That's unfortunately not technically feasible. The power off/reset switch needs to function independently of the OS so that frozen phones can be rebooted.
But holding down power prompts a software power off slider? How is it not technically feasible?
Resetting isn't a problem, as long as it resets into a user account where Find My iPhone is active, and passcode blocks access to the rest of the phone (including turning wi-fi off).
Doesn't get round the SIM-removal problem unfortunately, but every little helps.
Gasc?n and Schneiderman have invited Apple and other smartphone makers to attend a Smartphone Summit this week in New York, where attendees will discuss ways to prevent smartphone theft. Representatives from Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Samsung have agreed to attend the meeting, which will take place on Friday. Gasc?n says the ball is entirely in the smartphone makers' court when it comes to stopping mobile device theft.
Microsoft are attending the same conference as Apple, as are Google and Samsung. RIM aren't mentioned, but that's more reflective of the fact that no one much cares about RIM any more than them being let off the hook.
Apple aren't being strong-armed into anything, they're just the biggest player so they get mentioned a bit more. They also get the benefit of positive press when they announce features like this. It's a bit rich whining about a bit of negative press when Apple's WWDC announcements have been on the front page of most news sources (even non-tech news) for days after the event. Apple benefits from press far, far more than they suffer.
The difference is that the the device is continued to be used and connects to iTunes and the app store and for books and other product purchases. When it connects through apple to sell or use other info or accounts Apple still makes money of the stolen device. This new feature has made sense for a long time. Thank you Apple.
Microsoft are attending the same conference as Apple, as are Google and Samsung. RIM aren't mentioned, but that's more reflective of the fact that no one much cares about RIM any more than them being let off the hook.
Apple aren't being strong-armed into anything, they're just the biggest player so they get mentioned a bit more. They also get the benefit of positive press when they announce features like this. It's a bit rich whining about a bit of negative press when Apple's WWDC announcements have been on the front page of most news sources (even non-tech news) for days after the event. Apple benefits from press far, far more than they suffer.
But they are not the biggest player. Fandroids like to remind us that Android is "winning" and Sammy has out shipped Apple.
Wondering if the phone has to be on when put into lost mode. A friend was <2 minutes by car to recovering hers and it went offline never to be seen online on Find my iPhone again.
Reckon if the phone is thought to be lost, putting it in lost mode will be an immediate first step.
edit: removed article typo ask.
Always register your phone with your AppleID, if it gets stolen & you report it Apple can flag the serial. If someone tries to set it up again from scratch it will alert in their system.
Nothing will ever totally prevent people from wiping & setting up from scratch a phone but a better deterrent is if you always get caught when you go to sell or use what you stole.
The thing that worries me about the increased level of security: Criminals will quickly learn the devices are worthless without the passwords so they will be more likely to demand (possibly with violence) the password from the owner before they leave with the stolen device. Actions can lead to unforeseen reactions.
This is a major consideration in combating mobile theft. It is very possible that crimes will escalate as criminals try to get the codes to unlock them. Another potential issue is that many "kill switches" will turn off device tracking, complicating investigation of these crimes, prosecution and also device recovery. Without device tracking, police have no information to recover devices or to track down criminals responsible for violent crimes. Even with tracking, law enforcement professionals often don't have enough information to obtain a search warrant - additional investigation is needed.
The only solution on the market offering comprehensive post-theft investigation (not just GPS tracking) to assist law enforcement and phone recovery capability along with a kill switch is made possible between the partnership with Absolute Software and Samsung for the new Galaxy mobile devices.
This is a major consideration in combating mobile theft. It is very possible that crimes will escalate as criminals try to get the codes to unlock them. Another potential issue is that many "kill switches" will turn off device tracking, complicating investigation of these crimes, prosecution and also device recovery. <span style="line-height:1.231;">Without device tracking, police have no information to recover devices or to track down criminals responsible for violent crimes. Even with tracking, law enforcement professionals often don't have enough information to obtain a search warrant - additional investigation is needed. </span>
The only solution on the market offering comprehensive post-theft investigation (not just GPS tracking) to assist law enforcement and phone recovery capability along with a kill switch is made possible between the partnership with Absolute Software and Samsung for the new Galaxy mobile devices.
^^^ this post is brought to you by Absolute and Samsung.
