Use of RFID in Apple's iPhone 5 expected to have a 'unique' twist

the8thark · Feb 17, 2011

Use of RFID in Apple's iPhone 5 expected to have a 'unique' twist
AppleInsider | Use of RFID in Apple's iPhone 5 expected to have a 'unique' twist

Apple is expected to include near-field communications technology like radio-frequency identification (RFID) in its next-generation iPhone, but with a different approach to the feature than has been seen in RFID-powered Android phones, according to a new report.

Chris1111 · Feb 18, 2011

A couple years ago I read about a guy who implanted an RFID into his arm and set it up to electronically open up his front door.

How about iphone as master key? For your house and your car. They already have them for some Chevy's I think. I don't know why somebody hasn't done it yet.

MYmacROX · Feb 18, 2011

Does RFID or NFC capabilities in your phone make it easier for someone to steal your info? They already have credit card readers that thieves use to walk past you on the street and wirelessly capture your card info from your wallet or purse. It just seems that things that are too automated can also be a danger.
Or maybe I've just seen i,Robot too many times.

XJ-linux · Feb 18, 2011

Currently, RFID is a feature I would not like on any device that travels with me or stores my personal information. I would seek out and avoid devices with such capabilities. I'm just not confident that the government and corporations have gotten to the point where asking permission is the norm -vs- asking forgiveness (after taking liberties with personal information). <tinfoil hat>

Kash · Feb 18, 2011

MYmacROX said:
Does RFID or NFC capabilities in your phone make it easier for someone to steal your info? They already have credit card readers that thieves use to walk past you on the street and wirelessly capture your card info from your wallet or purse. It just seems that things that are too automated can also be a danger.
Or maybe I've just seen i,Robot too many times.

That was one of the big issues people had with RFID tags being added to passports. Some company even made a shielded case for your passport to prevent such theft.

While I think it's possible, the likelihood of it happening is probably pretty slim.

technologist · Feb 18, 2011

XJ-linux said:
Currently, RFID is a feature I would not like on any device that travels with me or stores my personal information. I would seek out and avoid devices with such capabilities. I'm just not confident that the government and corporations have gotten to the point where asking permission is the norm -vs- asking forgiveness (after taking liberties with personal information). <tinfoil hat>

I'm with you. If they want to track me, they'll have to get by using GPS, 3G, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth. NFC is a step too far. ;D

Chris1111 · Feb 19, 2011

technologist said:
I'm with you. If they want to track me, they'll have to get by using GPS, 3G, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth. NFC is a step too far. ;D

Ha!
I was reading or listening to something about how the concept of privacy may end up to be a blip on the radar in the grand scheme of civilization. With Facebook and GPS and everything the whole concept does seem to be on its way out.