Tech Notes: iPhone Tracking, Apple TV Wish List, Kindle, iPad 2 + Smart Cover

April 27th, 2011

iPhone Tracking

Already called “tracking-gate” or some variation, it turns out iPhones have a file in which is saved a history of cell phone tower access. Using a desktop program, you can take a peek into your own iPhone’s file.

The file contains cell phone tower information — not GPS. Which is good in the sense that the result is an approximation of where you were at, but bad in that you can’t turn this off by disabling location services.

That said, the ensuing concern seems overblown. This file can only be seen by someone who has physical access to your phone or Mac being used for syncing. It’s not posted on the web, you couldn’t email it to yourself if you tried. Apple also hasn’t divulged what they’re doing with the data. I wouldn’t be surprised if it were for quality control — measuring the signal strength of various cell towers for maintaining those five bars — or for advertising reasons. The fact that this file reveals location information seems like an unintentional byproduct.

What I’m doing: encrypt iPhone backups via iTunes. Set iPhone to wipe itself if the passcode is missed enough. And last: reminder to turn the iPhone off if going somewhere I don’t want to be tracked. Yes, you can turn your phone off or simply leave it at home — it’s not like the thing is a brain implant (that’ll be iPhone 20).

What will Apple do about this? I expect an iTunes or iOS update that encrypts the file, plus a setting that wipes this data from your phone — just like a future version of Safari is rumored to have a “do not track” feature.

And the vast majority of people will never take advantage of these features.

Update: Apple has spoken. I was mostly right.

Apple Television Wish List

More recent musing on an Apple Television proper (as opposed to a box connected to a TV made by someone else) inspires this wish list:

• Apple-style hardware standards: super thin screen, light, edge-to-edge display, all their expertise in iMacs and monitors.
• Apple-style software standards: anybody whose tried to color calibrate their television knows there could be some usability improvements.
• Features: Netflix, movie / TV show rentals from iTunes, iTunes Home Sharing, AirPlay, iSight camera for FaceTime.
• Apps. We must have apps.
• No cables would be a huge selling point. WiFi.
• Really simple remote or gestures.
• One box to rule them all. Make it good enough that there is no need for a DVR, Blu-Ray or (difficult) a game console or cable box. No additional boxes needed for tons of entertainment. All you need is an Internet connection.

One can almost hear the keynote presentation introducing this thing. Apple looks at the current state of the living room home entertainment center. “We can do better.” One slide shows a mess of cables linking several boxes. another some overly complicated remotes. The Apple Television is thinner, lighter, has a more brilliant display; looks like something from the future, and features easy set up. It just works with your computers and iDevices seamlessly. Demo of a family using FaceTime.

Following the announcement, tech pundits point out laundry list of reasons why it will fail (doesn’t do enough, isn’t “open”, too expensive, just hook a computer up to your TV, etc.) — yet Apple sells millions regardless.

Amazon Kindle Nears That WTH Price

Kindle With Special Offers (ads) = $122. Almost under $100.

iPad 2 + Smart Cover

Spouse got an iPad 2. Trying to keep my hands off it, but did pick up a Smart Cover. The magnet thing works quite well, the “stand” mode is cool, and overall doesn’t add much bulk, the only downsides being no protection for the back and it’s a little awkward to hold like a book — instead of folding the cover behind the device it’s easier to just tear the thing off.

Keeping in mind the Mag Safe power connector — wonder what else Apple could do with magnets. A magnetic keyboard that tears off your iPad when not in use? A MacBook Air with a detachable screen that doubles as an iPad? Two iPads that stick together? An iPad that sticks to the fridge? Already done.