The New York City Police Department is reportedly handing out flyers encouraging iOS device users to upgrade to iOS 7. The new mobile OS features upgraded security in the form of its new “Activation Lock” feature.
According to another Twitter follower, they are also (comically) handing out the flyers at Apple Stores where people are walking out with new iPhone 5S/5Cs with iOS 7 installed.
AllthingsD reports that Park Slope parents are also being encouraged via Facebook to update their iOS devices.
These moves by the NYPD follow last weeks praise for the new version of iOS, specifically Activation Lock, from The Attorney Generals of New York and San Francisco.
“While it is too early to tell if Activation Lock will be a comprehensive solution to the epidemic of ‘Apple Picking’ crimes that have victimized iPhone and iPad owners around the world, we believe it is a step forward and strongly urge iPhone users to download iOS 7, and most importantly, ensure they utilize both an Apple ID and Find My iPhone. We also encourage Apple to make Activation Lock a fully opt-out solution in order to guarantee widespread adoption, and strongly urge the other leading manufacturers of smartphones to quickly implement effective theft deterrents that protect their customers from violent crime.”
Activation Lock requires the entry of the owner’s Apple ID and password before allowing the user to turn off Find My iPhone, erase data, or reactivate a device after it has been erased.
