Apple granted patent for accelerometer-aided theft-detection system

Posted on 10/07/2012 by Zach Honig

Despite the added risk brought on by Apple's Find My iPhone feature, the iOS handset remains a frequent target for smartphone thieves, thanks to the device's resale value and compatibility with networks around the world. There's not much you can do to deter sticky fingers short of keeping your iPhone or MacBook in view at all times, but the issue does appear to have crossed the desks of Apple's design team, which was just granted patent number 8,217,792 for a sophisticated anti-theft scheme. The acceleration-based system would detect a "known theft condition" based on acceleration characteristics, sounding an alarm and disabling the device. The smartphone or laptop would ignore vibrations from passing cars or those caused by items being dropped onto a nearby surface, instead focusing on undisclosed scenarios that likely involve direct movement. The device owner would use a GUI to configure and disable the system, at which point the handset or computer would return to its pre-disturbed mode. Overall, it sounds like a fairly straightforward hardware/software solution, with the added benefit of a technique to filter out regular motion in an attempt to reduce the number of false alarms. You'll find the full patent at the source link below.

Filed under: Cellphones, Laptops

Apple granted patent for accelerometer-aided theft-detection system originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Jul 2012 15:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Protect Your Belongings with Theft Recovery Microchips

Posted on 20/06/2012 by Craziest Gadgets Jeff

theft recovery microchip 650x363 Protect Your Belongings with Theft Recovery Microchips
Put tiny identifying marks on all your valuables with Theft Recovery Microchips. These tiny microchips use the same radio frequency technology that has been used for years to identify lost pets. A thief can alter the serial number or appearance of the item but the chip can be scanned to prove it’s yours (you must register each chip with a global database that law enforcement or dealers can access). The chips cost $20 each (they come in sets of 5) and are only 1/2″ long and can be drilled into any wooden item- whether it’s a guitar, picture frame, firearm, or more with the included tiny drill bit. You can also use the included epoxy tube to glue it onto other types of surfaces or areas where drilling is impractical.

Protect Your Belongings with Theft Recovery Microchips

Intel demos Bluetooth-based anti-theft alarm for Ultrabooks, we go hands-on (video)

Posted on 05/06/2012 by Dana Wollman

We interrupt our wall-to-wall laptop and Windows 8 coverage to bring you some news about... chips. Specifically, Intel's latest ultra low voltage chips, and new features they'll bring to Ultrabooks, in particular. Here at Chipzilla's Computex keynote, we just got a demo of a new security feature that causes an alarm to go off on your PC if a stranger attempts to move it. Using Bluetooth 4.0 and a custom Android app, you designate your PC as the one that needs protection, and then you set a threshold for when the alarm should go off (the range is customizable, but doesn't go beyond five feet). If someone tries to burgle your laptop, he or she will have to enter a password to silence the wailing.

It's all worth a look in our demo video below, but we can think of a couple caveats. For one, in order to receive an alert on your phone, letting you know someone picked up your PC, you'd have to be within Bluetooth range, which means if you're covering a tradeshow in Taipei and someone robs your apartment in New York, you'll be none the wiser. Second, the technology isn't yet integrated with Intel's other security features, such as identity protection or its "poison pill" that prevents the PC from even booting. On that front, then, best to keep it up with those unguessable passwords.

Gallery: Intel Bluetooth-based anti-theft alarm for Ultrabooks hands-on