The next generation of communications systems could be built with a sewing machine. To make communications devices more reliable, researchers are finding ways to incorporate radio antennas directly into clothing, using plastic film and metallic thread. And you’ll be able to POWER your phone and other hand-held devices with your SHOES, just by walking (And Anne Strieber’s famous diet book has a special chapter on exercise titled "The Tyranny of the Body," in which she states unequivocally that walking is the very best exercise there is).
read more

Engineers who work for giant telecommunications companies or small start-ups are inventing products that can send messages–from a diaper that lets parents know their baby needs changing, to slippers that can tell when your grandmother might be about to fall down and break her hip. Finnish engineer Jari Arkko connected his house to a wireless network so he can get updates on his computer or cell phone when the front door opens, the laundry is dry or his toast pops up. It took him only 20 minutes to connect his toaster to Facebook.
read more

Everyone is spying on everyone else (NOTE: Subscribers can still listen to this show): Robert Murdoch’s News Corporation has gotten into trouble for hacking into the phones of politicians, royalty, and the relatives of 911 victims and the parents of a murdered little girl. WickiLeaks has gotten into trouble for hacking into military and government internet communications. Twitter is judging you.
read more