New Microsoft Patent Reeks of Big Brother
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A new patent filed by Microsoft describing plans to develop a system that would allow managers to monitor workers' physiological states through their computers with the ostensible goal of helping them if they become frustrated has left observers feeling anything but reassured. The patent hopes to address what Microsoft sees as "relatively inefficient" communications between humans and machines; none of them automatically adapt to the user. Microsoft hopes to make these interactions more seamless by providing assistance "in the form of answering questions, providing guidance to the user as the user completes the activity, or completing the activity such as in the case of taking on an assigned activity," reads the patent application. Unsurprisingly, many bloggers, privacy advocates and other observers did not like the sound of this one bit. The Times Online noted that "unions said they fear that employees could be dismissed on the basis of a computer's assessment of their physiological state." Ars Technica asked if this patent is "a harbinger of a dystopian future where computer users' biorhythms will be monitored to increase efficiency?" though then determines it unlikely. More likely, this is the next step in the kind of focused user group testing Microsoft and others have been doing for years. But just in case, you might want to think the next time your hurl expletives at a your computer lest you end up in some company-mandated sensitivity training program. |
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Comments (6)
"Microsoft hopes to make these interactions more seamless by providing assistance "in the form of answering questions, providing guidance to the user as the user completes the activity, or completing the activity such as in the case of taking on an assigned activity,"
Dr. Phil meets Microsoft Help? God help us all!
Posted by ed | January 24, 2008 3:44 PM
Regardless of the technology developed; companies should be rewarded for the cost of research and value of intellectual property (one lawful way to do so is through patents and patent enforcement)�ok, so I�m a capitalist.
But I�m also a Constitutionalist; so I feel that it�s the application of the technology which should be openly debated and monitored for potential unlawful and/or immoral uses.
Posted by D. from Florida | January 29, 2008 3:19 PM
Great idea, should be built into Linux and Mac's as well.
Only problem is Microsoft might have a problem explaining why their users are more stressed and need more help because of the crashes, restarts and Blue Screens of Death that only Windows uses suffer?
Posted by Andy Hawkins | January 29, 2008 3:42 PM
Nope - it's going to be that damn clippy all over again.
Instead of "I think you're trying to write a cover letter. Can I help?"
It will be: "I think that you're getting frustrated. Perhaps if you bang your mouse on the desk you'll feel better?"
Posted by Kerry | February 12, 2008 9:02 PM
This would be a great unit to add to voting machines.
Posted by toneyal | March 1, 2008 10:09 AM
This, from the guy who brought you the 'Blue Screen of Death', that wiped out a whole afternoon's work, when you were under a critical deadline, because his bug ridden CRAP was written by slave H-1bs.
His answer? Monitor your anger, and report to your boss.
People, this is serious - a few months ago, this guy came to Washington and literally dictated proposed legislation to increase H-1bs
Posted by Ron | June 19, 2008 12:45 PM