Processing at the Speed of Light - Wired News
Israeli startup Lenslet has built a computer processor that uses optics instead of silicon, enabling it to perform 8 trillion operations per second, equivalent to a supercomputer and 1,000 times faster than standard processors. Lenslet said its processor will enable new capabilities in homeland security and military, multimedia and communications applications.
2003/10/30
2003/10/29
Radio tags to the rescue? - CNET News.com
Radio frequency identification technology proved to be the hot topic Tuesday at Forrester Research's Executive Strategy Forum here, with attendees speculating that the technology could help revitalize the sagging enterprise software industry.
Radio frequency identification technology proved to be the hot topic Tuesday at Forrester Research's Executive Strategy Forum here, with attendees speculating that the technology could help revitalize the sagging enterprise software industry.
U.S. Unveils System to Check Identities
AP reports, "The public got its first look Tuesday at fingerprinting and photo equipment that will be installed at 115 airports and 14 seaports to check identities of millions of foreign visitors. The equipment, which goes into use Jan. 5, will allow inspectors to check identities of visitors against those on terrorist watch lists...The system consists of a small box that digitally scans fingerprints and a spherical computer camera that snaps pictures. It will be used for the estimated 24 million foreigners traveling on tourist, business and student visas who enter through an airport or seaport."
AP reports, "The public got its first look Tuesday at fingerprinting and photo equipment that will be installed at 115 airports and 14 seaports to check identities of millions of foreign visitors. The equipment, which goes into use Jan. 5, will allow inspectors to check identities of visitors against those on terrorist watch lists...The system consists of a small box that digitally scans fingerprints and a spherical computer camera that snaps pictures. It will be used for the estimated 24 million foreigners traveling on tourist, business and student visas who enter through an airport or seaport."
RFID : The Cost of Being Smart - Ziff Davis
The price of RFID sensors is coming down, but it's still too high for many. The Auto-ID Center, which is creating...
RANTS & Raves - Wired News
... So, it's not "in the mind," it's simply not uniform across the population.
Having school kids tagged with RFID is not an invasion of privacy...
The price of RFID sensors is coming down, but it's still too high for many. The Auto-ID Center, which is creating...
RANTS & Raves - Wired News
... So, it's not "in the mind," it's simply not uniform across the population.
Having school kids tagged with RFID is not an invasion of privacy...
Ridge: U.S. and E.U. Should Pioneer Biometrics - Reuters
The United States and the European Union should lead the world in setting international standards for biometrics such as facial recognition technology, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge said on Wednesday. Ridge said agreement between America and Europe on ways to combine fingerprints and facial recognition in travel documents could lead to a global standard...He added: "The United States and the European Union can be pioneers, and we're convinced that if we unite, that will make a global agreement easier."
The United States and the European Union should lead the world in setting international standards for biometrics such as facial recognition technology, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge said on Wednesday. Ridge said agreement between America and Europe on ways to combine fingerprints and facial recognition in travel documents could lead to a global standard...He added: "The United States and the European Union can be pioneers, and we're convinced that if we unite, that will make a global agreement easier."
2003/10/28
Suppliers Sign On To GE's RFID Effort -InternetWeek.com
... Just a year into its project to attach active RFID tags to thousands of supplies--to track everything from modular duct work to 250-ton generators...
... Just a year into its project to attach active RFID tags to thousands of supplies--to track everything from modular duct work to 250-ton generators...
RFID Blocker Tags Developed - Silicon.com
A blocking technique to ease privacy concerns surrounding controversial radio frequency identification (RFID) technology has been developed by researchers.
A blocking technique to ease privacy concerns surrounding controversial radio frequency identification (RFID) technology has been developed by researchers.
Biometric borders coming - Washington Times, DC
... States as they enter and leave the country, and eventually verify their identity with electronic scanners that will check fingerprints and other biometric data...
... States as they enter and leave the country, and eventually verify their identity with electronic scanners that will check fingerprints and other biometric data...
Get this RFID tag off my fatigues - The Register, UK
The notion of RFID-enabled troops has triggered considerable concern among
Reg readers. Many of you out there suspect that the DoD's...
The notion of RFID-enabled troops has triggered considerable concern among
Reg readers. Many of you out there suspect that the DoD's...
2003/10/27
Three R's: Reading, Writing, RFID - Wired News
Gary Stillman, the director of a small K-8 charter school in Buffalo, New York, is an RFID believer.
Gary Stillman, the director of a small K-8 charter school in Buffalo, New York, is an RFID believer.
