http://www.ted.com/talks/john_la_grou_plugs_smart_power_outlets_1.html

"John La Grou unveils an ingenious new technology that will smarten up the electrical outlets in our homes, using microprocessors and RFID tags. The invention, Safeplug, promises to prevent deadly accidents like house fires -- and to conserve energy."

The technology puts a wireless reciever in every outlet. The outlet does not deliver any voltage until it is pluged into by an appliance with a wireless transmitter. The transmitter tells the reviever turn on and allow THIS much votlage. If the appliance starts to draw too much voltage, how most fires start, the outlet shuts down. This also will prevent injuries to children.

La Grou also speaks about "remote control and automation of every outlet in every home and business." I am more than a little worried about who would have, or could get, remote control over these outlets.

The technology has won awards, and it is very innovative and practical. I only worry about the potentials for abuse.

 

Thoughts?

Yeah I listened to this and thought the very exact thing, abuse by Al Gore and the green nuts having control over every outlet in the nation. Just another example of something that looks very innovative on the surface, but were innovation stops the potential for control begins. Like the on star and gps systems, sounds great on the surface but when you realize that your movement is totally accessible by big brother anytime anyplace, that is were it becomes just down right creepy.

Thanks for the post Ashley!