NTT's RedTacton enables "human area networks"

While the idea of a "human area network" that works by using weak electrical fields on the surface of the body does creep us out a little, NTT's RedTacton system based on the concept does have a certain appeal. Imagine beaming data from your PDA to that of a business contact just by shaking hands — the data passes from your PDA to your "HAN" and then travels the same route to your counterpart. Imagine a wireless headset that carries music from your audio player to your ears via your skin. Imagine security systems that can track you every time you touch a conductive surface. Okay, NTT's utopian vision for this tech doesn't include that last example. But it does include ID-verification techniques, such as a smart door that can unlock by reading signals from a digital ID card as they're transmitted over your skin. We'll give Redacton the benefit of the doubt for now, but let's just say that some of its potential uses just, well, make our skin crawl.

[Via Akihabara News]

[Bubo @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

Umm...I'm sure Microsoft will love this, they own the patent http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,116655,00.asp

[Alps @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

that data transfer better be fast cause i hate the extended hand shake and then nobody knows when to let go and its all uncomfortable and my hands a little sweaty right now sorry.

[future feeder @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

Brilliant! But i agree. Replacing the standard paper card is going to take more convenience and accessibility.

[fractal @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

Alps, when the data transfer's over the other guy's eyes will blink three times in a row, this'll let you know to let go. For the homophobic out there, you can change the setting so the other guy farts three short bursts.

Carmi, you have the negativity of a Slashbot! Sad...

[bt @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

And would a device on the network be a ... HAND

[Danny @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

Sweet, we get closer and closer to the Borg each day!

[hobgoblin @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

while i like the idea, i have lately found me wondering what will happen when i touch a metal surface that have no data transfer ability. will the system short and give me a jolt maybe?

and the link in 2. talks about power being transferd along with data, that indicates that maybe we will see a increase in ring use among people. the ring being a cleverly "concealed" flash storage :P

i would allso like a estimate on the data transfer rate and similar.

[Ian Argent @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

I was just thinking about a similar idea the last time I had to fish out my SecureID fob to log in. How about a SecureId gadget that works when you touch your keyboard

[Ruselis @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

All that is the power of transmission of information with redtacton?
( My Englishman forgives I am using a translator)

[Ruselis @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

Which is the power that uses Redtacton to transmit the information?

[Edward Grefenstette @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

HAN? We have WLAN for Wireless LAN. Wouldn't "HLAN" be a better naming convention for such a network? The idea sounds kinda cool, but you can just imagine the concepts of data thiefs running up to you as you exit your company's building and giving you a nice slap on the face and running away...

[Carmi @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

Based on how often I use my PalmPilot to beam personal information to other PDA users, I believe this announcement will have precisely zero impact on any of us. Add to that the latent concerns about emissions and you have a technology that's virtually dead before it hits the streets.

Carmi
http://writteninc.blogspot.com

[Suresh Kumar @ Dec 19th 2005 1:38AM]

The idea of the HAN is good but the information from the human can be hacked from him easily while he was sleeping or by attacking him how do u support ur answer. Give some examples regarding these.