iPod/iPhone to be more secure?

The iPod and (very soon) the iPhone are some of the most coveted gadgets today; it seems like every crook or thief simply wants one. With all that negative publicity about getting mugged and what not, Apple finally seems to be taking personal security rather seriously.

A new patent filed by the company reveals a new feature that protects “electronic devices from extended authorized use”. It covers a method to prevent a device from being recharged if certain conditions are met. These “conditions” include a timer that expires, using another power supply, or if the device is outside a determined geographical boundary.

The last feature hints at GPS functionality built into the iPod/iPhone. While it’s highly unlikely we’ll see that any time soon, we can always hope.

Read [iLounge]