Apple Files Patent for OS Embedded Advertising
Posted 10/23/09 at 07:32:15 PM by Jason Barry
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Steve Jobs has submitted one of the most devious patents of all time: operating system advertising. That’s right, according to the patent, Jobs wants you looking at ads embedded right into your operating system.
To take it one-step further, the patent attorneys who filed the application did their due diligence making sure every aspect and use of the "innovation" was outlined in detail. This passage sheds a little light on just how invasive and annoying this could be:
“The operating system is configured to present one or more of the advertisements to users of the computer device. In some implementations, the operating system can disable one or more functions during the presentation of the advertisements and then enable the function(s) in response to the advertisements ending. That is, the operating system can disable some aspect of its operation to prompt the operator to pay attention to the advertisement.”
Not only are they going to put ads in front of your face, they are going to do everything in their power to make you pay attention to them. This basically says they would go as far as crippling the device while the ad is displaying. Further, in the application they talk about measures to verify user presence, such as user confirmations throughout the ad.
The application makes careful notation not to distinguish its platform so that this technology could be used on any device, i.e. “portable and desktop computers, servers, electronics, media players, game devices, mobile phones, wireless devices, email devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), embedded devices, televisions, set top boxes, etc” per the filing.
Would Apple be foolish enough to implement this?
Not an actual demonstration.
Companies make patents all
Submitted by Khaled on Mon, 10/26/2009 - 1:35pm
Companies make patents all the time, what's the big deal?
Didn't Microsoft plan on something similar in the late 90s?
I don't have anything from Apple!!!!
Submitted by evanwalls on Mon, 10/26/2009 - 6:37am
I sure hope apple gets this patent because since I have nothing from Apple and no plans whatsoever to have any thing from Apple (unless it was a mac mini to run Amiga OS), and have also repeatedly argued with everyone I know not to get Apple stuff, I bear no possible burden of this total B*&LS*!t as long as Apple gets the patent so no one else can do this... Simply put my hope is that Apple gets the patent so that no one else can do it - cuz then I don't have to worry bout this B.S.
Submitted by evanwalls on Mon, 10/26/2009 - 6:39am
It is extremly disturbing though....
Submitted by r3dd4wg on Mon, 10/26/2009 - 5:44am
If this is implemented in any operating system by any vendor and it cripples my business computer while it is performing a mission-critical function for my business, that O/S vendor will be sued for damages PERIOD.
Submitted by JCBarry on Mon, 10/26/2009 - 6:21am
And you would lose. You agreed to the terms of use and since you read them you would know you were subject to the ads and whatever crippling that ensues.
I'm not saying you wouldn't have cause for complaint, but you wouldn't win such a battle.
Jay Barry
MaxPC Profile | Jason Barry
Submitted by haqattaq on Sun, 10/25/2009 - 5:07pm
it's for Apple TV or when people use their 42 inch iMac for home media streaming purposes.
iMacs would probably only be
Submitted by gendoikari1 on Tue, 10/27/2009 - 4:09pm
iMacs would probably only be 42in when every other computer monitor is at 100in. Then, Apple will say that they perfected it and the fanboys/gullible types will happily fork over the required hundred-billion Altairian Dollars.
Apple Exec takes out bazokka
Submitted by nekollx on Sun, 10/25/2009 - 2:06pm
*aims at foot*
------------------------------
Coming soon to Lulu.com --Tokusatsu Heroes--
Five teenagers, one alien ghost, a robot, and the fate of the world.
Submitted by TheFreeman on Sun, 10/25/2009 - 7:52am
I think this is the worst idea ever. As a desktop neat-freak I fight for EVERY SINGLE pixel on my display, i HATE browser toolbars and I cannot stand icons on my desktop. I even have the micro navigation buttons theme for firefox. I would be so mad if all of that space that I fought so hard to conserve is overrun by ads.