Sony, Carrier Join on 'Smart Card' Phones
AP reports, "Sony Corp. and Japan's top mobile phone carrier, NTT DoCoMo, plan to cooperate in developing a system that will allow people to use their cell phones to pay for train tickets or buy items in stores. They plan to create a FeliCa Networks joint venture, to be set up in Tokyo in January, that will develop a new chip that integrates mobile phones with smart card technology developed by Sony, the companies said Monday."
AP reports, "Sony Corp. and Japan's top mobile phone carrier, NTT DoCoMo, plan to cooperate in developing a system that will allow people to use their cell phones to pay for train tickets or buy items in stores. They plan to create a FeliCa Networks joint venture, to be set up in Tokyo in January, that will develop a new chip that integrates mobile phones with smart card technology developed by Sony, the companies said Monday."
2003/10/26
Defeating Fascism, Again - National Review Online
Fascism, the subject of my first 15 years' professional study, is used so often as a term of general opprobrium that it has been gutted of all serious content in popular usage. More's the pity, since fascism is back, big-time, and it would be worthwhile to try to understand it in order to drive it back under the slimy rocks where it was hidden for much of the last half-century.
Fascism, the subject of my first 15 years' professional study, is used so often as a term of general opprobrium that it has been gutted of all serious content in popular usage. More's the pity, since fascism is back, big-time, and it would be worthwhile to try to understand it in order to drive it back under the slimy rocks where it was hidden for much of the last half-century.
Defense Department drafts RFID policy - ZDNet.com
The US Department of Defense will give radio frequency identification technology a massive boost with a new policy requiring its suppliers to use RFID chips.
The US Department of Defense will give radio frequency identification technology a massive boost with a new policy requiring its suppliers to use RFID chips.
2003/10/25
RFID Zeitgeist - The Feature
"RFID" isn't a household word yet, but geeks are beginning to care about "Radio Frequency ID tags" because of the privacy implications.
"RFID" isn't a household word yet, but geeks are beginning to care about "Radio Frequency ID tags" because of the privacy implications.
Australia launches biometric passport checking - ZDNet, UK
The Australian Customs Service (ACS) will next week launch its biometric passport checking system "publicly," drastically shortening its trial period.
The Australian Customs Service (ACS) will next week launch its biometric passport checking system "publicly," drastically shortening its trial period.
Biometric tech gets small town trial - ZDNet, UK
A trial of the biometric technology to be used from 2006 in the UK's next-generation "passport cards" is to begin later this year in an unnamed small town.
A trial of the biometric technology to be used from 2006 in the UK's next-generation "passport cards" is to begin later this year in an unnamed small town.
2003/10/24
ID Card Venture Aims to Speed Security Screenings
Reuters reports, "Newsweek columnist and Court TV founder Steven Brill is launching a venture to distribute identity cards that will allow people to speed through fast lanes at airport, office building and sports arena security checkpoints with a thumbprint scan. Brill -- author of After, a chronicle of the security and privacy challenges faced after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks -- has formed Verified Identity Card Inc., which will issue the cards, perform background checks and match databases against the government's list of known terrorists. Once the data is linked to credit card systems, the card will offer its holders added protection against identity theft, Brill told Reuters in an interview."
Reuters reports, "Newsweek columnist and Court TV founder Steven Brill is launching a venture to distribute identity cards that will allow people to speed through fast lanes at airport, office building and sports arena security checkpoints with a thumbprint scan. Brill -- author of After, a chronicle of the security and privacy challenges faced after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks -- has formed Verified Identity Card Inc., which will issue the cards, perform background checks and match databases against the government's list of known terrorists. Once the data is linked to credit card systems, the card will offer its holders added protection against identity theft, Brill told Reuters in an interview."
2003/10/23
Push for National ID cards in Britian - EU Business
Britain's home secretary, David Blunkett, reaffirmed Monday that he wants to introduce a compulsory national identification card in his country, calling it a "valuable step" towards EU visa harmonisation. He said his recommendation was a logical development of an ID card system for asylum-seekers he started last year, and plans by big EU countries to eventually include bio-metric information -- fingerprint and face-scan data -- in their passports.
Britain's home secretary, David Blunkett, reaffirmed Monday that he wants to introduce a compulsory national identification card in his country, calling it a "valuable step" towards EU visa harmonisation. He said his recommendation was a logical development of an ID card system for asylum-seekers he started last year, and plans by big EU countries to eventually include bio-metric information -- fingerprint and face-scan data -- in their passports.
Europe speeds up electronic ID plans - ZDNet.com.au, Australia
The EU may introduce a standard health insurance card for all member states next year, followed by passports containing a biometric ID chip.
The EU may introduce a standard health insurance card for all member states next year, followed by passports containing a biometric ID chip.
