "hey look at me and what I have" People learned long ago to stop showing off their Rolexes and Movados and diamond rings. Flashing your ipod is like walking around Afghanistan wrapped in an America flag. If all they see is white ear buds then maybe you have an ipod but maybe you have a mobiBLU cube from WalMart.

[Phoenixfury @ Jul 29th 2007 2:01PM]

So basically your screwed if your charger breaks.. What's Apple's fix for that? Buy a new iPod?

[Angselm @ Jul 29th 2007 8:03PM]

The number of people who have issues with reading comprehension is astounding. I swear, half of you people just enjoy getting pissed off at something and won't let a little thing called rational thought get in the way of your angst.

[Magallanes @ Jul 29th 2007 8:03PM]

there a direct link with the battery strategy used by Apple and the "buy a new battery from us"

[Dhelle @ Jul 29th 2007 9:15PM]

If this security feature is added on the iPod and not adding cost to the device then its fine. If all I have to do is buy an overpriced charger from apple to activate the said feature then its my choice to use or not, otherwise I just leave it the way it is, and use any other charger I want. The user should be given their choice to use the feature or not, to spend or not to spend more money on features and accessories they want, they should also be given the freedom to use any chargers they already have if they don't want the feature activated.

[icebox @ Jul 30th 2007 5:20AM]

Well,

It, like most of the "antitheft" or "antipiracy" solutions it will only trouble legal users (drm, wga, sony rootkit anybody?). For a thief it will never be a problem. You will get third party firmware/guardian circuit replacements/whatever the very next day it appears. Just like nobody can't stop me to stick the line out of a drm playing device to the line in of a recording device, nobody will stop me to stick two wires from the battery to a general li-ion charger available for 5 bucks.

But it will be a great pain in the "asymmetrical photons" to anybody using, selling or making third party chargers... A manufacturer will probably be required to license the damn thing before using it, even if he can circumvent it. And that means... right more money !

[Billy @ Dec 4th 2007 4:18PM]

So... I got an ipod second hand. When I connected it to my pc ran itunes. It now doesnt charge the battery. I charged the battery through hacking it into an ipod mini and charging it to full. Doesn`t matter about the charger. Generic or apple. Its when you sync thru the pc that it does its b*&lox. Now I put the freshly charged, (new battery) into my ipod sync to pc. It drains the battery in ten minutes then it wont charge ,even with the original apple charger. So, smart arses wheres the guardian cicuit hack????