Apple's latest DRM will restrict your wardrobe
Found on New Scientist on Saturday, 13 September 2008
In US patent application 2008/0218310, the company details a way to stop us using unauthorised training shoes with the in-sole sensors it sells as part of the Nike + iPod kit.
Apple's patent explains that "some people have taken it upon themselves to remove the sensor from the special pocket of the Nike shoe and place it in inappropriate locations - shoelaces, for example - or place it on non-Nike shoes".
Last year they tried to patent a system that would prevent you from recharging a music player if you ever use it with unauthorised software.
I had to laugh about their patent explanation and facepalmed at the stupidity of Apple. You can only remove the sensor if you bought your shoes, meaning you already paid for them. But I guess their point is that you don't want to throw away all your shoes and buy Nike only; instead, buy one pair and tear it apart to get the sensor. I'd say that's perfectly fine: Apple and Nike got the money they wanted, and I can do with my property whatever I want. Sorry, but even if such an ridiculous patent makes it into reality (wouldn't be the first time anyway), people will not give a damn.