Apple's New Tracking Patent Gets Personal

[HunkyLuke]

Apple's latest patent for Smart Garments was approved yesterday, giving Apple the right to embed tracking devices in your shoes! This new patent is based on the technology behind the Nike + iPod sensors, which you can buy for $19 now at http://www.apple.com/ipod/nike/

A sensor authenticated to a garment transfers information, either wirelessly or wired, to an external data processing device. Such information includes location information, physiometric data of the individual wearing the garment, garment performance and wear data.

It is pretty sweet using technology to help your running style, track your progress, etc, but Apple has gone a step further in its patent, letting Apple send your data about usage patterns back to manufacturers and pushing location-specific advertising to you while running.

The patent also prevents anyone from putting their sensors on unauthorized clothing, by including complaints about people removing spy circuits from authorised trainers and putting them in unofficial items. You can read the full story and view the patent at http://gay.gl/hZ

[StunnerJesse]

Technology is starting to get crazy interesting.

Just when you think everything has been done, something new and interesting comes along that nobody else has probably thought of.