I cannot imagine that Microsoft of Apple would ever implement this. I fear that doing so would completely destroy their popularity and eventually everyone would get away from it. I can picture a world where Microsoft and Apple both try to implement this idea, everyone would get mad, switch to Linux, then both Apple and Microsoft would die out.
Something like this would be like committing business suicide.
Although I could see them handing out ad-ridden free versions of their OS's. But if I shell out my money for an operating system I expect there to be no ads in it and I expect it to run to its full potential. Using system resources to run ads is criminal!
Submitted by TheFreeman on Sun, 10/25/2009 - 7:52am
I think this is the worst idea ever. As a desktop neat-freak I fight for EVERY SINGLE pixel on my display, i HATE browser toolbars and I cannot stand icons on my desktop. I even have the micro navigation buttons theme for firefox. I would be so mad if all of that space that I fought so hard to conserve is overrun by ads.
I cannot imagine that Microsoft of Apple would ever implement this. I fear that doing so would completely destroy their popularity and eventually everyone would get away from it. I can picture a world where Microsoft and Apple both try to implement this idea, everyone would get mad, switch to Linux, then both Apple and Microsoft would die out.
Something like this would be like committing business suicide.
Although I could see them handing out ad-ridden free versions of their OS's. But if I shell out my money for an operating system I expect there to be no ads in it and I expect it to run to its full potential. Using system resources to run ads is criminal!
Submitted by TheFreeman on Sun, 10/25/2009 - 7:52am
I think this is the worst idea ever. As a desktop neat-freak I fight for EVERY SINGLE pixel on my display, i HATE browser toolbars and I cannot stand icons on my desktop. I even have the micro navigation buttons theme for firefox. I would be so mad if all of that space that I fought so hard to conserve is overrun by ads.
I cannot imagine that Microsoft of Apple would ever implement this. I fear that doing so would completely destroy their popularity and eventually everyone would get away from it. I can picture a world where Microsoft and Apple both try to implement this idea, everyone would get mad, switch to Linux, then both Apple and Microsoft would die out.
Something like this would be like committing business suicide.
Although I could see them handing out ad-ridden free versions of their OS's. But if I shell out my money for an operating system I expect there to be no ads in it and I expect it to run to its full potential. Using system resources to run ads is criminal!
Submitted by TheFreeman on Sun, 10/25/2009 - 7:52am
I think this is the worst idea ever. As a desktop neat-freak I fight for EVERY SINGLE pixel on my display, i HATE browser toolbars and I cannot stand icons on my desktop. I even have the micro navigation buttons theme for firefox. I would be so mad if all of that space that I fought so hard to conserve is overrun by ads.
I cannot imagine that Microsoft of Apple would ever implement this. I fear that doing so would completely destroy their popularity and eventually everyone would get away from it. I can picture a world where Microsoft and Apple both try to implement this idea, everyone would get mad, switch to Linux, then both Apple and Microsoft would die out.
Something like this would be like committing business suicide.
Although I could see them handing out ad-ridden free versions of their OS's. But if I shell out my money for an operating system I expect there to be no ads in it and I expect it to run to its full potential. Using system resources to run ads is criminal!
Submitted by TheFreeman on Sun, 10/25/2009 - 7:52am
I think this is the worst idea ever. As a desktop neat-freak I fight for EVERY SINGLE pixel on my display, i HATE browser toolbars and I cannot stand icons on my desktop. I even have the micro navigation buttons theme for firefox. I would be so mad if all of that space that I fought so hard to conserve is overrun by ads.
I cannot imagine that Microsoft of Apple would ever implement this. I fear that doing so would completely destroy their popularity and eventually everyone would get away from it. I can picture a world where Microsoft and Apple both try to implement this idea, everyone would get mad, switch to Linux, then both Apple and Microsoft would die out.
Something like this would be like committing business suicide.
Although I could see them handing out ad-ridden free versions of their OS's. But if I shell out my money for an operating system I expect there to be no ads in it and I expect it to run to its full potential. Using system resources to run ads is criminal!
