While I agree it could conceivably lead to problems, there are also legitimate concerns about using cameras in concerts, classified locations, etc.
[hr][font color="blue"][center]You should never stop having childhood dreams.[/center][/font][hr]

'classified locations' for nefarious purposes would be savvy enough to use recording devices not manufactured in the US or by corporations over which the US intel community has influence?

And, as to 'legitimate concerns' over using cameras at concerts, the only one I can think of is purely copyright protection. Which, if it needs to be handled, should be handled at the distribution end, by going after those who attempt to profit off of distributing copyrighted material not belonging to themselves.

Just an ordinary bloke who doesn't know the consequences of posting pictures.

And as for chasing down copyright violators, that's a fool's errand. How would anyone know who posted the 'seed' video?

I can't say I'm in 'favor' of this type of technology but I at least understand the stated need for it.
[hr][font color="blue"][center]You should never stop having childhood dreams.[/center][/font][hr]

A money trail is a lot easier to follow than the 'fool's errand' of simply chasing every person who uploads or downloads videos or music. And a lot easier to prosecute.

[hr][font color="blue"][center]Don't ever underestimate the long-term effects of a good night's sleep.[/center][/font][hr]

"Apple is toying with the idea of cementing the police state..." So, Apple patents virtually everything, not saying that's a good thing, but hardly uncommon in any industry. But this article is nothing more than alarmist conjecture. Apple can be "toying with the idea" of an iPhone app that will fly you to Mars, but it doesn't mean it's reality. But still, always fun to bring out the Apple haters! LOL!

I won't buy it until I see some legitimate source reporting it. Your source is hardly legitimate and it sources an even less legitimate source for the "new app".

"many liken the move between Apple, the US government, and national law enforcement agencies to a new “axis of evil...” Just a little hyperbolic.

Besides, this is a patent Apple got. It doesn't mean they've put it into development.

This.

I don't really like talking about me, but as I've mentioned before...my family fortunes come from defense manufacturing. We're constantly patenting things that are similar to what we're already doing, to patents we already hold...patents we have no intention of ever putting into production. It's called defensive patenting...you patent things you don't want others to hold patents on or be able to manufacture. If there's two new novel, cheap ways to hold an airplane wing on and we're using one...we're patenting the other so nobody else can use it.

If we made recording equipment, we'd also patent the technology to disrupt that recording...not to sell jammers but purely to insure nobody else can develop the technology or sell them. It protects our product and investment.

Protecting your own profit at the expense of actual progress. Pretty greedy and self-centered way to screw over the rest of the world.

Patent trolling is when you hold or buy patents in aggregate that are unenforceable or broad in order to file frivolous lawsuits. I deal with patent trolls all the time.

This is more in line with Apple's patent lawsuit against Samsung last year over Samsung infringing on Apple technology that Apple patented expressly to secure a marketplace advantage with no immediate intention of use. We developed the product...why shouldn't we patent it just because we're not going to use it? R&D isn't cheap and sometimes it yields multiple good solutions...all of which are our intellectual property.

Bur I still find your behaviour equally reprehensible. Our system of patents is, quite simply broken, and in it's current incarnation serves to stifle innovation more than to promote it.

If you're not going to use your R&D, the mere fact that you DID R&D shouldn't be an excuse to deny other people who go out and do very similar R&D the ability to actually produce the results of their efforts.

Just in case though my spy camera is on max charge as I type.

besides, I can think of nothing that would alienate it's customer base more.

If Apple did apply / buy the technology, it's more likely to enhance the user experience.

Perhaps this story is tied to that?

The Smartphone Theft Protection Act (STPA) has been introduced to the Senate as a way to federalize the requirement of all cell phones to have a kill switch add on to allow for external deactivation should the device go missing or stolen.


http://www.occupycorporatism.com/home/federal-kill-switch-gov-want-control-cell-phone/


It could be abused if others could authorize the
shutting down of the phone,

The bill needs to be carefully written

Nearly two years ago the working spec for Apple's anti-recording system was leaked onto the web. Basically, they're putting a detection routine into the camera to pick up on certain infrared light patterns. If the camera picks up the pattern, it blocks recording.

The idea was originally developed for concerts, and the plan is that concert venues can blast the IR signal from the stage without the audience seeing. If someone pulls out an iPhone and tries to record the concert, the camera will refuse to cooperate.

Last I'd heard, the idea was largely shelved because the Android device makers refused to play along. Apple realized that if it was the only manufacturer that allowed third parties to shut down recording, the limitation would simply drive many users to Android devices instead. While some Android handset makers like Sony would probably be willing to embrace a technology like this under the right circumstances, I really doubt that you'd get LG, Samsung, or any of the Chinese phonemakers to cooperate without passing a law mandating its adoption.

Of course, Slashdotters quickly identified another problem with the technology. If the block signal is sent by IR, a 20 cent IR filter can unblock it. The use of GPS based blocking can similarly be disabled easily...by turning off your GPS features so that your phone won't know where you are.