2003/10/22
Sony Studying Ways to Embed Cell Phones
AP reports, "Sony Corp. (SNE) is studying ways to let consumers use their cell phones to buy groceries at convenience stores, pick up the tab for lunch and pay train fares, the company said Wednesday. The electronics giant already has its own smart card payment service called Edy - an acronym for "euro, dollar, yen" - which is accepted by about 2,700 stores in Japan."
AP reports, "Sony Corp. (SNE) is studying ways to let consumers use their cell phones to buy groceries at convenience stores, pick up the tab for lunch and pay train fares, the company said Wednesday. The electronics giant already has its own smart card payment service called Edy - an acronym for "euro, dollar, yen" - which is accepted by about 2,700 stores in Japan."
2003/10/21
VeriChip Receives First Orders for VeriGuard Access Control
Business Wire reports, "Applied Digital Solutions, Inc., an advanced technology development company, announced today that its wholly owned subsidiary, VeriChip Corporation, has received an initial order for ten of the Company's new wall-mounted VeriGuard(TM) secure access control scanning devices. The first VeriGuard(TM) sales will be featured in the upcoming VeriChip(TM) product launch planned for Brazil in mid November. Launch details will be announced in the near future."
Business Wire reports, "Applied Digital Solutions, Inc., an advanced technology development company, announced today that its wholly owned subsidiary, VeriChip Corporation, has received an initial order for ten of the Company's new wall-mounted VeriGuard(TM) secure access control scanning devices. The first VeriGuard(TM) sales will be featured in the upcoming VeriChip(TM) product launch planned for Brazil in mid November. Launch details will be announced in the near future."
2003/10/19
Finns Ready Law for Tracking Young Cellphone Users
Reuters reports, "Finland has proposed a new law that would let parents track the movements of their young children via mobile phone, even without their consent, in a move that could set an EU benchmark in privacy and handset use."
Reuters reports, "Finland has proposed a new law that would let parents track the movements of their young children via mobile phone, even without their consent, in a move that could set an EU benchmark in privacy and handset use."
2003/10/15
Forgot Your Computer Password Again? Press Here
Reuters reports, "Attention confounded consumers: there's a high-tech solution that could render obsolete your growing jumble of credit card pin numbers and computer passwords -- and it's as plain as the nose on your face or fingerprint...Imagine a quick scan of your iris, fingerprint or entire face to authorize a credit card transaction, speed your way through customs at the airport or log you onto your computer."
Reuters reports, "Attention confounded consumers: there's a high-tech solution that could render obsolete your growing jumble of credit card pin numbers and computer passwords -- and it's as plain as the nose on your face or fingerprint...Imagine a quick scan of your iris, fingerprint or entire face to authorize a credit card transaction, speed your way through customs at the airport or log you onto your computer."
2003/10/14
Cell Phones Now Debit Cards in S. Korea
In one of South Korea's latest efforts to establish itself as a technology trendsetter, the country's three telecom giants, major credit card companies and several banks have been working for a year to enable Koreans to pay for everything from groceries to gasoline by cell phone.
In one of South Korea's latest efforts to establish itself as a technology trendsetter, the country's three telecom giants, major credit card companies and several banks have been working for a year to enable Koreans to pay for everything from groceries to gasoline by cell phone.
2003/10/13
RFID may replace barcode soon - The Star, Malaysia
RADIO Frequency Identification (RFID), a technology that enables that automatic collection of data on product, place, time or transaction without human...
RADIO Frequency Identification (RFID), a technology that enables that automatic collection of data on product, place, time or transaction without human...
Don't Let Protesters Scare You About RFID - Information Week
The subject: RFID. The question: Will privacy hysteria render RFID DOA? Or will CHP (cooler heads prevail)?
The subject: RFID. The question: Will privacy hysteria render RFID DOA? Or will CHP (cooler heads prevail)?
2003/10/12
US Homeland Security Adopts Drexler's Biometric Verification - Business Wire
Drexler Technology Corporation (Nasdaq:DRXR), the supplier of multi-biometric ID cards to the governments of the United States, Canada, and Italy...
Drexler Technology Corporation (Nasdaq:DRXR), the supplier of multi-biometric ID cards to the governments of the United States, Canada, and Italy...
Defense Dept. orders its suppliers to use RFID tags by 2005 ComputerWorld
The Defense Department will require all of its suppliers to use passive radio frequency identification tags (RFID) on all cases and pallets by January 2005, a mandate whose impact will likely dwarf a similar policy that Wal-Mart Stores Inc. imposed on its top 100 suppliers in June.