Submitted by mattman059 on Mon, 10/26/2009 - 5:00am
double post? nah..
Triple post? pshaw
...Quintuple post. Win.
Apple Fanboys make the viruses for Windows
Submitted by cpmuskie on Sat, 10/24/2009 - 3:57pm
That way they can say how bad they are
Submitted by JCBarry on Sat, 10/24/2009 - 12:34pm
After giving it some more thought, I think this could be a smart move for Apple in a strategic positioning type of way. Given that Google will be releasing an OS that is, in theory, driven mostly by software-as-a-service through the web, and that the web walks hand-in-hand with ads, it may not be a far stretch for a team of lawyers to see Chrome OS utilizing this technology.
They could make the case that ads being delivered inside of a mostly web-based OS is infringing on this patent. Thus, forcing Google to cough up some cash.
It's just a thought, and is probably a wild idea, but there must be SOME reason why this patent was filed--and to be honest I don't think Apple has any intention of putting ads in their OS and signing their business over to Microsoft.
Jay Barry
MaxPC Profile | Jason Barry
Submitted by sonek00 on Sat, 10/24/2009 - 6:38pm
i must agree with you on this one. if memory serves me right the google os was to have had some sort of ads-based delivery system to it. thus making to profitable for google. this will effectively slow down if not stop the release of the chrome os. as we all know that apple has no love for google as it stands. we will have to wait and see how this plays out.
Submitted by sonek00 on Sat, 10/24/2009 - 6:38pm
i must agree with you on this one. if memory serves me right the google os was to have had some sort of ads-based delivery system to it. thus making to profitable for google. this will effectively slow down if not stop the release of the chrome os. as we all know that apple has no love for google as it stands. we will have to wait and see how this plays out.
Submitted by linkmaster6 on Sat, 10/24/2009 - 12:29pm
Well glad mac user will get a healthy dose of Cialis and Viagra advertisements, it would be very funny if this was implamented and Microsoft bought up the space
Submitted by MeTo on Sat, 10/24/2009 - 6:49am
For those of you who think if apple patent's it first nobody else can do it. Think again they will just do it a little different and get around the patent. Did anybody else notice they used Microsoft Window for demonstration?
Submitted by JCBarry on Sat, 10/24/2009 - 8:53am
You're right. Just because Apple filed the patent, and may eventually hold it, it doesn't mean other companies can't use it. Usually companies purchase the license to use specific technologies and pay royalties for the service.
The photo caption states it is NOT a demonstration. It is purely an artist's rendering.
Jay Barry
MaxPC Profile | Jason Barry
Submitted by Skillz_n_Magic on Sat, 10/24/2009 - 6:36am
Now you mac users get to watch Justin Long act like a douchebag IN your OS, you know, while you're busying not playing any games or getting any work done.
os add's
Submitted by Dexter243 on Sat, 10/24/2009 - 6:31am
Nutcracklng snack
well hell i love my mac and will all ways keep one around the hous maby after this
i am hoping that his plan is to preven others from doing such a thing like MS / Ubunta
to prevent them from having that utility for a sorce of income but if thay do start having add's
buging me i will tell you now it would be the worst thing thay can do to os x and i think it would be the demise
of apple computer
as far as other devices it would be a huge no for me when i went to buy i would look and shop for the one with out the add's or i would crack the device to prevent them
Submitted by okron1k on Sat, 10/24/2009 - 6:14am
this could be used to provide a "free" version of the operating system. just like half of the apps in the app store.
BITE THE APPLE
Submitted by RAMBO on Sat, 10/24/2009 - 6:10am
SCREW APPLE, GET A REAL MAN'S PC!!!
APPLE BITE ME; YOU OVERPRICE GARBAGE, NO SOFTWARE FOR FOOLS...
