Variations on the idea of an RFID OS have been floating around for several years. The idea plays a pivotal role in the plot of Vernor Vinge's A Deepness in the Sky, for instance.

As reported in the original New York Times article (registration required), Mr. Wozniak's new company, Wheels of Zeus, does exactly what I talked about: "...Mr. Wozniak described WozNet as a simple and inexpensive wireless network that uses radio signals and global positioning satellite data to keep track of a cluster of inexpensive tags within a one- or two-mile radius of each base station. WozNet, he said, will include a home-base station that has the ability to track the location of dozens or even hundreds of small wireless devices that can be attached to people, pets or property. The tags ... will be able to generate alerts, notifying the owner by phone or e-mail message when a child arrives at school, a dog leaves the yard or a car leaves the parking lot."

The Rights Economy of Permanence, and even the Winds of Ventus don't look so far-fetched any more.

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