The Defense Department will require all of its suppliers to use passive radio frequency identification tags (RFID) on all cases and pallets by January 2005, a mandate whose impact will likely dwarf a similar policy that Wal-Mart Stores Inc. imposed on its top 100 suppliers in June.
Military's RFID Alternative: IPv6 - RFID Journal
... company in Reston, Va., has produced a white paper that suggests the military could use a new version of the Internet Protocol to track items with RFID tags.
... company in Reston, Va., has produced a white paper that suggests the military could use a new version of the Internet Protocol to track items with RFID tags.
2003/10/10
EU plans biometric visa divide - VNUNet, UK
The European Union plans to include facial and fingerprint biometric data on travel documents for non-EU foreign nationals by 2005.
The European Union plans to include facial and fingerprint biometric data on travel documents for non-EU foreign nationals by 2005.
2003/10/09
VeriChip Corporation Launches "VeriGuard" Secure Access Control
Business Wire reports, "Named 'VeriGuard-S.A.C.' (Secure Access Control), the newly developed device represents the first-ever deployment of a wall-mounted RFID (radio frequency identification) subdermal VeriChip reader that has been integrated into a building-access security system. In its present configuration - already installed and functioning - the new VeriGuard-S.A.C. reader consists of a high-powered RFID antenna encased in a durable plastic panel that can be mounted near a doorway or building entrance. The VeriGuard-S.A.C. scanner "reads" a passing subdermal VeriChip by emitting a low-frequency radio signal and receiving a return radio signal sent by the VeriChip's transponder...The VeriGuard-S.A.C. system...is now ready for immediate commercial introduction."
Business Wire reports, "Named 'VeriGuard-S.A.C.' (Secure Access Control), the newly developed device represents the first-ever deployment of a wall-mounted RFID (radio frequency identification) subdermal VeriChip reader that has been integrated into a building-access security system. In its present configuration - already installed and functioning - the new VeriGuard-S.A.C. reader consists of a high-powered RFID antenna encased in a durable plastic panel that can be mounted near a doorway or building entrance. The VeriGuard-S.A.C. scanner "reads" a passing subdermal VeriChip by emitting a low-frequency radio signal and receiving a return radio signal sent by the VeriChip's transponder...The VeriGuard-S.A.C. system...is now ready for immediate commercial introduction."
2003/10/08
Coderre denies screening out biometric critics - CTV, Canada
... The citizenship minister has argued a secure national identity card containing biometric data would help Canadians by preventing others from committing fraud ...
... The citizenship minister has argued a secure national identity card containing biometric data would help Canadians by preventing others from committing fraud ...
Dept. of Homeland Security Places Initial Order for Identix - Business Wire
... is valued in excess of $2.3 million and was issued under the multi-million dollar Blanket Purchase Agreement awarded to Identix last week to provide biometric...
... is valued in excess of $2.3 million and was issued under the multi-million dollar Blanket Purchase Agreement awarded to Identix last week to provide biometric...
2003/10/06
Ethics of library tag plan doubted - San Francisco Chronicle, CA
... The question of tagging library books thrusts ethical concerns surrounding RFID technology into the public spotlight in new ways...
... The question of tagging library books thrusts ethical concerns surrounding RFID technology into the public spotlight in new ways...
EU Study: More Privacy Protections Needed
AP reports, "Terrorism-fighting tools and the rise of "little brother" digital devices threaten to erode Europeans' right to be left alone, according to a study released Monday by the European Commission...Policy makers need to work now to properly balance security and privacy before emerging technologies — such as mobile phones that pinpoint drivers' locations — become a part of daily life, the study says."
AP reports, "Terrorism-fighting tools and the rise of "little brother" digital devices threaten to erode Europeans' right to be left alone, according to a study released Monday by the European Commission...Policy makers need to work now to properly balance security and privacy before emerging technologies — such as mobile phones that pinpoint drivers' locations — become a part of daily life, the study says."
2003/10/04
RFID Moves into Public Library - Ziff Davis, NY
... for reactivating it," Tien said. "Does the person have the ability to know if the RFID is on or off?". Some of the foundation's concerns...
... for reactivating it," Tien said. "Does the person have the ability to know if the RFID is on or off?". Some of the foundation's concerns...
Biometric features for EU travel documents - TechCentral, Malaysia
... Biometric systems can reduce patterns of fingerprints, irises, voices and faces to mathematical algorithms that can be stored on a chip or machine readable...
... Biometric systems can reduce patterns of fingerprints, irises, voices and faces to mathematical algorithms that can be stored on a chip or machine readable...
Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. Signs Agreement to Distribute DNA-Embedded Security Access Systems
Business Wire reports, "Applied DNA Sciences, Inc., a provider of proprietary DNA-embedded security products and services that protect corporate and intellectual property from counterfeiting and fraud, has signed a value added reseller (VAR) agreement with Pach and Company. Security industry specialists, Pach and Company will be distributing Applied DNA Sciences' DNA-embedded security products in North America...Applied DNA Sciences is able to isolate and combine unique sequences of DNA codes that become a fingerprint or traceable marking for any product. This fingerprint is virtually impossible to replicate."
Business Wire reports, "Applied DNA Sciences, Inc., a provider of proprietary DNA-embedded security products and services that protect corporate and intellectual property from counterfeiting and fraud, has signed a value added reseller (VAR) agreement with Pach and Company. Security industry specialists, Pach and Company will be distributing Applied DNA Sciences' DNA-embedded security products in North America...Applied DNA Sciences is able to isolate and combine unique sequences of DNA codes that become a fingerprint or traceable marking for any product. This fingerprint is virtually impossible to replicate."
Finger, faceprints get green light for Europe's ID standard - The Register, UK
... Commission's announcement notes that The Thessaloniki European Council
earlier this year "confirmed that 'a coherent approach is needed in the
EU on biometric ...
... Commission's announcement notes that The Thessaloniki European Council
earlier this year "confirmed that 'a coherent approach is needed in the
EU on biometric ...
2003/10/02
Human Genes Made to Fit on Dime-Size Chip
AP reports, "Scientists from two rival companies announced Thursday they had succeeded in placing vital bits of man's 30,000 genes on a chip the size of a dime, bringing so-called personalized medicine one step closer to reality."
AP reports, "Scientists from two rival companies announced Thursday they had succeeded in placing vital bits of man's 30,000 genes on a chip the size of a dime, bringing so-called personalized medicine one step closer to reality."
EU Eyes Biometric Passport Plan - Deutsche Welle, Germany
The future is a step closer now that the European Commission has adopted a proposal to compel EU member states to compile biometric information of their citizens.
The future is a step closer now that the European Commission has adopted a proposal to compel EU member states to compile biometric information of their citizens.
ID theft undermining integrated terror watch lists -ComputerWorld
... Lawmakers and federal homeland security experts argued in favor of wider deployment of biometric technologies and standardization of driver's licenses ...
... Lawmakers and federal homeland security experts argued in favor of wider deployment of biometric technologies and standardization of driver's licenses ...
RFID: Proceed With Caution - Ziff Davis, NY
... to the technology this month in Chicago, researchers worldwide launched the Electronic Product Code Network, an open technology infrastructure that uses RFID.
... to the technology this month in Chicago, researchers worldwide launched the Electronic Product Code Network, an open technology infrastructure that uses RFID.
2003/10/01
Driving dangerously with the Patriot Act:
CSM opines, "Attorney General John Ashcroft is running a dead heat with A. Mitchell Palmer, attorney general in the Wilson administration, for the distinction of being the worst in that job in the history of the United States. "
CSM opines, "Attorney General John Ashcroft is running a dead heat with A. Mitchell Palmer, attorney general in the Wilson administration, for the distinction of being the worst in that job in the history of the United States. "
Global RFID Market to be $3 Billion by 2007
Business Wire reports, "Today, the Wireless Data Research Group (WDRG) announced it has found the market for RFID hardware, software and services will increase at a 23 percent CAGR from more than $1 billion in 2003 to $3 billion in 2007. According to the newly available research, the adoption of RFID for inventory and supply chain management applications, coupled with the finalization of a global air interface standard and architectural framework, will add significantly to the already growing base of RFID applications."
Business Wire reports, "Today, the Wireless Data Research Group (WDRG) announced it has found the market for RFID hardware, software and services will increase at a 23 percent CAGR from more than $1 billion in 2003 to $3 billion in 2007. According to the newly available research, the adoption of RFID for inventory and supply chain management applications, coupled with the finalization of a global air interface standard and architectural framework, will add significantly to the already growing base of RFID applications."
MANITOBA looking at biometric data on driver's licences - CBC News, Canada
Manitoba is considering using biometric information such as retinal scans, fingerprints and facial features on its new driver's licences.
Manitoba is considering using biometric information such as retinal scans, fingerprints and facial features on its new driver's licences.
Putting Your Calls Into Context
Wired reports, "Researchers are marrying the modest cell phone with accelerometers, skin sensors, GPS and a calendar to create a system that always knows where you are and what you are doing, thereby eliminating phone tag."
Wired reports, "Researchers are marrying the modest cell phone with accelerometers, skin sensors, GPS and a calendar to create a system that always knows where you are and what you are doing, thereby eliminating phone tag."
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