Apple Computer, today, hastily threw together a combination news conference and product launch on their now-leaked new iLocater product.
In an empty Moscone Center, CEO Steve Jobs sought to stem the criticism of the iLocater, touting it is "one of the best things Apple has ever done."
Jobs also announced that the iLocater is the long-delayed companion piece to the 2005 "iSquel Hotline" and how seamlessly the two programs work together.
"It's all just one mouse click," touted Jobs.
Apple has come under a firestorm, after the iLocater was leaked in the media last week.
Two researchers announced Wednesday that they had discovered a file stored on those devices that records where they have been, and when. The data in the file, which is found on all devices running Apple's iOS operating system and on computers to which those iOS devices are synced, could be used to plot users' movements.
The file is unencrypted and collects the location data without users' knowledge or consent, said Peter Warden and Alasdair Allan, who presented their findings at the Where 2.0 conference in Santa Clara.
"I love Apple. I worked there for five years," said Warden. "I was just pretty sad when I discovered."
Jobs hinted that an unannounced camera may be added to future iLocater programs, capturing an image of the user, to go along with their location.
Bonus Riffs
Juan Cole: Apple Tracking likely a “Bug” or Oversight
John Gruber: Andy Ihnatko on iOS 4’s Location-Tracking Log - Best piece I’ve seen on the “consolidated.db” location-tracking log
Christina Warren: Steve Jobs Responds to iOS Location-Tracking Controversy
Bonus Bonus Riffs
Apple Takes Blog Ruling As New Club On Criticism and Dissent
New iPod Phone Requires Downloading Calls
Retro Garlic: Apple's 'Cha-Ching" App
The iPhone That Knew Too Much
