This system looks very much like a polygraph (lie detector). Must be tricky for employees in the marketing branch for example.

Guy, Antwerp, Belgium

We have seen too much of the power structure moving in this direction, lately. Retriction of privacy rights by employers and other agencies who have never had such rights before except in times of slavery.

It is a big step in the wrong direction.

Once again, the question arises--- namely: Simply because we can do something, does it mean that we should do it? In this case, the answer is an unqualified "NO". Invasion of privacy does not begin to describe the immorality of such a concept. But then, historically, workers gave up most of their power when they agreed to be tested for drugs by employers. Although drug testing is now legal, by my lights, the laws which allow it represent an egregious wrong. And one which has led to other, more appalling invasiveness. Like this kind of spying, for example.

Essentially the ACLU will have little basis to fight this kind of a move on the part of employers. Drug testing laws opened a door which will be very hard to close.

BillSalem, Salem, OR

Crimanitly, what Microsoft won't do for a buck! It's this kind of junk that's driving people to MAC.
There are two options being presented to us down the road, either work for the MAN or load the shotgun. I prefer the shotgun.

Mark, Yoder, CO

We have the freedom to walk away from a job??? In these economic times? Are you people on Crack? Yeah if I want my children to be homeless and unable to attend school. If I want to give up what limited medical benefits myself and my family enjoy. I wish I lived in your world where I can so casually discuss walking away from my income with no clear future because the faceless corporation who pays my salary wants to literally monitor the very breath I take!!!! May you never be homeless. I've been there and so I am grateful for the social services that got me back on my feet no thanks to the neo-cons/neo-fascists who believe we can ALL just take it or leave it when it comes to employment.

Michael, New York City, New York

First - I published an article shortly after the movie, I, robot came out in which the company, USR, was putting a robot in every home, that had this new, data uplink allowing it to be remotely updated/upgraded, transmitting all of its 'records,' direct to USR, and USR had every personal and gvt. contract there was. Just like Microsoft with Windows going totally 'online.' This is not new. This has been coming for a while. What people forget is: this has been around for a while, check out GPS chip technology, and know that they monitor all this info in poor heart patients remotely right now. So, the only addition is the camera - but we've seen that fail in the workplace. Truth is - the only way this will be implemented is if people continue to be sheep herded by the gvt. It's our decision - so if it's implemented, it's our fault.

cybermom, Bend, USA/Oregon

I don't suppose it has occurred to anyone that this level of micromanagement might actually CAUSE the sort of frustration and stress they say they are trying to avoid?

BTW, I'm impressed with the amount of science fiction being referred to on this thread. I've always said that people who make policy don't read enough science fiction. Want to know where the world is headed in the next few years? Go crack open a William Gibson novel.

Jordan, Phoenix, AZ, USA

I would'nt start panicking just yet. It's a hell of a long way away till this could be implemented... and I'd like to see the staff's faces of the 1st office they put it in though.

Oh, and this sort of thing is going to continue to happen unless people get off they're arse's and turn off Eastenders, football, etc and actualy start complaining about things.. So far the UK has given the government powers to keep a record of all phone call we make for up to a year (this is inforce right now), they can enter our homes without a warrant (they only need suspicion now'a'days) and very soon they're going to put micro chips in our passports so they can track our movement's worldwide

Did some one mention we were a free country? Don't make me laugh! The only people that have an easy life in the UK are the politicians.. Work for 5 years and get a pention for life, have a duty free shop in the houses of parliament, only people who can travel in europe and get duty free.. seems fair eh?

Geoff , Lodnon,

I think this is totally wrong! To monitor email is one thing but to monitor someone's health is another. This is a total invasion of privacy.

Sunny, Hueytown, AL

Just a minute, haven't I seen a lot of what this will monitor as monitored by lie detectors too?
Does this mean that deliberately making incorrect entries will be flashed to management?
Well, it's one way of monitoring I suppose......

Robert, Accrington, UK

Absolutely unacceptable if employer starts to use this as a tool to judge you instead of the output. My previous employer monitored my phone calls and my emails (even the private unoffical ones, just because it went out of the office network). I learned about this accidentally when an 0ff-hand comment came from the boss about a personal comment I had made to my wife!!!

Since then I did not talk on phone and to even call her I had to go to a public phone booth to call her. Luckily my current employer does not do it.

By jove, I thought it was a free country!!! I think it is not anyway, no country in the world is no longer free.

DO NOT WANT TO DISCLOSE, New York, USA

no freedom !!! it is against human rights !!!

franchesca, Las , USA

<< "(movie) Gattaca."

Larry Pingree, pleasanton, ca >>

EXACTLY what I was thinking! People watch that movie & Demolition Man (never mind the intended humor to lighten up a serious discussion within that movie) & then reread this article again!

Anne, Chicago,

So your stressed. Does that mean you can't handle it.
Do you need a machine to tell you that you are frustrated. Other people don't need to know, if you can handle it and if you can't it is usually obvious. I think I would be more frustrated in the fact that I was hooked up to something like that. And if no one is there with the education like a doctor to analyze what is going on then there will be just a bunch of stupid people trying to fix something not broken. something like that. bye

Amy, anderson, sc

This type of technology should be outlawed for the purposes of monitoring job performance. For monitoring safety and health of a pilot fine but for the workplace forget it. Anyone seen the movie Gattaca.

