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(Mis)Uses of Technology

by Mike Masnick

Mon, Nov 3rd 2003 8:39am





RFID Tags Don't Work That Well

from the ooops dept

For all the focus on how RFID tags could lead to invasions of privacy or how Wal-Mart is going to use them in all parts of their operation, one thing that many people have apparently overlooked is the fact that the technology still isn't all that reliable. I'm sure it will get better and the problems will get fixed, but this report points out that the technology doesn't work all that well sometimes. Everyone admits that RFID systems are likely to become a big thing, but the timing may not be as fast as has been predicted. In fact, some are wondering if the smaller companies providing RFID technology will be able to stay in business long enough.

5 Comments | Leave a Comment..


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  1.  

    No Subject Given

    identicon
    Chris, Nov 3rd, 2003 @ 8:52am

    They have made it to TV though. Last night's Alias involved an RFID chip embedded in a tooth to allow the owner of said tooth access to a vault. Of course, the bad guys extracted that tooth in an elevator - and I don't think they used any novocaine. Technology creeping into pop culture is sometimes a harbinger of its immenent general acceptance.

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  2.  

    Again, It's Just Like a Bar Code

    identicon
    Director Mitch, Nov 3rd, 2003 @ 9:03am

    I actually sat through a demo just a few weeks ago from one of the leading RFID providers. I saw some VERY impressive demonstrations on their next generation products, but they noted that while they guarantee that each tag will have a unique code, the do NOT guarantee 100% readability, especially in situations like baggage handling (if a tag is lying against a metal suitcase, for example, it will be masked).

    Just like the cheker at the grocery market scanning bar codes (or "scab" if you are in SoCal), it might take a reading or two, or flipping the item around to get a proper reading. The idea of RFID is to make current tracking by hand, barcode and other methods more reliable. It will be better than other systems, but it won't be 100%

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  3.  

    RFID body piercings?

    identicon
    dorpus, Nov 3rd, 2003 @ 3:27pm

    Youngsters always invent new fads to upset their parents. The current generation of parents has an irrational fear of technologies that invade privacy. Could the next generation of youngsters make lumps on their skin out of imbedded RFID chips, to outrage their parents?

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  4.  

    No Subject Given

    identicon
    bastard sam, Nov 3rd, 2003 @ 9:08pm

    Don't know, why don't you try it and call your dad?

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  5.  

    Orex

    identicon
    Orex, Oct 21st, 2006 @ 4:42am

    Wow, design is much better from my last visit ,my respect!
    http://best-dvd-pilates.exercise-equipment.be

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]


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