Wireless System Patented by Apple for the iPhone

Posted by Patrick on December 21st, 2007 at 07:39pm Comments

Apple supposedly recently patented a new feature for the iPhone: a wireless system used to view and purchase items instantly, along with a way to report any stolen iPhone (assuming it’s been registered to Apple appropriately) and track it down via wireless networks.

Apple states that: “whenever a wireless media player comes within range of the wireless data network, the wireless media player can be (unbeknownst to the user) directed to send a wireless media player identifier that uniquely identifies the particular wireless media player to the wireless data network.”

Additonally: “The wireless media player identifier can be used to track lost or stolen media players when the rightful owner has placed the wireless media player identifier in a central database of lost or stolen media players. In this way, if a lost or stolen media player is tracked, any number of subsequent actions can be taken such as notifying the authorities, disabling the wireless media player, displaying a notice to return the wireless media player, etc. thereby providing a strong disincentive for stealing the player.”

Apple will not be able to see your personal information unless you tell them, or report a stolen iPhone.

Thanks: MacNN

Related posts:

1. iPhone confirmed for Rogers Wireless in Canada. Again.
2. Apple removes iPhone Offender Locator app from store
3. Apple Blocks Competition From Using iTunes: there can be only one iPhone (sorry, Palm!)
4. Report: Apple will have to allow over-the-air music downloads for iPhone
5. Japanese wireless exec: “iPhone a total failure”

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