New Apple Patent Will Help Fight iPhone Theft

This Tuesday, among many other patents awarded to Apple, U.S. Patent No. 8,289,130 for “Systems and methods for identifying unauthorized users of an electronic device” brings to the table a unique way of solving the issue of an unauthorized user getting ahold of your iPhone.

The patent is described as an identity authorization technology, “This is generally directed to identifying unauthorized users of an electronic device,” but it surpasses any technology currently available to help protect a person’s iPhone. For example, one aspect of the tech suggests using a heartbeat monitor to determine if the user is indeed the owner of the iPhone.

“In some embodiments, an unauthorized user of the electronic device can be detected by identifying particular activities that may indicate suspicious behavior. In some embodiments, an unauthorized user can be detected by comparing the identity of the current user to the identity of the owner of the electronic device. When an unauthorized user is detected, various safety measures can be taken.”

The patent essentially covers three main operations: the detection of an unauthorized user, the gathering of information of an unauthorized user, and the transmission of an alert notification to the electronic device’s owner containing said information.

In addition to using a heartbeat sensor, other methods include taking a photograph or matching voice recordings, entering an incorrect password a predetermined number of times in a row, jailbreaking of the electronic device, removing the SIM card, or moving  the device far away from a sync location.

In the case of a non-owner or thief being identified, the iPhone will restrict the actions the user can perform, and enter a detective mode storing information such as Internet searches, photos, and other activities being performed by the unauthorized user.

Once it’s determined someone who is using the device is not the owner, an alert will be sent out to the owner and police. The message will be sent via email, instant message, and text, and can contain a predetermined warning message, along with the information the device gathered when in the hands of the unauthorized user.

Photo Credit: wallstreetrun.com

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