Consumer Abuse Detection System and Method
From time to time I read about Apple – I am a big fan of what they do. I came across a very interesting story on AppleInsider.com. It was entitled “Apple working on device abuse detection technology” and this particuarly caught my attention:
Apple has investigated a system where portable devices like iPods and iPhones would detect and store into memory “consumer abuse events” such as exposure to extreme cold, heat or moisture in void of warranty, a new patent application reveals.
The first thing that came to mind was that I drop everything. Just a few weeks ago, I dropped my fiancee’s MacBook Pro while loading up a cab from our hotel in Boston. I also drop my Blackberry more than I would like to admit, but I guess I don’t have to worry about that just yet (unless RIM decides to incorporate the same technology). I generally always keep my iPod in my truck – but I do live in Canada and it gets pretty cold!
“The system may include an interface by which a diagnostic device may access the memory to analyze the records and determine whether a consumer abuse event occurred, when the event occurred, and, in some embodiments, what type of abuse event occurred,” the patent reads. “By providing the capability to quickly and easily detect whether consumer abuse occurred in an electronic device, a vendor or manufacturer diagnosing a returned product may be able to better determine whether or not to initiate a product return under a warranty policy.”
This is not good for people like me, not at all! But why would Apple do something like this? The price of the product would already include the cost of any damage based on averages. I believe Apple offers a one-year warranty on Macbooks and 90 days on iPods. There is an opportunity for consumers to purchase AppleCare which will increase the warranty on MacBooks to three years and two years on iPods. Here is the description for AppleCare for the MacBook:
The AppleCare Protection Plan is a uniquely integrated service and support solution that extends the complimentary coverage on your Mac to three years from the computer’s purchase date. This comprehensive plan includes expert telephone technical support, global repair coverage, onsite repairs for desktop computers1, web-based support resources, and powerful diagnostic tools — all for one economical price. We recommend that you purchase the AppleCare Protection Plan when you purchase your Apple system to take maximum advantage of the coverage the plan provides.
In its patent filing (via AppleInsider.com), Apple states that the abuse detection system could also aid in protection of components should an “abuse” be detected. This all is another way for Apple to increase revenue and to cut down on replacements. It is also an indirect (or you could argue direct) way to get users to purchase the AppleCare plan that normally they perhaps would not have! This would be VERY profitable for Apple – and is a very interesting revenue model!
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