HP's Memory Spot Chip

Iddo Genuth writes, "HP Labs recently revealed a prototype of the Memory Spot Chip, a tiny wireless chip capable of storing and transmitting data. When it hits the market in about 2-3 years, the new chip will enable a variety of applications ranging from digital wristbands that store patient medical information to sound bytes on paper or printed pictures that can be accessed using a reader-equipped device. The article has an interview with Howard Taub of HP Labs and some photos of the prototype chip." The chip can only be read at a distance of 1 mm, so it avoids many of the privacy concerns of RFID. It has about 1000 times the storage capacity and 100-1000 times the data transfer rate of RFID.

Comments

all in the name

[User 956]

The chip can only be read at a distance of 1 mm, so it avoids many of the privacy concerns of RFID. It has about 1000 times the storage capacity and 100-1000 times the data transfer rate of RFID

Well then, they need to call it something catchy, like "RFID Extreme". I'll buy one to go with my Airport Extreme bas station, and my Extreme Doritos.

Re:all in the name

[franksands]

Don't be silly, you should call it rFiD Xtreme

follow USB's lead

[User 956]

Or, possibly, they could do something like they did with USB. Call it "RFID 2.0", then rename regular RFID to "RFID 2.0 Full speed", and the real RFID 2.0 to "RFID 2.0 High Speed". That's not confusing at all.

Of course!

[morgan_greywolf]

HP had to develop such a tiny memory technology for their spy cameras! :)

Re:If so close, then why even wireless?

[mcfuddlerucker]

>> This is like making a "contactless pen."

Kindly stop hoarding this technology to yourself, and let me know where I can purchase this device.

Needs more range to be practical.

[vmxeo]

Too bad the range is so small. Otherwise it'd be so easy to grab people's sentistive information (say phone records or SS numbers, stuff like that) as they walk by. You'd be able to covertly snag information on anyone- employees, board members, maybe random reporters or thier relatives. Right now it so much hassle hiring outside firms to track this kind of stuff down for you. I'm sure those innovative enginners are working on it though. Go HP!


(note to moderators: I forgot to include sarcasm tags in my post above. Sorry. Really.)

Re:1mm for Now....

[kfg]

What if this 1 mm becomes 1,000 mm?

All you have to do is figure out how to focus Arecibo on it.

Now just stand still while we suspend you a couple miles above Puerto Rico.

KFG