Apple total user control system
p2pnet news | Freedom:- “Electronics maker Apple Inc. is developing a digital fitness companion system based around its iPhone and iPod touch players aimed a helping americans [sic], and folks in general, live a healthier and more fit lifestyle,” says AppleInsider.
Wrong.
Apple never does anything without its bottom line as the bottom line. Its every move is designed solely to channel a path into your wallet.
A while back it forged a deal with Nike for iTunes-cum-iPod nano runners aimed at Macolyte joggers and keep-fit fiends.
Now it’s taking the whole body approach.
“A series of patent filings discovered by AppleInsider this week provides an overview of four distinct components that will comprise the system, including an iTunes-like software application, hardware-based heart rate and physiological sensors, a rewards tracker, and a component to facilitate synchronous group activities,” says AppleInsider.
Software written for both PCs and Macs would grill users via a series of dialogues.
“The lifestyle companion system can provide a platform to conduct a user interview,” says one of the four the patents, going on >>>
Based on the user interview responses, the system can suggest activities, references, and/or plug-in modules. During performance of activities, the system can provide audio and/or visual cues related to the activities and collect data indicative of the user’s performance.
Based on the collected data, the system can dynamically adapt the user’s goals and/or activities the user is performing or will perform. In some embodiments of the present invention, the lifestyle companion system of the present invention can be applied to fitness, nutrition, and/or medical modules. The system also can be used to facilitate synchronous group activities.
Apple giving medical advice. Whatever next?
And why not. After all, Google wants control of all your personal and private medical history.
But it doesn’t stop there. You’ll also have Big Brother Apple as Aunty Agatha and your spiritual advisor, as well as your personal quack.
“The lifestyle companion system also can interview the user about non-health related topics, e.g., spirituality/religion, identity (e.g., sense of belonging), relationships, career, financial condition, environment, hobbies, interests, other personal information, and goals regarding the same,” says the patent, continuing >>>
An identity (sense of belonging) interview may address, for example, the organizations to which the user belongs socially and/or professionally. A relationships interview can address, for example, the marital and/or familial status of the user. The relationship interview also can address the quality of the user’s relationships with his/her family. A career interview can address, for example, the length of time the user has worked in the present job, the user’s current occupational position, and/or the user’s level of enjoyment of the user’s occupation. A finance interview can address, for example, net wealth, credit situation, spending habits, etc. An environment interview can address, for example, the user’s home, office, clothing, transportation, fitness memberships, access to exercise equipment, etc.
The other three components comprise:
Variable I/O interface for portable media device
The present invention can include electronic devices having variable input/output interfaces that can allow a user to interact with the devices with greater efficiency and in a more ergonomic manner. An electronic device of the present invention can display icons associated with user-programmable parameters of a media file. By interacting with the icons, a user can change the user-programmable parameters during playback of the media file. Changes to the user-programmable parameters can affect playback of the remainder of the media file. An electronic device of the present invention also can automatically re-orient images shown on a display and re-configure user input components based on the orientation of the electronic device.
Integrated sensors for tracking performance metrics
Electronic devices and accessories having integrated sensors for tracking a user’s performance metrics are provided. In one embodiment, the present invention can include a headset having integrated physiological sensors. The present invention also can include a sling having one or more integrated physiological sensors. The sling can secure a portable electronic device to a user’s body or clothing. The present invention also can include a portable media device having one or more integrated physiological sensors. In one embodiment, an electronic device of the present invention can accept data from multiple sensors, including one or more sensors that track a user’s movements. The electronic device can be configured to condition data from physiological sensors using data indicative of the user’s movements.
Rewards systems for permitting a user to motivate one or more other users to perform predetermined activities are provided. A rewards system of the present invention can permit a supervisory user to set up rewards allocation parameters by which the rewards system can automatically distribute rewards to a subordinate user. Once the subordinate user has input data about his activities, the rewards system can determine the appropriate rewards to distribute to the subordinate user account based on the data and the rewards allocation parameters. A rewards system of the present invention also can permit a user to challenge one or more users to a competition. Based on data about the competitors’ activities and user-defined allocation parameters, the rewards system can automatically distribute rewards to the user account(s) of victorious competitor(s).
Imagine what Apple will be able to do with the last?
Pretty soon, your every waking moment will be monitored and controlled by a corporation somewhere that’s determined to get its hooks into you, body and soul, and keep them there, any way, any how.
1984, anyone?
Also See:
AppleInsider – Apple developing full-fledged digital lifestyle fitness companion, March 27, 2008
deal with Nike – Apple, Nike, sneaker-net, May 24, 2006
medical history – Dr Google — on the way, February 29, 2008
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March 27th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
Of course this is the sort of sensationalism that is defeated simply by mentioning something that is not being curtailed by Apple or anybody: FREE WILL.
March 27th, 2008 at 6:35 pm
FREE WILL?!? But… the reward system… soo tempting…
March 27th, 2008 at 10:28 pm
Has anyone thought this through besides Apple? There is something seriously missing in all this. That of doctor/patient privilege. Without that privilege, there is nothing at all in the way of gathering your medical history and putting it up for the highest bidders. Now why would that be a concern?
I am sure Apple will say something to the nature of we don’t gather identifying information. In the past this same “we don’t gather” data was assembled into ways that could identify individuals. Somehow I think my personal health data in the hands of the insurance company along with a way to id whose data that was would not be a good thing. There is no doctor/patient privilege protection in this little item.
My feel will says not only to stay away from this little new deal but to mistrust it based on past articles where it has been shown that such data could and most likely would reach the wrong hands. Worse, they expect you to pay for it out of your own pocket. No thank you. That’s free will in all it’s glory.
March 28th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
One- If you hear me use the word “lifestyle” rather than “life” please slap me.
Two- If I EVER refer to my “lifestyle” in conjunction with a corporate brand, shoot me on the spot.