MS develops sixth sense

Microsoft Research India has introduced a technology called SixthSense; a platform for radio frequency identification (RFID)-based enterprise intelligence systems, states Express Computer Online.

SixthSense plays a big brother role by tracking all the assets within a company as well as monitoring staff members' interaction with devices.

Venkat Padmanabhan, principal researcher at the mobility, networks and systems group, Microsoft Research India, says: “The idea of SixthSense is to use RFID technology in conjunction with other enterprise systems such as the calendar system or online presence that can track user activity. We consider an enterprise setting of the future where people and their personal objects such as books, laptops, and mobile phones are tagged with cheap, passive RFID tags.”

Motorola has rolled out the MC3100, a rugged handheld computer, which has a built-in RFID tag to make it easy to locate if lost in a large warehouse, reports Computerworld.

The MC3100 runs on either Windows Mobile 6.1 or Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Pro. The device is able to capture 1D and 2D bar codes.

The accelerometer, Max Sensor, can help businesses use motion sensing applications to put the device in sleep mode when not in use and detect and log when the device is dropped.

Plexidor Electronic Door has developed an RFID tag which is linked to a doggie door and only opens for the pet with the RFID chip on its collar; keeping out unwanted visitors, says Los Angeles Times.

The door opens when it detects a nearby chip, which the company assures is waterproof and shockproof.

Doggy doors are a convenient solution for pet owners who are away for hours at a time or are too lazy to tend to their animals when they need to go outside.