Microsoft seeks patent for office 'spy' software

[Flavius22]

Alexi Mostrous and David Brown

Microsoft is developing Big Brother-style software capable of remotely monitoring a worker’s productivity, physical wellbeing and competence.

The Times has seen a patent application 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 employees’ performance by measuring their heart rate, body temperature, movement, facial expression and blood pressure. Unions said they fear that employees could be dismissed on the basis of a computer’s assessment of their physiological stat

http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/article3193480.ece

[Masai]

this is merely the next phase of Bil Gates' plan to rule the world....

nothing to be scared of, just move along

[Meph]

I don't see this working to well for people in an office environment. Most just sit there droning along bored out of there skulls. The feedback on this would be pretty uneventful. I can see companies with a need for High Security using it to catch a mole or spy.

[gaijinsamurai]

I hope this is being blown out of proportion. Scary, if it's true.

[JJC]

Sounds retarded. With fat Americans sitting behind dreaded cubicles all day, I'm sure this software will measure a lot of misery.rofl

[gaijinsamurai]

Lol. Good point, JJC!

[SOG]

i am willing to be reviewed, i am willing to have all of my work double checked for mistakes, i am willing to get bitched at until i do everything 98% right and i am even willing to put up with 3 bosses who have their own perks and pissies that you have to get along with. but having a fukbot-3000 sit there and read my vitals 7/24 like i am in recovery is just going a little bit too far.

i hope they give the machine arms and it blows its brains out from our workday misery. my God the negativity i could feed that thing. they would constantly have to check it to make sure it's working properly as it would constantly flatline.

and **** microsoft. what are they, insane or just stupid? who produces something so invasive and then quips "what a great idea! let's sell it!" what a douche. i got your solution right here. make a machine that just replaces my ass in day to day "fundom" then shoot me. just skip all the testing and get right to the meat of the situation.

insane/stupid. damn that fine line.

[Hot Lips]

Patenting software and having employment laws on the books that will approve of employers being able to require it's use are two entirely different matters. Don't see that happening any time soon.

Next Bill will trying sneaking the monitors into your keyboards and mouse so the software will send updates back to Microsoft, along with other updates you may already authorize your computer to feedback to them, on what areas of the software give you palpitations.

[punchinout]

the end is near!!! seriously!!! lol.

around the main campus, there are tons and tons of posters, flyers and mumbo jumbo about being connected 24/7, while you sleep while you eat, while you sh*t, its crazy!!!

my id badge probably has a gps locater or something in it.

[[WDW]Megaraptor]

I have a feeling that this software might doom MP.net if it were to come into widespread use ;)