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The problem is, how many people actually carry non-phone devices? There are a small handful of folks who carry around SLRs or iPod with cameras, but not many. (
by lukifer 12y ago
The problem is, how many people actually carry non-phone devices? There are a small handful of folks who carry around SLRs or iPod with cameras, but not many. (Since Google glass is paired with a phone, I'm guessing it would be bricked as well.)
I'm also curious if "Airplane Mode" defends against shutdown. While common sense says it should, it's an easy loophole for the thieves who are (ostensibly) the purpose of the shutdown switch.
- mikeash 12y agoThe resale value of a phone that can never be taken out of Airplane Mode is going to be pretty bad, especially if it's "will instantly brick when you touch the setting", so it doesn't seem like much of a loophole for the anti-theft goal.
- chenelson 12y agoThe loophole is handset exchange at the local retailer.
- mikeash 12y agoWouldn't they check the phone against the list of stolen phones, or at least make sure the thing works as a phone, before accepting it?
- chenelson 12y agoReturned devices often do not work--that's why they're being exchanged. Also, just on the carrier's corporate retail side (small in comparison), we're talking about over 2,500 locations, over 25,000 reps, and over 500,000 new monthly adds and upgrades. Serialization is very expensive and does not eliminate the tricky human. Also, even a disabled device is still worth parts.
- mikeash 12y agoI don't think I understand what you're proposing. Before, I thought "handset exchange" would be something where you bring in an old phone to get credit towards buying a new one. Like trading in a car. And like trading in a car, they'll want to make sure the old phone is actually worth something before they buy it from you. Now... you're proposing a warranty exchange? Surely they check to make sure the device is actually eligible for the warranty (i.e. that you bought it, and within a certain timeframe) before they accept it? Or is it something else entirely? The fact that it would be worth the value of the parts is a good one, but not related to the question of whether Airplane Mode makes for a loophole.
- chenelson 12y agoWithin 14 days, anyone can cancel or exchange. So, here's an overly complicated example: 1. Steal Nexus 5 2. Buy Nexus 5 from local retailer 3. Exchange the back from the stolen Nexus 5 with the clean Nexus 5 4. Return stolen Nexus 5 for full refund What if they try to power-up or troubleshoot the stolen Nexus 5? While you're exchanging the back, damage the power leads.
- mikeash 12y agoI assume the back is where the serial number lives? Seems like that would work... once. The ID and credit check requirements would probably not make it a viable long-term solution though. And, again, irrelevant to Airplane Mode.
- chenelson 12y agoI don't care about Airplane Mode--if the device has been killed, why would one wish to power it on? So, what about prepaid? No credit check or ID required. One just requires front money. Also, keep in mind that the carriers have been fighting Identity Theft and handset upgrades for quite some time. For instance, people steal an identity and use it to get 5 free handsets. This is a on-going problem. Identity is a hard problem. Also, a swap doesn't even require a purchase--just sleight of hand. If we go through the sale process, if the rep turns their back, I may be able to swap. And this doesn't even take into account inside activity. I worked at T-Mobile for 8 years, starting as a part-time sales rep and ending a senior manager of business process. During my time, we fired the entire market of Houston twice. There are many types of thieves, but in the case of those attempting to support a habit, with their will, they will find a way. Some claim they have no choice. Finally, don't assume a perfect system. Telecom is a mess.