Apple RFID networking in the works

Yeah yeah, we're tired of all the RFID passport hype -- how about something useful that actually provides some kind of security? Well it looks like Apple might do RFID tech some justice with its new RFID Network Arrangement patent that was posted today. The base station (a wireless networking device like an Airport Express or Extreme) holds an RFID transceiver, while other wireless network devices to be connected have RFID tags. When the two come within close proximity of each other, information is exchanged even if the device is powered off. After it's powered on the device then reads the data to establish a limited connection that's used to exchange authentication and encryption parameters that will establish a sweet secure network connection without having to manually enter a passkey. We're pumped to see what Apple actually does with these new developments, and more specifically, what new / existing products will sport the tags -- but if you're adamantly anti-RFID, feel free to go hang out with these guys.

[Via Unwired View]

[MacVicta @ Mar 8th 2007 8:39PM]

Even more of a reason to join us.

http://www.apple.com/getamac/

[Juaquin @ Mar 8th 2007 9:39PM]

Great. If Apple makes RFID "cool" and it becomes widely adopted, we're screwed. Please, Apple, for humanity's sake - don't!

[Aaron @ Mar 8th 2007 9:58PM]

Anyone else sick of Apple stories, and the resulting jackass(es) posting "ZOMG SEE MAC R GOOD" comments?

...I'm the only one??????

[ElvisLives @ Mar 8th 2007 10:00PM]

It's a patent application, not a patent.

[Bluephoenix @ Mar 8th 2007 10:20PM]

Are those Microsoft Visio symbols, or is it just me?

now what would vehemently anti-microsoft apple be doing using Visio diagrams to apply for patents?

[jonv-gen1 @ Mar 8th 2007 11:19PM]

@Bluephoenix:

1. Apple doesn't write patent applications, external law firms do. Those firms use whatever tools are appropriate.

2. How can you tell from a few boxes and lines that Visio created them? Those look like standard-style patent diagrams to me.

[Rick @ Mar 8th 2007 10:59PM]

Since when is Apple vehemently against Microsoft? Jobs has consistently talked about partnering with them. Just because Apple always outshines Microsoft, fans spew vitriol. That's fanboyism, not Apple policy. Considering that they are now allowing Windows to run on their computers, exactly how much "hate" is there?

There's a difference between recognizing inequalities in the work produced by both companies and hate.

Critical thinking is good. Try it, sometime, Bluepheonix.

[Bluephoenix @ Mar 9th 2007 11:30AM]

well, try looking at some of the get-a-mac (mac vs pc) ads.

I use vista and some of the portrayals of vista there are completely inaccurate; especially about UAC.

the only time it asks repeatedly is on initial setup, and after that just tell it to remember your choices.

its much better then typing sudo etc. every few lines when doing installation for some Mac OSX stuff

as for how I can tell its visio, the laptop and WAP icons used are fairly distinct.

and for the critical thinking comment, my reaction was meant to be a humorous observation, coupled with my personal experiences/perceptions of apple as a company. your impressions may be different; it all comes down to point of view.

[nikster @ Mar 9th 2007 12:11AM]

The only surprise here is that Apple seems to be the only tech company that's able to innovate in the end user space. They use RFID to get rid of passkeys - brilliant.

Why didn't any one else think of it - again?

A lot of companies make things smaller and faster and add more features but only Apple actually makes things easier to use. I wonder why that is? Why the disregard for innovation and end user experience by the other HW companies?

Microsoft, of course, is headed in the opposite direction with Vista being harder to use than XP in nearly all respects.

[IOTA @ Mar 9th 2007 11:24AM]

nikster, I believe someone did already think of this:
http://www.nxp.com/applications/connectivity/nfc_mobile/network_setup/index.html
It has been touted by NXP (formerly Philips semi) since they started shipping NFC-enabled ASICs.

Do you really think that consumer-facing, device-maker Apple, would come up with this before the companies that design the integrated circuits (that would actually be used)? This fanboyist attitude has to stop....please.

No device on the market can do this currently, and retrofitting is NOT an option.

[YankInOz @ Mar 9th 2007 2:30AM]

@ElvisLives
It was a patent application filed on 6 September 2005 - it is now a patent as of 8 March 2007.
You would not see it until it was out of pending status.
Before you make a statement about how IP works, maybe you need ot read a bit of the dcoument. In this case the top sections prior to any claims.