Science fiction is becoming reality..
Is this a good thing or a bad thing? There is new software that uses a very clever technique to see through walls. And it doesn’t cost a ton of money or need a major tech installation team to deploy this. However, the question comes up is if this is positive or not. Will the benefits out weigh the consequences? Here is a bit more on this development:
A group of researchers led by Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor Dina Katabi has developed software that uses variations in radio signals to recognize human silhouettes through walls and track their movements.
Researchers say the technology will be able to help health care providers and families keep closer tabs on toddlers and the elderly, and it could be a new strategic tool for law enforcement and the military.
“Think of it just like cameras, except that it’s not a camera,” said Fadel Adib, a researcher on the MIT team developing the device.
Uhh…the jury is out on this one but cool none the less. This is the name of the company involved:
A company set up to market the technology, now dubbed Emerald, will spin out of the MIT lab next year, with a goal of marketing the device early in 2017, and it’s expected to sell for $250 to $300, Adib said.
And in more x-ray related awesomeness, there is another company making an x-ray product. Flir systems has made a case that can attach to an iphone and see through walls. Would you buy one of these? (hint just make sure you’re not using your own neighbor’s wifi signal to spy on them) 😉
There is potentially a home security benefit and other applications and of course spying is the big issue that would challenge something like this.
Feel free to comment on potential uses or negatives of such a device.
thanks to phys.org for the great info