Of course it's the user's responsibility to keep their devices secure. Apple is offering security features as a service to users. The law enforcement officials are encouraging cooperation to advance security technology. What's wrong with that? No one is forcing anybody to do anything.
Comments
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tallest Skil
Screw them. Just screw them. What do they matter?
It is Apple's fault that people want to steal their products. No, it is; they're desirable products.
It's not Apple's fault that people steal their products, and it's not Apple's job to catch said people.
These police forces need to shut up and do their jobs.
Yeah! Screw these these screwers who are asking that users get useful features!
Screw them for trying to organise industry-wide standard responses to crime! Crime is a social problem, and industry hates society!
Screw them, they should do their jobs by shutting up about this thing that is totally related to them doing their jobs!
Screw them! Shut up!
Quote:
Originally Posted by RichL
That's unfortunately not technically feasible. The power off/reset switch needs to function independently of the OS so that frozen phones can be rebooted.
But holding down power prompts a software power off slider? How is it not technically feasible?
Resetting isn't a problem, as long as it resets into a user account where Find My iPhone is active, and passcode blocks access to the rest of the phone (including turning wi-fi off).
Doesn't get round the SIM-removal problem unfortunately, but every little helps.
Originally Posted by Crowley
Screw them for trying to organise industry-wide standard responses to crime!
So… are they saying the same thing to all phone manufacturers? Do all phone manufacturers do the same thing?
Your mockery is noble, sure, except if it isn't happening.
Quote:
Originally Posted by AppleInsider
Gasc?n and Schneiderman have invited Apple and other smartphone makers to attend a Smartphone Summit this week in New York, where attendees will discuss ways to prevent smartphone theft. Representatives from Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Samsung have agreed to attend the meeting, which will take place on Friday. Gasc?n says the ball is entirely in the smartphone makers' court when it comes to stopping mobile device theft.
Shut up!
Originally Posted by Crowley
Shut up!
No, you.
Call me when Microsoft and RIM are given the same treatment. Like I said.
Unless you want to claim that they don't count or something.
What "treatment" are you talking about?
Microsoft are attending the same conference as Apple, as are Google and Samsung. RIM aren't mentioned, but that's more reflective of the fact that no one much cares about RIM any more than them being let off the hook.
Apple aren't being strong-armed into anything, they're just the biggest player so they get mentioned a bit more. They also get the benefit of positive press when they announce features like this. It's a bit rich whining about a bit of negative press when Apple's WWDC announcements have been on the front page of most news sources (even non-tech news) for days after the event. Apple benefits from press far, far more than they suffer.
But they are not the biggest player. Fandroids like to remind us that Android is "winning" and Sammy has out shipped Apple.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ChristophB
Wondering if the phone has to be on when put into lost mode. A friend was <2 minutes by car to recovering hers and it went offline never to be seen online on Find my iPhone again.
Reckon if the phone is thought to be lost, putting it in lost mode will be an immediate first step.
edit: removed article typo ask.
Always register your phone with your AppleID, if it gets stolen & you report it Apple can flag the serial. If someone tries to set it up again from scratch it will alert in their system.
Nothing will ever totally prevent people from wiping & setting up from scratch a phone but a better deterrent is if you always get caught when you go to sell or use what you stole.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SpamSandwich
The thing that worries me about the increased level of security: Criminals will quickly learn the devices are worthless without the passwords so they will be more likely to demand (possibly with violence) the password from the owner before they leave with the stolen device. Actions can lead to unforeseen reactions.
This is a major consideration in combating mobile theft. It is very possible that crimes will escalate as criminals try to get the codes to unlock them. Another potential issue is that many "kill switches" will turn off device tracking, complicating investigation of these crimes, prosecution and also device recovery. Without device tracking, police have no information to recover devices or to track down criminals responsible for violent crimes. Even with tracking, law enforcement professionals often don't have enough information to obtain a search warrant - additional investigation is needed.
The only solution on the market offering comprehensive post-theft investigation (not just GPS tracking) to assist law enforcement and phone recovery capability along with a kill switch is made possible between the partnership with Absolute Software and Samsung for the new Galaxy mobile devices.
^^^ this post is brought to you by Absolute and Samsung.
When was the last time a Galaxy was stolen.