I'm not a high-level geek like a few others on here...but I'm sure everyone can appreciate the problem in this. Most consumers in the computer market have no need whatsoever for 64-bit processors, more than 4 gigs of memory, etc. You know what 99% of Americans use their computers for? Chatting, typing, email, porn, and mp3s. The ones who use it as their premier gaming platform might want all of the extra shit, but you know what? If there hadn't been a single upgrade past Pentium 200 MMX (and that's being generous), most people wouldn't care. Sorry. I know that all of the extra muscle is needed for some high-tech industries, but that's the exception, not the rule. When Intel comes out with a 3 GHz processor, the market doesn't care in the slightest.
I guess my point is that hundreds of millions of dollars are going to R&D for superfast processors, but the software industry (thankfully) isn't coming up for any mainstream uses for such a powerful processor. I say thankfully because North America has had about all of the mindless consumerism it can handle.
They're struggling to make it possible for a device to read the information from 24 inches away. You guys are worried about this thing transmitting your VIN; if someone is 24 inches (or less) away from your car, they can just look at the VIN printed clearly on the front of your car. Additionally, the tires will cost extra and customers are being given the OPTION of buying this particular breed of tires. Do I think it's pretty stupid for there to be electronic devices in my tire? You bet. Do I think it would be easier to be provided with a "made on" date printed directly on the tire? Hell yeah. But if I were truly concerned about my privacy, I wouldn't be driving around with metallic plates identifying me as the owner of the car, my address, etc.
Anyway, how hard would it be to remove the device?
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I guess my point is that hundreds of millions of dollars are going to R&D for superfast processors, but the software industry (thankfully) isn't coming up for any mainstream uses for such a powerful processor. I say thankfully because North America has had about all of the mindless consumerism it can handle.
Anyway, how hard would it be to remove the device?