1984

when i first read george orwell's 1984 a couple years ago, it was more to understand (and partake in) the dystopian cultural references & themes than anything. [vain, i know. sue me.] one of the most fascinating parts throughout the novel was the telescreen, the tv that watches you, too. how did people let these things into their homes? and then, almost as if to answer that very question, comes this. it's an application designed by a handful of microsoft inventors that uses "cameras, remote controls and biometric sensors to detect the identity of the person viewing a TV, cellphone, or computer monitor display" in order to provide the most relevant advertising.

for example, amy's watching some gardening show on hgtv. this application will serve her ads promoting home depot's sale on plants & flowers. then i come home & turn on the history channel for some hoover dam/modern marvels action only to receive an vacation offer to the hoover dam. don't get me wrong, i'm all for contextual & relevant advertising. but there's gotta be a limit. seriously.

people: "wow, that's just like google does on the interwebs! that would be great! i'll take three, no, ten, and give them as christmas gifts!"

me: "oh, that's how the telescreens got in..."