Aug 07 2009

Apple plans to snoop on gadget abuse: good luck getting free repair

Posted by Andy as Apple, Hardware

Apple is developing a “Consumer Abuse Detection System and Method” which could make it much more difficult for users to mistreat their gadgets (intentionally or otherwise) and then turn up at a store expecting free warranty repair or replacement.

Several of Apple’s products already contain a device which signals whether the hardware has come into contact with liquids, but this system would take things a lot further.

Given the amount of onboard hardware and diagnostic data already collected by most consumer electronic gear, I wouldn’t think it would be too hard to implement.

Did you “shake to shuffle” your iPhone a little too hard? Apple knows (or soon will).

Did you try to open up something you shouldn’t have with a paperclip? You’ll be as busted as your borked machine, for sure.

The system would incorporate and record data from liquid, thermal and shock sensors, plus a continuity sensor which would detect device tampering.

Bad news for those who like to vent their frustration on their gadgets, and possibly bad news for portable devices where this extra data capture could impact battery life and performance. We’ll have to wait and see.

Oh, and expect someone to file a lawsuit against Apple in due course about this patent.

Via

Share and Enjoy:

Comments (0)

Search Gadzooki

Our Features

Software and Security

Silverlight – Is This Going To Be Web 3.0?

It’s not that often when a technology comes along that leaves me amazed. You know, the sort of thing when you look at it you think “wow, this is good. Not just good, but perhaps is going to make a difference to websites in a very real way in the near future”. [...]

Read on
More Software Features

Hardware and Gadgetry

The new iPhone has been leaked

So, the lucky guys at Gizmodo were able to get their hands on an iPhone 4. There’s a bit of a story behind their acquisition. Apparently, Apple has been testing the new iPhone in the wild already, and one of Apple’s employees have, well, misplaced one. A lucky soul found the iPhone in a bar [...]

Read on
More Hardware and Gadget Features

Gaming

Sony reveals PlayStation Move

I have to admit, my mind is officially blown. Sony finally revealed its new PlayStation 3 motion controller at GDC 2010 in San Francisco, and boy is it looking good.

Dubbed the Playstation Move, the advanced motion controls on this baby makes it supposedly more accurate than that other motion controller from that little-known console from [...]

Read on
More Gaming Features

Automotive

Pagani Zonda R

The Pagani Zonda R is a truly awe inspiring car. With a price tag of about £1.3 million, this was always going to be a special motor. What made it even more impressive is just how tuned it is, the level of performance and technical specification is breathtaking. Here’s the official line [...]

Read on
More Automotive Features

GADZOOKI TEAM