[LINK] surface

[Rick Welykochy]

Ivan Trundle wrote:

>> Paul Bolger wrote:
>>> So can this thing read credit card numbers?
>> You probably just lay it on the surface and it sucks off the details  :)
> 
> There are 5 cameras mounted under the glass.

Ah, but in future, ccards will have smart chips and/or RFID tag
inside. A surface computer interface could read that information
when the card or any similar device is in proximity.


>>  Is it recognising users by
>>> reading fingerprints? The blurb's a bit vague, but it's definitely
>>> pretty creepy if that's what it's doing.
> 
> Where does it claim to read fingerprints?

I asked myself the same question. Perhaps the circular ripple
that emanates from a touch point on the surface is a bit misleading.
It appears to be reading the (wireless) device or finger when
the surface is touched.

The more I think about it, the more I am concerned about ubiquitous
computing. Suppose the counter-top at, say, a hotel reception
desk (or a coffee table in the lobby) is equipped with the wireless
and possibly RFid technology used by the u.c. interface. Without you
even knowing it, when you plunk down your camera/wallet/daypack,
the u.c. could surreptitiously download anything that is readable.
Hmmm ... worse could be inferred from doing the same at a cop shop.
They would have a vested interested at their front desk to grab any
and every piece of digital flotsam they can using u.c.

Let's take LJH's "secure Australian nightmare" a little further. Gummint
could legislate that all data downloaded by u.c. be cached and transfered
to gummint systems for later collating and vetting against "known
terrorist organisations".

Urgh ... I think I'll stop the paranoia now before it ruins me lunch.

cheers
rickw

-- 
_________________________________
Rick Welykochy || Praxis Services

We should invade their countries, kill their leaders and
convert them to Christianity.
      -- Anne Coulter of the "American Taliban"