Apple Files Patent for Un-skip-able Ads on iPhones, iPods
From NYT:
“Filing a patent application, of course, doesn’t necessarily mean that the company plans to use the technology. But the application shows, at the least, that Apple has invested in research to develop what it calls an ‘enforcement routine’ that makes people watch ads they may not want to watch.
“Its distinctive feature is a design that doesn’t simply invite a user to pay attention to an ad — it also compels attention. The technology can freeze the device until the user clicks a button or answers a test question to demonstrate that he or she has dutifully noticed the commercial message. Because this technology would be embedded in the innermost core of the device, the ads could appear on the screen at any time, no matter what one is doing.”
An “enforcement routine” to force ads down the throats of iPod users?! That will go over well! It reminds me of that ridiculous attempt by Japan’s government to make it a crime to skip TV commercials back in 2005.
Apple wouldn’t be foolish enough to “use” this patent as is would they?
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by koach, AppleNewsies. AppleNewsies said: Apple Files Patent for Un-skip-able Ads on iPhones, iPods / http://bit.ly/3iNds6 [...]
methinks this is geared more toward some of the ad-supported software models, perhaps giving some ‘free’ iphone apps a means to be free for a price.
Rolf–I think you’re on to something. But giving stuff away for free doesn’t sound very Apple, nor does mucking up gorgeous UIs with advertising of any kind. But I know they’ve been thinking hard about ad models for at least a few years. I spoke to a recruiter a few years ago who seemed to be on the hunt for ad sales types to work at Apple….
Chas – What is free?
If I search for something via the google search box built into Safari, Apple gets some fraction of a cent. Is that search free? Or is it ad supported? OK, maybe that’s stretching it.
When you open iTunes, do you see music, movies and tv shows, or do you see ads? I’d argue that upon opening that app, you’re forced to see advertising. When you search for a particular song or artist, you’re using the software and seeing search results. But you can’t easily get to the search results without seeing the advertising. The software is ‘free’. But those ads are so pretty! My point – Apple gives lots of software away for ‘free’, and has lots of advertising in it’s interfaces, when appropriate.
[...] in November, the NY Times reported that Apple filed a patent for un-skip-able ads for iPhones and iPods. [...]