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Spectrum: Bitcoin ATMs Hit Canada

John McAfee wants to create a device to block the NSA.

Body Electric

Are you ready to turn your finger into a speaker? Called Ishin-Den-Shin after the Japanese phrase “what the mind thinks, the heart transmits,” technology developed by Disney Research uses the body as a sound transmitter — a recorded message can be heard by touching your ear to another person’s finger.


How It Works
A computer connected to a handheld microphone records the message, transforming it into a sound loop that’s converted into a harmless high-voltage audio signal, which is then transmitted to the microphone’s conductive casing. The signal creates a modulated electrostatic field around the body of the person holding the microphone, allowing him or her to become a sound transmitter. Researchers say the technology can extend beyond the body, turning everyday items into interactive sound devices.


Cold, Hard Cash

Digital currency is becoming actual cash in Vancouver. The world’s first Bitcoin ATM became available in late October, followed by rumors that four more Robocoin ATMs will be installed in Canada. It’s been reported that the machine doesn’t look much different from a standard ATM, with the exception that users are verified through a palm scan instead of the traditional card and PIN combination.
Source: Nextgov


Li-Fi

Researchers at Fudan University in Shanghai have demonstrated network technology that could be 10 times faster than traditional Wi-Fi by transmitting data as light instead of radio waves. To carry the signal, the light needs to flicker very rapidly and a camera connected to the user’s device needs to be positioned so that it can see the light. The downside is that users need to be within sight of the light bulb, but overhead lights in an office, for example, could be wired to the Web. Source: Quartz


NSA Blocker

John McAfee, eccentric founder of anti-virus software giant McAfee Inc., wants to create a device that blocks the National Security Agency — and other snoopers — from accessing private information. He calls his idea the D-Central, a gadget that would work with smartphones and other devices on a small, private network to prevent unwanted access. While no prototype is available yet, the design is complete. McAfee’s looking for development partners. Source: Mashable

Miriam Jones is a former chief copy editor of Government Technology, Governing, Public CIO and Emergency Management magazines.