Evan Schuman's StorefrontBacktalk

While retailers debate mobile geolocation efforts and the resulting privacy implications, Apple's Patent people are preparing for the battle after the arguments have died. On Thursday (Aug. 19), the U.S. Patent Office made public an Apple patent application that, among other things, uses a consumer's heart rhythms to not only confirm that person's identity but analyze vibrations to determine the kind of transportation that person is likely using.

And here’s a passage that’s sure to capture the attention of privacy advocates everywhere: “The photograph can be taken without a flash, any noise or any indication that a picture is being taken to prevent the current user from knowing he is being photographed. As another example, a recording can be taken to capture the current user’s voice through, for example, the microphone. The recording can be taken when the current user makes a phone call with the electronic device. In some embodiments, the electronic device can record any voices or sounds that are detected, regardless of whether or not a phone call is being made.”

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