New iPad's 'Dictation' Sends Memos, Email Direct to Apple

Better watch what you say when you announce memos or emails using a feature of the new iPad—Dictation—because your info goes directly to Apple for processing, warns MSNBC and ZDNet. Though most users may be stunned that's how Dictation works, Apple is upfront about it. "The things you dictate will be recorded and sent to Apple to convert what you say into text," the company explains. "Your device will also send Apple other information, such as your first name and nickname; the names, nicknames, and relationship with you (e.g., 'my dad') of your address book contacts, and song names in your collection."

Whistleblower Stephen Chapman of ZDNET says he's "not trying to fear monger," adding: "I don't think Apple plans to do anything malicious with whatever 'User Data' it collects." But, he notes: "It's quite interesting to see the slick writing style and verbiage used to cover their bases such that they could request just about anything from you they want and store it on their servers." Ultimately, Dictation "requires more from me than I'm comfortable with Apple requesting," he concludes. (More Apple stories.)