Submitted by lostcause64 on Fri, 10/23/2009 - 11:35pm
..I see this as the single best means of convincing people to install Linux on whatever hardwarehappens to be inflicting this on it's owner.
John
Have you ever wondered why intelligence can normally be found in an individual, but runs screaming in terror from a group? Though, there are exceptions...
Maximum Morons
Submitted by w2ed on Fri, 10/23/2009 - 10:48pm
Before I bitch about Apple, let me say this: All of you whiny-ass losers who are saying that "Apple is Evil", "Steve Jobs is a Sith Lord", "Macs suck" and all the rest of that crap can go suck a big one, because you're no better or different than any of those whiny-ass Apple Fanboys, either - Fan Boys of any kind are usually completely big idiots with a lot of free time and all the wrong answers on their hands. (At least all of the ones I've met have been!)
That said, I sincerely hope that Apple is doing this either to bring a burdget version or to allow other people to install it on their PCs.I can understand buying a $200-$300 machine at your local Wal-Mart or Best Buy that has an ad-crippling version of OS X (with an option to upgrade to the full version - don't forget that part!) than to pay $2000-$20000 and have that kind of idiocy on it. (Not that I could see Apple doing that - but then again, I didn't imagineApple filing such a stupid patent, either!)
Of course, I'll laugh my ass off if the only reason they did this was to sue Microsoft (or anyone else) for attempting to do the same thing. Some patents are better left made and unused. :)
(And to those of you ready to flame me for my remarks above: It's not what tool you use but how well you use the tool when you need it. Fan boys tend to forget that.)
Submitted by tehR0XX0Rz on Sat, 10/24/2009 - 4:28am
What's a burdget version, genius?
Submitted by w2ed on Sat, 10/24/2009 - 10:37am
Budget version - Sorry for the spelling mistake.
As for what that is, do you seriously expect Apple to keep the $29 pricetag for 10.7? Likewise, do you expect Apple's cheapest piece of hardware to be at $600? I suspect Apple's working on something cheap enough that the average person can afford it.
Submitted by cubesteak on Fri, 10/23/2009 - 9:42pm
I wonder if this is just patent trolling so that they have it before anyone else?
Still seems kinda like it would be getting herpes before anyone else - who'd really want to!??
The idea of ad subsidized computers is also kinda stupid - "Hey person who can't afford a real computer, spend the money you don't have on THIS instead!" Weird.
And people wonder why I think Apple is evil
Submitted by naxself on Fri, 10/23/2009 - 9:26pm
At least Microsoft is up front about wanting your money. Ads in an OS? That's so evil, even Microsoft wouldn't do that.
Submitted by COMMANDER_COOK on Fri, 10/23/2009 - 9:23pm
That could pave the way for mac viruses. After how can they possibly guarantee that this wouldn't be a major security risk.
I can see the new commercials. "Hi, im a PC. And... GET VIAGRA!!! Oh, and I'm a mac."
One more reason to Never Get an Apple
Submitted by Baer on Fri, 10/23/2009 - 7:40pm
If I saw that I would be returning that MAC back to the fanboi store as fast as I could.
My hope is that every mac ships with ads from now on.
Submitted by Techrocket9 on Fri, 10/23/2009 - 6:53pm
_____________________________________________________
An army of pacifists can be defeated by one man with the will to fight.
Submitted by Techrocket9 on Fri, 10/23/2009 - 6:54pm
_____________________________________________________
An army of pacifists can be defeated by one man with the will to fight.
Submitted by majorsuave on Fri, 10/23/2009 - 5:57pm
I see some possibilities there:
-Apple opening Mac OS to 3rd party OEM builders or even end user that build their own PCs (yep us guys) but make sure their version is crippled compared to an Apple PC.
-A certain amount of freebies/month on iTunes to users who would get a ratio of free downloads while suffering adds before downloading and/or listening to their content.
-A new line of budget Macs with the trade off of having to suffer through adds.
either ways: iMac, iPod, iPhone, iDiot.
