04.06.08
Jack
Internet of things
Only recently did I joined the creative commons iPhone users and ever since I have enjoyed the rich discussions and ideas of useful software which users can benefit from. Having a hand-help computer at your disposal sometimes empower the user to be able to manage their social/work events better. I can’t wait to see the improved version of the iPhone OS which might be announced at The Apple Worldwide Developers Conference WWDC 08 (lets not forget the iPhone Developer Program) which has been promised to bring us a plethora of cool and must use applications. With all these softwares which have been promised for the next generation iPhone the one that caught my attention the most was the imatix which could read semacode printed on objects. It was exciting to see that the idea of having “internet of things” has developed into something more useful and fun applications.
A few years ago when I did my Masters research on RFID technology, the only interesting application were the oyster cards which initially were feared due to the fact that it will pose some security breech to our personal information. I wonder what those fear mongering activists would say about the i-nigma?
If it doesn’t come pre-installed in your phone, you go to the website on your mobile and it can automatically be downloaded onto any new handset, even my old Nokia N95 was really good at scanning the semacode. The idea is quite simple, point you camera at the squiggle square or QR code ( which is now being used on the front page of City.AM to keep up to date news from the financial markets) and it will launch the URL of the site. Pretty impressive stuff and I could see a number of uses for the an extension to more information e.g. In wine tasting events you might like to find out abit more about a bottle of wine, what altitude was the grapes gown? Whether it is a deliciously smooth high altitude Malbec from Finca don Carlos in Valle de Uco, Mendoza or just simply what food would go well with the wine? All these information can be downloaded straight to your mobile device and used to impress your lady when you next take her for dinner.
Ubiquitous Computing
This is the term used for describing any system of identification were an electronic device that uses radio frequency or magnetic field variations to communicate is attached to an item. The two main components are the tag, which is a device placed on the item being tracked and the reader, which is a device that recognizes the presence of the RFID tag by reading the information store within it. The reader can then inform and communicate with another system about the presence of the tagged items by the help of software’s that stands between readers and applications known as RFID middleware. I recently came across a company which has developed an off the self application which can be used on any NFC intergated mobile handsets, but i’m sure that an application can quiet easily be designed for the next generation iPhone.
How does NFC work?
NFC (Near field technology) is based on contactless and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) solutions, which consist of a tag and a reader. The reader, when activated, emits a short-range radio signal that powers up a microchip on the tag, and allows for reading a small amount of data that can be stored on the tag. NFC is different from other contactless or RFID technologies in that it has a very short operating distance and also allows two devices to interconnect.
The difference with an NFC enabled mobile device to other ubiquitous devices which I have come across, is that users can easily access services or operate his/her device functions, e.g when you see the RFID icons attached to an object you can just touch the tag. The device reads the content of the tag and executes it into action. The user only accepts the execution, eg opening a web page, calling a favorite number, or sending an SMS. Similarly, by touching an enabled device such as a TV, travelling information, the mobile device can send a picture to it simply as a result of the touch.
These are all interesting developments and could offer users a far more richer experience for finding information online, I can’t wait to get my hand on one of the NFC technologies. If anyone has used one please let us know what you think about it.
10.06.08
Richard Barbrook
This technology would also allow you to know who produced your purchases and under what conditions. In a capitalist economy, you can only judge a commodity on its price and quality. With RFID tags, you could check whether its makers are decently paid, can join a union and are working in healthy conditions. Like FairTrade, but even better!