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Apple Unveils The iPhone 5S

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171–180 of 715 posts

Re: Apple Unveils The iPhone 5S

#171
post #73

Now that we have to consider the iPhones to be backdoored by the NSA, I wonder whether I really want to give them my fingerprint together with the rest of my data. I'm also not so sure whether a fingerprint can't still be easily faked (like it was possible on that Mythbusters episode for example). Personally, I think I'd rather stay with my passcode. Did you btw know that you can turn off "simple passcode" and then u…

Urgh. When do we get to the point where I can read HN without a snarky NSA comment being voted to the top?

Probably when the NSA stops illegally spying on the citizens it is supposed to serve.

Re: Apple Unveils The iPhone 5S

#172
post #109

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The problem is that I can't change my fingerprint. If it gets out by some third-party abusing the secret backdoor (or just abusing whatever other place you have your fingerprint stored), then they can potentially forge your fingerprint when committing a crime or when otherwise attempting to access resources you have access to. When a third-party loses your password, you change it and life goes on (you are not reusing…

They probably already have your fingerprint. I believe you usually have to give it to the DMV to get your license.

In the country where I live (Switzerland), getting a drivers license thankfully does not involve somebody taking your fingerprint. Also, public transportation here rules to such an extent that not even having a drivers license is a perfectly valid option. I don't have one for example.

My passport also is one of the last ones you could get without it containing any biometric data.

As such, I'm reasonably sure that no third-party ever had access to my fingerprint. And I'd love for it to stay like this (see my parent comment for the reasons why)

Re: Apple Unveils The iPhone 5S

#173
post #34

I'm sad it seems most likely the 5S will be fingerprint OR pin/passphrase to unlock. I can imagine situations at borders or in interactions with police where compelling a fingerprint swipe is physically easier than compelling a passphrase entry, and I think it is also legally easier to compel later. The ideal would be a 4-8 digit numeric PIN with strong "10 tries and it dies" plus fingerprint, and as a backup, a full…

Yeah just fingerprint means someone could use your finger to unlock the phone while you're asleep in a cell / drugged / restrained / knocked out.

Re: Apple Unveils The iPhone 5S

#174
Very disappointing that they couldn't get the 5C closer to the rumored $399 or $450 off-contract prices... $549 is very steep for 1-year old technology wrapped in a $2 plastic case. I'd sell my AAPL stock today (if I had any left) before Wall Street crunches their numbers.

Re: Apple Unveils The iPhone 5S

#175
post #73

Now that we have to consider the iPhones to be backdoored by the NSA, I wonder whether I really want to give them my fingerprint together with the rest of my data. I'm also not so sure whether a fingerprint can't still be easily faked (like it was possible on that Mythbusters episode for example). Personally, I think I'd rather stay with my passcode. Did you btw know that you can turn off "simple passcode" and then u…

Urgh. When do we get to the point where I can read HN without a snarky NSA comment being voted to the top?

When we have more transparency around the NSA's operations.

Re: Apple Unveils The iPhone 5S

#176
post #73

Now that we have to consider the iPhones to be backdoored by the NSA, I wonder whether I really want to give them my fingerprint together with the rest of my data. I'm also not so sure whether a fingerprint can't still be easily faked (like it was possible on that Mythbusters episode for example). Personally, I think I'd rather stay with my passcode. Did you btw know that you can turn off "simple passcode" and then u…

If we're assuming the worst, then nothing you use is safe. Google? No... Downgrade to a regular non-smart phone? I guess that's safer. They'll still have your phone records, though.

Re: Apple Unveils The iPhone 5S

#177
The USA already has all 10 of my fingerprints. When I was going through the process of becoming a permanent resident, I had to scan it into a machine.

Every time I come back into the USA after coming back from a trip outside the country, I have to scan multiple of my prints.

Re: Apple Unveils The iPhone 5S

#179

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It took quite some time for me to fill up the 16GB. I'm more of a power user now, so I'll be upgrading to the 32GB but, for most 16GB is plenty.

My music alone fills up my 64 GB 4S. I am waiting for the 128 GB.

On the other hand, my 4S has a persistent mobile data connection, so storing music locally is of no great benefit to me. I guess all we can conclude is that 16GB can be huge, or tiny, depending on how you want to use your device.

Re: Apple Unveils The iPhone 5S

#180
post #63

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Apple laughs at numbers-based ads when they are behind, and play up the numbers when they are ahead. Remember the Pentium snail ads? There's nothing surprising here. They have a spec advantage right now and they're playing it up. If and when they drop behind again, they'll be back to talking about more qualitative aspects.

Isn't that what EVERY company does when it comes to marketing? I have never taken a single marketing class but I'd think putting emphasis on your strong points and gloss over your weak ones is common sense?

the difference is that apple doesn't merely do what you're describing. in the past, they have actively lambasted others for marketing bigger numbers.
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