Edit: oh!!! I see: Apple netbooks!
Submitted by ggruner on Fri, 10/23/2009 - 5:45pm
Yes, I can understand the allure of the revenue, but this just makes no sense. First, since the times an Apple OS is installed, it's on a piece of hardware with Apple's logo on it, the ads (and the device hanging until you've viewed the ad sufficiently) will will be inextricably linked to Apple. Can you imagine how emberrasing it would be for some cool kid having to tell their friend that, no, I can't use that app, or my computer right now, not until the ad finishes playing. Oh yes, can you see the next generation I'm a PC ads... PC admitting that there are some times when malicious code causes a PC to stall, hang up for a little, then pointing out that the people inserting the malicious code into a Mac, is Apple itself!
it's part of the experience
Submitted by johnny3144 on Fri, 10/23/2009 - 6:02pm
well, when you buy apple, you pretty much vowed to give steve jobs your bank account and be his money tree. 1 dollar for a ringtone, overpriced parts and computer. It's part of the experience.
as for the virus part... pshh that's for PCs(noob). apple don't need virus, it can fuck you over on it's own. anything from deleting your file to make space disappear on your storage device.
Boycott!
Submitted by Daemon on Fri, 10/23/2009 - 5:41pm
Steve Jobs is a SithLord!
If this is the path Apple chooses, then my choice is to boycott ALL Apple products. They cannot force me to view ads endof! This will spell d-e-a-t-h for Apple &/or any other OS conglomerate that choses such a path. Are they suicidal or what? My personal mandate is to block and eliminate all and any advertisement that comes accross my PC by any means neccessary. It is quite enough to see advertisements every where as it is when out in public or watching television, I do not want to see them on my PC, especially at the operating system level. Steve Jobs & Co. needs to reconsider this fatal concept as it is clear it will lead to the obsoleteness of Apple.
Can you imagine how life could be improved if we could do away with greed!
BUT IT'S INNOVATIVE! And
Submitted by Caboose on Fri, 10/23/2009 - 5:08pm
BUT IT'S INNOVATIVE!
And you know what, Apple will STILL charge 2 or 3 thousand for a Mac with an OS that is Ad fed!
-= I don't want to be dead, I want to be alive! Or... a cowboy! =-
Tech companies have the dumbest patents...
Submitted by Devo85x on Fri, 10/23/2009 - 5:04pm
Its ether Apple doing some shit like this or multitouch, or microsoft getting a patent for the Page Up and Page Down keys... The patents tech companies get are always stupid and always screw over the customer...
Submitted by b_c_pc on Fri, 10/23/2009 - 4:55pm
Perhaps the ads will trigger only when their software detects that it's running on a windows system.
Who's the big evil corporation now?
Submitted by highsidednb on Fri, 10/23/2009 - 4:50pm
Seriously folks. How can Apple hang onto it's touchy-feely image if it ever implements this? "Sorry, your system is unusable until you watch this ad for the latest Miley Cyrus single"
Like the post below-now MS can't do this. Hallelujah!
I'm no Job-sy fanboy...
Submitted by Havok on Fri, 10/23/2009 - 4:47pm
How do we know Steve Jobs ACTUALLY came out of the operating room after his liver transplant? Apple has been making stranger and stranger "innovations" since that 'ordeal'. "How's this for innovations: we'll take off the buttons on the iPod shuffle, add a 3.567812903 version firmware update to the iTouch and call it 'new' then turn the nano into a low quality, overpriced point and shoot!?"
How do we know he's not a Cylon or something?
CLICK.
Submitted by Digital-Storm on Fri, 10/23/2009 - 4:44pm
You know what this could only mean? Microsoft can't put advertisements in their Operating System! Wooo!
Submitted by SEALBoy on Fri, 10/23/2009 - 4:48pm
YES! That's the first thought that popped into my mind. Let Apple do this so no one else can!
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