RFID Tags For The Rich

Greedo writes "While reading this piece about designing 'experiences' in the Globe and Mail, I came across this interesting tidbit: If you're a frequent Prada shopper (and who on /. isn't?), the loyalty card in your wallet or purse contains a RFID tag that announces your arrival in the store. When you encounter a saleswoman, her handheld computer brings up your tastes, buying history, vital statistics and personalized suggestions from in-stock and coming inventory; the handhelds also place orders and book change rooms. Every item for sale bears an RFID tag. The RFID tags are courtesy of IDEO, and their website has a nice write-up of all the RFID-powered stuff at Prada, including the changeroom! I'm guessing this isn't coming to Wal*Mart's changerooms when they implement RFID. (Another write-up can be found here.)"

Comments

Not the only store.

[Saven Marek]

I have it on good authority (from an ex apple store employee) that Apple's stores in the US also use these tags, and frequently.

Of course I don't expect to see a negative view of that here, being Apple and all.

Re:Not the only store.

[Amiga Lover]

If they're anything like apple's woeful airport quality, then you'll easily be able to tell when an employee is scanning you for an RFID tag. They'll have to hold the scanner up to your flesh, and leave it there for ten minutes straight

Never seen an Apple product wireless work reliably more than 30 feet.