Understanding New Media Chapters 50-51

Chapter 50 of Understanding New Media is titled "'Smart Tags' and Dataspace." A "smart tag" is an extension of the bar code, used for computers to easily identify information for database purposes. Cell phones are now capable of reading smart tags, such as those found on posters in the subway. They can also be used in medical settings to help with medicine dosages. An additional (and frightening) potential use of the smart tag has been proposed by Homeland Security, which will tag the passports of visitors to the US to make sure they leave the country when their visas expire. Chapter 51 is titled "Enabling Technologies Not Dealt with in New Media" and discusses microelectronics, haptic and olfactory technology, hypermedia, fiber optics, WiFi, Bluetooth, and other communication technologies.