[Nettime-bold] Re: <nettime> I'm an American And I Have a Microsoft Handgun

[Jeffrey Fisher <jfisher@igc.org>]

of course, e.Colt.NET would allow you to simply license WindowsHG-supported
hardware along an ASP model -- an HGP model, perhaps -- on an as-needed basis.
truly distributed firepower recognizing and exploiting the explosive potential
of the networked world.

Bruce Sterling wrote:

> ----------
> From: futurefeedforward@futurefeedforward.com
> To: <bruces@well.com>
> Subject: Microsoft Announces Handguns with Web Access
> Date: Sun, Nov 12, 2000, 06:16 PM
>
> June 16, 2004
>
> Microsoft Announces Handguns with Web Access
>
> PHOENIX--Microsoft today unveiled its latest effort to ensure that the Web
> is accessible "everywhere through everything" and that versions of its
> Windows operating system become "ubiquitous and necessary, like the air we
> breathe."  Speaking to a skeptical audience at CUEC (Conference on
> Ubiquitous and Environmental Computing), CEO Steve Ballmer revealed that
> Microsoft has acquired rights to the legendary Colt brand and has a custom
> version of Windows for Handguns currently in beta testing.
>
>  Brandishing a prototype "e.Colt," Ballmer extolled the virtues and
> conveniences of "wired" firearms:  "Now, whenever I have my gun out, I can
> also check my stock quotes.  Bill can still dash off an e-mail to me, and
> I'll get it, even if I'm out searching for prowlers in the backyard in my
> PJs."
>
>  The e.Colt is built around a fully-functional 9mm semi-automatic frame.
> The grip includes a small, 256-color touchscreen and stowable stylus.  All
> memory, computing and storage functions are handled by a 1 GB CRAM array
> and low-power Intel Cranium processor.  A coiled, under-barrel
> multi-function antenna permits connection with RF, WAP, IGI, and satellite
> networks.  Running on a custom, embedded version of Windows known as
> Windows HG, and utilizing full Bluetooth functionality, the e.Colt enables
> users to engage in most of the most popular Web functions, including
> browsing with full XML support, e-mail, and voice and data telephony.
>
>  Microsoft's business strategy for the e.Colt includes producing and
> selling the gun itself, licensing OEM design and manufacture of
> peripherals, and licensing Windows HG to others in the firearms and
> munitions industry.  "The hardware itself is really cool," exclaimed
> Ballmer.   "I mean, wow!  But we've always been more of a software company
> than a hardware company.  The hope is that the industry will pick up on
> this and run with it.  At Microsoft we just want what's best for the
> consumer:  innovation, and that includes innovation in handguns."
>
>  Ballmer also demonstrated the Kodak Gun-Cam, one of the many peripherals
> in the works.  The small camera plugs into the e.Colt's USB port and
> gathers real-time footage through a patented down-the-sites view.  "There's
> lots of important uses for this," noted Ballmer.  "With Windows HG's remote
> firing capability and personal server functionality, you could set your gun
> up somewhere, then, from anywhere in the world, keep track of what it's
> aiming at and, when you're ready, fire.  We expect something like this to
> be really big for rifle manufacturers interested in building the remote
> hunting market."
>
>  Remote firing is only one of several "remote" functions enabled by Windows
> HG.  The OS includes a web-configurable and web-accessible gun lock and
> safety system that makes use of 1,024 bit encrypted keys.  "We're very
> concerned about gun safety," explained Ballmer.  "In HG we've got a
> key-escrow system to help out law-enforcement curtail inappropriate gun
> use.  We keep an updated copy of each of the safety keys on one of our
> super-safe, super-secure servers.  If a cop or somebody has met the proper
> legal standard and has the right paperwork, we can turn over the key and
> they can lock-up the gun."
>
>  Ballmer also pointed out the potential usefulness of remote firing and
> lock-up control for co-ordination of firing in small groups or squads:
> "Because of Bluetooth, groups of gun-owners can now network their guns
> together and do things like appoint a squad leader with power to issue a
> 'hold fire' command which would instantly flip the safety on all of the
> guns in the group."
>
>  Members of the audience at CUEC remained skeptical:  "We're glad when
> somebody with resources like Microsoft dedicates them to ubiquitous or
> environmental computing initiatives, explained one attendee.  "The
> enthusiasm helps draw attention to the field.  At the same time, though,
> their specific plans don't seem to be in the right spirit.  They just don't
> get it."
>
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--
jeff fisher
dilettant
jfisher@igc.org
O=c=O O=c=O O=c=O O=c=O O=c=O O=c=O O=c=O O=c=O
"I am the brand name. When all things began, the brand name already
was. The brand name dwelt with God, and what God was, the brand
name was. The brand name, then, was with God at the beginning, and
through him all things came to be; no single thing was created without
him." - Philip K. Dick
O=c=O O=c=O O=c=O O=c=O O=c=O O=c=O O=c=O O=c=O



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