Apple unveils a new 'kill switch'
The idea is good. But, are you happy with putting all your info on “the cloud”, having a GPS locator / tracker knowing always where you are ? Am I getting paranoid about Big Brother ?
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AIn an effort to decrease a growing wave of iPhone thefts known as 'Apple picking', the tech company unveiled a 'kill switch'-style update to make the expensive gadgets less appealing to would-be robbers.
New iPhones will be equipped with a 'kill switch' to make them useless if stolen.
As part of the latest operating system update to the iPhone this fall, users will be able to deactivate their stolen smartphone online through what Apple calls an activation lock—effectively a 'kill switch'. Even if the owner's SIM card is removed, a thief can't erase the phone's data without a username and password.
An Apple ID and password are also required to turn off the new 'Find My Phone' application--which tracks a stolen or lost phone's GPS location. A custom message, such as 'This iPhone is lost. Please call me' will be continuously displayed even if thieves manage to erase the phone.
Kill switches will be added to all Apple mobile devices, the Chronicle reported.
Some 'Apple picking' crimes have been particularly violent.
In February, three people were stabbed on a New York City subway platform in a fight over an iPhone. This month, a woman was mugged at gunpoint in the city for her Android device. In three incidents last September, women were attacked for Apple and Samsung gadgets, according to a statement by New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman.
'The epidemic of violent street crime involving the theft and resale of mobile devices is a very real and growing threat in communities all across America,' Schneiderman said in a statement when the initiative was launched Thursday.
And hopefully will serve in curbing smart phone thefts to a great extent.
And then they are branded traitors and unpatriotic
People like Assange, Edward Snowden and Anonymous and they watch each other as well.
Who watches the watcher ?
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/apple-says-the-us-government-requested-customer-data-several-thousand-times-this-year.php
The NSA knows where Thelonius is , was and will be :O(
WOW
LLR knows where is Thelo
LLR : Is that applicable on all the other QLers?!!
A good move by Apple Co. hopefully it would help smart phone users
This is what we all think. :)
No I mean I could come to your home or work and say hello physically..of course you have different names LP, LP(X)..PL.
as long as tracking is concerned it is not Samsung or apple..
You could be clever but not as productive as people who use mobile technology and social media...
By the way you turned off your phone, you dont use facebook and twitter but still you are online... I myself could track you with the information you have provided so far..
LLR,,,I am happy with my lovely SAMSUNG
Thank God that i didn't like iphone, i don't want them to know about my secret places :/
Yes..no one wants to be tracked.. but if you are not on their list then you are not doing much for your society and people.
LLR,,,, No it shouldn't be this way
I just don't like to be tracked ,, and that's all !
didn't we know the word "Privacy"
Do you remove the battery after witching off ?
In this era if someone is not tracked by government he must be ashamed of himself.
it will lessen the theft and since you can no longer use or re-sale it - then no more 'apple picking'.
Is it not enough tht they steal our data and use it to know our past future and present and now they want to know exactly where we are.... I would rather loose my phone thn to get tracked..
If i have an iphone 5 I don't wanna lose it but at the same time i don't wanna be monitored, so you will fell like you are Standing at a crossroads.
but finally we have to admit that it is a very brilliant idea.
hmmm good one..