The Intelligent Pistol, from Armatix, can only fire when it is within ten inches from a watch, with which it synchronizes. (Credit: Daniel Terdiman/CNET)
CNET
Gun violence in the US is an all too common occurrence. Almost every day, there's a new school shooting or a report of someone's kid getting shot accidentally. Could technology come to the rescue?
A group spearheaded by angel investing kingpin Ron Conway thinks it can, and it has $4 million that says so.
A press conference downtown here on Tuesday, the Smart Tech Challenges Foundationlaunched the first of four $1 million challenges aimed at inspiring the kinds of innovation that could help lead to safer guns -- and a reduction in the number of tragic deaths and injuries that make the headlines nearly every day.
Although the foundation's leaders aren't naïve enough to believe that they can stop all gun violence, or bring technology to all firearms, their goals are simple: Help entrepreneurs and innovators bring new technologies to market that make it far harder for guns that fall into the wrong hands to hurt people. They think that the kinds of smart technologies already being used to track and lock devices like smart phones may well be the key.
"The (U.S. Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms) reports that a quarter of its criminal gun trafficking involves stolen guns," said San Francisco police chief Greg Suhr at the press conference. "Guns do kill people. We need to have better gun control....Our [legislative] efforts to date have not been very successful, but...maybe there's more than one way to skin a cat."
Technology like this hold promise to reduce firearm deaths and injuries. I would call on developers to initially field their products in law enforcement and military where constant use by a large controlled group will provide accurate data about the effectiveness of the designs and any malfunctions can be documented through the use of the trained observers using the firearms.
ReplyDeleteAs flaws are fixed and reliability improves, civilians will see the promise in the new technology and sales in the private consumer market will explode, much like the demand for other military and police small arms.
The problem is that while a watch is a convenience, a gun isn't needed until it's needed right now. Batteries have a way of dying, and computers have a way of hanging up. This could add a whole new meaning to the term, the blue screen of death.
ReplyDeleteGreg, check the first comment to see what is a reasonable response to the new technologies. You are so biased and defensive, you can see no good in anything that you perceive as critical to your world view.
DeleteWere you so skeptical about cell phone technology?
"Were you so skeptical about cell phone technology?"
DeleteThinking back on my experiences with cell phone tech, perhaps that isn't such a good comparison Mike. And while cell phones have become widespread, traditional phone service is still being offered. Plus users weren't required to buy cell service after the service came on the market.
Unfortunately, the way I suggested isn't being done that way. Its being mandated by the government before it has become a proven technology. So the citizens will get to become the guinea pigs, and the government employees will likely be exempt.
Mikeb, my response was reasonable as well, but you have some desperate need to lash out at everything you disagree with.
DeleteAnd by the way, the correct verb for my thoughts about cell phones isn't were. It's are. I'm still skeptical about them. They're useful, but bloody annoying.
Also, while you're talking reasonable, note that Sarge doesn't support mandates. You love mandates, making you the unreasonable one here.
. "They're useful, but bloody annoying."
DeleteMight wanna try using the 'off'' button?
orlin sellers
If a mass killer is shooting, it would be nice to be able to turn his gun off.
ReplyDeleteBut there's no way to restrict that technology only to law enforcement. Hackers would figure out in short order how to turn off the guns of police.
DeleteThat would be a troubling capability. Especially with the advent of technologically astute criminals out there. There would be the potential for the guns of the good guys being turned off also.
DeleteWho knows what kind of technology is coming. We might be well able to solve those problems. Sounds like you don't even want to try.
DeleteYou might be correct Anon, but having the government force the technology on us before it's reliable isn't the way to do it.
DeleteI didn't say that and I would not support mass usage of an untried technology.
DeleteAnonymous, could you state what your position is? You express a wish to be able to turn off a mass shooter's gun, but when challenged, you back away.
DeletePlease don't distort what I said. I'm not backing away, I'm not a technology expert. I consider that the technology is within our ability to create, if we try, which you won't even consider.
DeleteYou don't want people to call you names, but you infer dishonesty where none exist, there is no other term for the falsehoods you write.
You admit that you don't know about the technology in question, but still want something installed, even when you don't know if it will work?
DeleteBut if we're back to tossing insults, I'm done talking to you.
Since you have nothing but lies, you are nothing but a liar.
DeleteSince I tried civility and you lie about what I say, it is you who are back to insults and I will respond in kind. You deserve nothing better, being a cowardly criminal liar.
Let me ask you this, do you think iPhone thefts are no longer a problem?
ReplyDelete