Surface

[hercshman]

Didn't see anybody post about this, so I figured I'd mention it. Tech/furnature related if that doesn't interest you. I'm a nerd so it interests me.

Comments

Privacy?

[calviin]

So I have one issue with Surface. If the table is able to easily read credit cards and such, where are we protected from technothieves? I don't see them having to sign anything like for a card, or put in a pin number... If our items are so easily read by the table, without needed to connect (the table it just identifying that something touched it, it's looking for rfid tags to know what that something is) doesn't it make it easier for theives to steal our identity without us knowing? The answer is yes, which is why people have been uppity about the government implementing rfid tags into passports. I am all for moving ahead on technology, but if the risk is to my own personal wellbeing, I will be more reserved.

moving on, I saw the google streets thing yesterday, and I have one question.
How do these people feel about being visible to millions.

I'll bet they were never asked. I dunno if that's illegal, but it's definitely not cool. (However, I would probably be thrilled if I found myself on there).

Re: Privacy?

[calviin]

Just to be clear, I got all five of those pictures, on my own, from google streets, in less than five minutes. Specifically, I started at 400 Van Ness Ave in San Francisco, CA and just clicked along to the street corner at 488 Van Ness Ave and managed to find all of those people without any effort along the way.

Re: Privacy?

[hercshman]

As far as the table goes, it only connects to wireless devices if that device is turned on. Beyond that someone could wirelessly detect it, but that depends on the range and security features of the device. To connect to the table it has to make physical contact, so the user can at least control that by turning it off and/or not sitting it down.

As far as credit cards go, don't have an answer for that. I get excited when I see it because I'm an optimist and like the possibilities, but you have an extremely valid point. Would it be possible to implement a backup like a pin that must be input before you can use the card? Then again, Someone could look over your sholder and get that. Also, would it have to be RFID or are there more secure methods of transmitting account information like this?

The best thing I can think to do is not be an early adopter and see how it plays out. There will always be people out there trying to abuse new technology, but there's no harm in taking a wait and see appropach.

Re: Privacy?

[calviin]

"Beyond that someone could wirelessly detect it, but that depends on the range and security features of the device."
When riding a subway/train, (which even we suburban people do sometimes to go to the city) it wouldn't be that hard for someone to be up near you for a period of time. And I imagine they would just have whatever info hacking tool set to steal info automatically while just sitting in their pocket. I understand that to people out of the loop, this almost sounds fanciful, btu the truth is it's not that complicated.

"Also, would it have to be RFID or are there more secure methods of transmitting account information like this?I am not sure of what the cards are already using nowadays for that express pay we're seeing in stores, but I am pretty sure it's RFID. I'm sure there are/could be other options, but RFID is the one that's becoming widely accepted. The best choice isn't always the one used. Betamax was technologically better than VHS and Windows is certainly not the best OS, if you get my point