New Apple patent disables iPhone’s recharge function for unauthorized use

[mlass]

This would be nice, but still won't get my iPhone back if lost.

http://blogs.zdnet.com/ip-telephony/?p=1812

 

[Alexander]

True, but it might discourage educated thieves if they know they can't use it.

 

[jda182]

so does this mean that everybody that bought an iPhone and unlocked it using that hack, wont be able to recharge it? if so that would suck for them.

 

[kdarling]

Apple's never said that this particular patent has been put in use on any device yet.

 

[spacerog]

When unauthorized use of a device is suspected, a recharging mechanism (e.g., recharge-circuit) of the device is disabled in order to guard against extended unauthorized use of the device.


My question is how do they 'suspect' unauthorized use? What if it makes a mistake? Will I be able to somehow turn this feature off?

- SR

 

[Toranz82]

When unauthorized use of a device is suspected, a recharging mechanism (e.g., recharge-circuit) of the device is disabled in order to guard against extended unauthorized use of the device.


My question is how do they 'suspect' unauthorized use? What if it makes a mistake? Will I be able to somehow turn this feature off?

- SR

im sure its only if you report the phone stolen DUH

 

[wjp09]

When unauthorized use of a device is suspected, a recharging mechanism (e.g., recharge-circuit) of the device is disabled in order to guard against extended unauthorized use of the device.


My question is how do they 'suspect' unauthorized use? What if it makes a mistake? Will I be able to somehow turn this feature off?

- SR

I guess If you report it stolen.