I had to check the calendar with this story, just to make sure we weren't quickly approaching April, but the UK's Daily Mail is carrying a story today about Microsoft developing an integrated worker monitoring system into new software aimed at improving workplace efficiency.
The new software would be capable of monitoring heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, movement and facial expression of workers all via wireless sensors.
Sound crazy? Check out the story here:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/...
As if it wasn't bad enough that NSA has a 'router room' at AT&T monitoring phone calls, internet use and e-mails, now Microsoft is developing Big Brother software to monitor your physical state?
From the article:
Microsoft is developing Big Brother-style software capable of remotely monitoring a worker's productivity, competence and physical wellbeing, it was revealed today.
A patent application has been filed by the company for a computer system that links workers to their computers via wireless sensors that measure their metabolism.
The system would allow managers to monitor their employees' performance by measuring their body temperature, heart rate, movement, facial expression and blood pressure.
And it gets worse when we see what will be done with that information:
Microsoft has submitted a patent application in the US for a "unique monitoring system" that could link workers to their computers.
The application states that wireless sensors could read heart rate, brain signals, respiration rate, body temperature movement, facial movements, facial expressions and blood pressure.
The system could also "automatically detect frustration or stress in the user" and "offer and provide assistance accordingly."
Physical changes to an employee would be matched to an individual psychological profile based on a worker's weight, age and health.
If the system picked up that the worker had an increased heart rate, or showed facial expressions suggestive of stress or frustration, it would tell management that he needed help.
Well, isn't that just dandy...surely a real morale booster. Maybe someone could suggest having an IV interface that could administer the appropriate drugs to counteract stress and improve productivity!