"Patent application 20070288886: a 'digital rights management system' that would 'restrict execution of that application to specific hardware platforms.'" Sound familiar? Well, if Windows Genuine Advantage means anything to you, this could be Apple's counterpart to Microsoft's two year long attempt at disabling pirated software. Citing the inadequacies of software encryption or key based activation in preventing piracy, Apple believes that "Thus, it would be beneficial to provide a mechanism to restrict the execution of one or more applications to a specific hardware platform that is transparent to the user."
As explained by Computerworld:
In addition, Apple states that the authentication process would be performed on a time period "small enough to prevent significant use of an unauthorized application or system, yet long enough so as not to degrade system performance," but their examples indicate such a check could occur every 5 to 10 minutes. Seriously Apple? Is it really time to follow The Path of Microsoft? Just make sure you preserve some honesty in your naming scheme: Apple Genuine Disadvantage.
Some fear that Judgement Day is coming for the Hackint0sh... Well, not really since the scene will probably just Terminate any obstacle it encounters. Learn from Microsoft's mistakes anyone?

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