Digital Domain - Apple Wouldn’t Risk Its Cool Over an Ad Gimmick, Would It? - NYTimes.com
Apple has filed a patent for technology that would cause a device to administer periodic tests that would require the user to, in some way, indicate they have paid attention to an advertisement before they can continue using the device. The inventors say that the technology could be used in devices offered for free or a low fee in return for agreeing to view the advertisements, after which the device owner could pay extra to have the advertisements temporarily or permanently removed. Examples of tests included a series of progressively smaller pop-up boxes that must be pressed within five seconds, or entering the current date or name of the advertiser. Apple has declined to comment on the application.