Apple has investigated a system where portable devices like iPods and iPhones would detect and store into memory “consumer abuse events” such as exposure to extreme cold, heat or moisture in void of warranty, a new patent application reveals.
The invention, entitled “Consumer Abuse Detection System and Method,” was discovered by AppleInsider in a new patent application disclosure this week. Apple originally filed for the patent on Feb. 1, 2008. The concept aims to detect issues, like a dropped iPhone, that might void the warranty on the device.
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“The system may include an interface by which a diagnostic device may access the memory to analyze the records and determine whether a consumer abuse event occurred, when the event occurred, and, in some embodiments, what type of abuse event occurred,” the patent reads. “By providing the capability to quickly and easily detect whether consumer abuse occurred in an electronic device, a vendor or manufacturer diagnosing a returned product may be able to better determine whether or not to initiate a product return under a warranty policy.”In addition to warranty protection, the abuse detection circuitry could be used to disable the electronic device if an issue is detected, potentially reducing the risk of damage to the device. The system would aim protect a myriad of parts on devices, including the screen, processor, memory, and potentially inserted devices like SD or CompactFlash cards.
Will there be an iOuch program to snitch on you? Imagine the day your iPhone yells, “Don’t even THINK of doing that to me!” and “No warranty work for you!”
UPDATE: Ice-T may not be getting his laptop fixed.
How will this be able to determine if an item suffered one of these events during shipping? Such as careless UPS employee dropping item so as not to damage it, but to still trip the device? Or the item getting lost in an ice cold warehouse for a week? Or vice versa a hot warehouse in summer?
If I had never done any of these abuses to my computer and they claim I did and wont repair it, all I have to do is sue them in small claims court, they will testify that I damaged it, and then I put out the argument that they cannot prove it was me or the shipping company that damaged it, and then they have to prove that the abuse happened after shipment.
The burden of proof is a powerful obstacle.
#19 & #18 You’re both are breaking my heart. I will cry for you both.
Anyone who makes a warranty claim regarding their iphone or ipod just needs another glass of apple-flavored Kool-Aid. (glug, glug, glug) “Ah. Please get out of my way. Must buy another, newer, more expensive, proprietary iThing.”
Another great idea brought to you by the Just Because We Can Dept. in Cupertino.
“Imagine the day your iPhone yells, “Don’t even THINK of doing that to me!” and “No warranty work for you!”
I think some laptops and maybe netbooks already have that feature.
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#8 – MikeN – Of course the consumer never lies about how their phone got damaged.
#19 – Jägermeister – And corporations doesn’t screw their customers in multiple ways…
/QUOTE
What are you saying, Jägermeister? Are you saying that, by lying about how your product got damaged and weaseling in an undue replacement, you get to screw the corporations?
That is a pretty dumb idea. The corporations just pass that cost on to the consumer. The more cost the corporations have with such replacements, the more expensive their product line will be to the end user. Whenever some smart pants cheats on their warranty, everyone that uses that brand is chipping in and footing the bill.
You’re definitely not alone in your shortsightedness. Whenever some dumb ass shares their story about two-timing a company, everyone around them says LOL! Rarely ever do people realize that THEY are the ones paying for it.
Decades ago, we unpacked a minicomputer harddrive unit. And inside the crate was a ball bearing, suspended between small springs. This was an impact detector. And if the ball had become dislodged during shipping. Then we were suppose to report this, and not use the unit as it might not operate reliably. So such a snitch device, is not a new idea. Companies have to protect themselves from human guerrillas, that abuse their products, and then expect a replacement. This is all on the backs of decent users, who are more careful and honest. And eventually end up paying more for the dishonesty of others. We should applaud Apple for finding a way to keep costs down for the rest of us, who don’t throw our iPods or iPhones against the wall. And then expect a free replacement. Apple isn’t a socialist state. So stop griping that they found a way to catch warranty cheaters. And won’t continue their “no fault” warranty policy for long.
Ya know, Apple could sell this technology to the automakers and make a bundle. But I’m sure the automakers will just steal it, as they did the Windshield Wiper delay idea. Hell, most of the 1970s PC makers “reverse engineered” their BIOS chips, rather than pay IBM for the design. One of these days, somebody is gonna reverse engineer Apples OSX software. If they never sell it for use on any PC. Repeating IBM’s mistake.
#26 You cannot ask more from a lefty GDR.
#28 You can already run OSX on a PC not made by mac. http://tinyurl.com/d93dc
But who in their right mind will run that turd on their PC? http://tinyurl.com/y7z3cf
iPhone sez: Sheila’s drunk brother, Bubba, sat on me.
ps @Faxon: No such animal as a G4 MacBook.
#18 Those programs will be available the same day…most likely written by Apple employees.