Sometimes we iPhone and iPad users don't realize how lucky we are. Apple puts a lot of time, money, and energy into coming up with new ways to make using technology a joy. They put equal resources into making it safe and secure. Things Apple prioritizes are mere afterthoughts for competitors, until, that is, they see the competitive advance such features give Apple. Activation Lock is one of those features. Unfortunately for competitors, their attempt to copy it has hit a bit of a snag.

AppleInsider U.S. carriers block Samsung's kill switch alternative to Apple's iOS 7 Activation Lock

Activation Lock is the feature in iOS 7 that allows you to use Find My iPhone to report your phone stolen, thus, bricking your phone for anyone who does not have your iCloud password. With the feature activated, your iPhone or iPad cannot be restored to factory settings by a thief hoping to resell it. After Apple introduced these features, Google immediately tried to clone it on Android. Their me too attempt doesn't quite cut it.

Samsung, being who they are, also tried to roll their own clone for Activation Lock. Unfortunately, their solution relies on an off-the-shelf, LoJack system that is dependent on subscription fees and carrier approval. This is exactly the wrong way to go about it. Apple's security features are free to all iOS users, and bypasses the carriers, completely. If you have a free iCloud account, you're already protected, whether you know it or not. If you are rocking something other than an iPhone or iPad, you still have a layer of security that comes free with that device. Nobody wants to steel it.

David Johnson