“Today, the US Patent and Trademark Office officially published a series of thirteen newly granted patents for Apple Inc.,” Jack Purcher reports for Patently Apple.
“In today’s patent report we focus on Apple’s original hybrid antenna, their reinvention of photo management for smartphones and their first patent win for location tracking,” Purcher reports. “In May 2010, location tracking became the focus of a senate hearing where both Apple and Google executives faced a grilling from Senator Minnesota Democratic Rep. Al Franken. Apple’s Bud Tribble confirmed that Apple doesn’t share personally identifiable information with third parties.”
Purcher reports, Even though that was reassuring, the issue isn’t going away any time soon. Just last week the Supreme Court basically stated that law enforcement must obtain a search warrant if they’re to use GPS and location tracking technologies on suspects. Something tells me that this won’t be the last time that the issue of location tracking abuse is brought into question.”
Much more in the full article, including Apple’s patent application diagrams and illustrations, here.
Uh, I think “win” is the wrong word here…
Nice to see Apple ‘Winning” more original iPhone patents. Photo management on my old 2006 smartphone, sucked. Apple certainly made it easier.
On location tracking, it’s great for maps and when you’re on holidays taking pictures. All good technology is a double edged sword. I understand that some would like to go back to the 1950’s. Progress is a bitch for some.
Location tracking is a major pain in the arse
I have to be constantly aware of it and do things like remove the battery from my phone before I take a drive up in the hills to dispose of things. The iphone has made this situation much harder since it has a battery that is not easily removed by the end user.
It was so much easier in the 80s no one knew what I was doing and I could easily keep it that way!
damn technology