Computers that read your mind

Around a year ago I had written a column on a project called MyLifeBits, a Microsoft research project, that records every byte, every conversation, every emotion, every photo you clicked, every line you typed, every word you said. An archive of that could recall nearly every waking moment of a person’s life. Now comes another interesting project that could reshape the entire technological and advertising arena.

An Emotional Machine

A machine that can read your mind. Sounds interesting, doesn’t it? Well that could be a reality in the next few years. Scientists are working on a computer that can read an individual’s mind by interpreting facial expressions like a raised eyebrow, a look or a nod of the head. Read more

Every byte, every conversation, every emotion, every photo you clicked, every line you typed, every word you said. Imagine if all that could be archived and we could recall nearly every waking moment.

My Life Bytes

When you are dead and gone maybe your descendants will be able to go thorough minute details of your life, your conversations, e-mail exchanges and the pictures and video highlights of your existence. That’s the idea behind MyLifeBits, a Microsoft research project that aims to record the essence of a person’s life on computer disks. Every photograph snapped, home movie filmed, Web page browsed, e-mail scribbled, phone call made or bill paid. The project, currently underway at Microsoft’s Media Presence Research Group, is directed by Gordon Bell, who was instrumental in creating the first commercial minicomputers in the 1960s.

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Power, money, technology, talent they have it all. Both are mega organizations. One is the world’s biggest handset maker, the other the world’s No. 2 cell phone chip-maker and developer of wireless technology Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) technology. The big, bigger and expanding world of telecommunication combined with unleashed ambitions and desires and the result is the politics of power. Welcome to the war of the titans. Nokia and Qualcomm are at it again. This time its Qualcomm hitting at Nokia. Read more

Invasion in the heart of Microsoft

If audacity had an award the clear winner would be Google. Invasion
right into the heart of the biggest organization on earth heads on. No
guerilla tactics, no behind the back strategies or even remote
diplomacy. Pure war, heads on. The war of desktop supremacy has been
on for three years now. But the attacks got direct only recently when
Google acquired Writely a direct competitor of MS Word. It’s taking
the war further by the overnight launch of a test version of Google
Spreadsheet.
Read more

Wallet365 launched. What about security?

Wallet365.com, India’s first e-Wallet is launched by Mr.Amitabh Bachchan. Wallet365.com is a new service that lets you pay anyone, anywhere. It lets you store money, shop online and even receive money. Timesofmoney, its promoter says Wallet365.com is absolutely safe, instant and convenient. All you need is a valid email ID. It secures you from the dangers of online credit card fraud.

Editor’s Note
A great service but what about security. The world leader Paypal.com still hasn’t been able to deal with security threats and phishing emails. The issue of security is even more important here because the identity is a mere email and your bank account/credit card gets linked to this. The site claims to have 128 bit security which definitely isn’t enough for a site of this kind.

At Rs. 10 Per transfer the fees seems reasonable. There is a 2% fees on funds transfer from credit cards which is acceptable considering a part of that goes to the credit card company.

Usability of site seems fine. Design isn’t great but is simple for the average user to understand.

Overall great service at the right time. But I am not sure whether I would link my credit card or my bank account to this. I am not comfortable with its security at all.

RFID Special

Soaps that talk and pens that sing

RFID – The Basics

You probably heard of it somewhere, or maybe you have come across those four letters in some movie, journal or website. Whatever the media, the chances have you seen read or heard about RFID somewhere. RFID, touted as the next big thing in the world of technology, in a HT Technology Special just for you.

RFID- An Introduction

Imagine a world where everything is traceable. From a ball point pen to soaps to shampoos to diamonds, to highly sophisticated aeroplane parts to space jet parts, to human organs, babies, animals to just about anything. Imagine a supply chain where manufacturers, distributors, and retailers can automatically locate any of the items that were shipped in a given case or pallet. Where receiving facilities know immediately whether a shipment’s contents match the advance shipping notice, and the right personnel are immediately notified of any discrepancies. Where manufacturers and retailers automatically adjust forecasts and orders based on sales velocity during promotions. Where theft or tampering is immediately evident, without requiring product inspection. Read more

RFID Special
Interview
EPC-RFID is a part of GS1 India under the Ministry of Commerce, Govt of India. Our Technology Columnist Mr.Puneet Mehrotra spoke to Mr.Ravi Mathur, the CEO of EPC-Global India.
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RFID Special

Working of the RFID Technology

In its simplest form a product tag, made of a microchip with a tiny antenna, is attached to a product. An associated tag reader puts out electromagnetic waves. The tag antenna receives the waves and the tag itself draws power from the field generated by the reader, powering the chip, and then modulates the reader signal, sending it back where it is converted into digital data. The electromagnetic waves are harmless at the low end of the spectrum and no more dangerous than a car radio. Read more

RFID Special

Advantages of RFID in Business Applications

The application of RFID and EPC technologies will provide enterprises with an unprecedented real-time view on the location and integrity of their assets and inventories globally thereby enabling significant gains in their operational efficiencies. The advantages of the efficiencies can be witnessed in the entire value chain from improved labor efficiencies, better inventory management across the supply chain, improved product integrity and reduced shrinkage amongst numerous other potential benefits. Read more

RFID Special
RFID Applications in Business

RFID is used for everything from tracking cows and pets to triggering equipment down oil wells. It may sound trite, but the applications are limited only by people’s imagination. RFID is also used for security (including controlling access to buildings and networks) and payment systems that let customers pay for items without using cash. The most common applications are tracking goods in the supply chain, containers, high value tools and other assets, and parts moving to a manufacturing production line. However for tracking goods in the supply chain, the technology needs to be standardized so that it can act as a common language of business. Read more