CNet has an article (http://news.com.com/2100-1019-1023934.html?part=dtx&tag=ntop) that talks about Wal-Mart's attempt (and termination) of its pilot RFID project. It might be of interest to folks who were discussing the use of RFID technology in Pal Mickey. Some interesting parts:...the technology has drawn barbs from consumer privacy groups that worry about potential abuses if product-tracking tags are allowed to follow people from stores into their homes.

Wal-Mart's proposed smart-shelf system was designed to pick up data transmitted from microchips embedded in Gillette product packaging, alerting store managers via computer when stock is running low on the shelf or when items may have been stolen--two informative and powerful measurements in the retail business.

:confused:

"...follow people from stores into their homes"???

That is entirely impossible with the technology being proposed. These RFID sensors have a range of a few feet and are on the shelves. Am I missing something here?

Originally posted by Ghoulish Delight
That is entirely impossible with the technology being proposed. These RFID sensors have a range of a few feet and are on the shelves. Am I missing something here?

I was thinking the same thing. They would need thousands of recivers placed around the country if they wanted to track you.

I'd have to agree with DF, and GD. I really don't see the point of canceling the trial. Most people end up throwing the packaging away.

I mean, this is almost like the little SensorMatic strips, but to the next level. ;)

Whew! That is kinda scary! It's like they can see you all the time!

Originally posted by mrfantasmic
Whew! That is kinda scary! It's like they can see you all the time! Umm, no. It's nothing like that. They can tell if the product is on the shelf or not. Within a range of a few feet. They don't tag the customers, and they can't track the product one it's left the store.

Ahh, so it was just a freak out effect of what COULD happen, then. That makes me feel a little better. I suppose there would be a way to decode the items so they werent tracked once checked.