Larry Pingree, pleasanton, ca

Most companies would learn that most of their employees were frustrated and stressed out most of the time. The only good I can see in this whole thing is that a new level of frustration and stress will be created at the management level, which should get very expensive. Ideally the system would be installed before a company switched to VISTA, so we could get an accurate reading on the aggravation level which is part of the cost of this OS upgrade.

RichC, Boston, MA

By the time Microsoft gets the bugs out of this, all of those desk jobs will be done by computers anyway; so who cares?

Microsoft and Tesco will have taken over the entire world, Linux wll be the desktop operating system of choice and I will have retired.

Dusty, Royston, England

I loved the bit about " If the system picked up an increase in heart rate or facial expressions suggestive of stress or frustration, it would tell management that he needed help"
In my experience when an employee goes to his manager and tells him that he is frustrated and under stress the manager as often as not takes no notice. So why would that same manager take any more notice of a machine telling him the same thing.

Geoff Tucker, Pilley,

I quote...

"Yeah, everybody talks tough but how many of you submitted to a drug test to get the job you have now ?"

If they did that in all the offices of Amsterdam, they'd be no staff left. Another question, how many people on here watch Big Brother? That's the reason Orwell is spinning.

To the many headed who flocked to this programme, hang your heads in shame (I know it originated here) .

My computer says i've spelt programme wrong. Now that is frustrating.

ADL
Amsterdam.

ADL, Amsterdam,

RE: Post of…Scot Richards, Beijing,

Quote “Wow - what a load of utter tosh I'm reading in this thread. Some Microsoft researcher has done some research about integrating computers with biometrics and next thing you know Bill is King of the Borg. Forget the fact that it is simply standard practice in the industry to protect your science by use of the patent system.

Has it occurred to anyone that if Microsoft are granted a patent on this subject then they will also be able to keep the concept OFF the market. Or perhaps the technology can be used to provide a better experience for the ill or the handicapped?

Please, specially all you raving born-again lunatics on the left side of the pond, please, please, grow up.” End Quote

Scot…Yeah that’s why they developed the software and are going through the patent process so they can keep it OFF the market. Brilliant, yes that makes perfect sense. But who am I to question you on such things as privacy and freedom? Being that you live in Beijing China, better known as the cradle of freedom and liberty.

As for the medical aspects let’s hope so. Although my fear is like every other control mechanism the government and the power freaks will find ways to abuse it.

From a friend across the pond but never on the left side of anything.

AlanD, Philadelphia, USA

I'm struggling to complete my business degree and you [Microsoft people] are giving me a great excuse to give up NOW!
"How can I carry on daddy? It will only lead to my freedom being taken away. I will become a machine like everything else you find in offices! If they know how I feel all the time, they will be able to manipulate me ALL THE TIME!...Can I be a landscape artist instead pleeeease!?"

This is not the kind of world I've been looking forward to becoming a part of. Please do not allow it.

Samantha Moyo, Brighton, United Kingdom

Let's use this technology to make computer games that, just as you start to think nothing will happen and you settle down your end up being put into a situation that makes you react. In this way they could make games that adjust the difficulty based of the react the player gives. You could still win every game but, have it be difficult enough to say "man that was great" afterwards. I like the idea of that application. I'm a sceptic to big brother type operations though.

Dezaro, Castle Hill,

This is one of the reason why i think that MicroSUCKS will control your life in a near future.

Dennis, plainfield, New Jersey

The bible talks about how the privacy will be intruded before the second comming of Jesus Christ. Perhaps it is only the begining. Those of who are interested please go to the last book of the bible (Revelation) and read it carefully. First it was about the the invention of bio-chips and now this. God Bless Us All

Emmanuel Jey, Toronto, Canada

I guess nobody should be surprised that MSFT has taken out a patent on something that already exists. God help us all when they release the version for Mac.

Ken, Aurora, ON CA

I really think technology is taking away our humanism, if they want to monitor every aspect of a worker then the company should use a robot. As our society is now, we have infused to many electronics into our lives. The companies I have worked for have many times crossed the line, but we are in Silicon Valley, we are the test group. Too much technology to fast will result in a revolution back to nature. We can see already a breakdown in social and health concerns, we don't need more to stress us out.

Grego, San Jose, Ca

You're all being ridiculous. Instead of finger-pointing at the Microsoft "monster", why not consider the companies who would choose to use this software to dehumanize their employees. They are the real problem. Microsoft just made the tool. Before you flame me, consider some positive uses of biometric feedback: more realistic video games, interactive worlds, even VR. It's not all bad Big Brother type stuff.

Cheez, Rochester, NY

I've just read what Jay from Chicago has to say about democracies. Jay, you must realize that our rights are not given to us by our political system or our constitution. Rather an oppressive regime was pushed back and these things implemented to recognize and preserve these rights and freedoms, which are in us at birth.
Anything converse to this preservation -- corporate or otherwise -- is an attack on the very gifts we are born with -- TYRANNY. You begin to become vacant, dehumanized -- you begin to die.
But on the other hand maybe you'll get a promotion for keeping impeccable self control as evidenced by your performance strip. Good luck, Jay!

Me, Albuquerque, NM

If this were an Apple product, would it be called 'iSpy'?

EltonBowie, Mucusville, Missouri

This technology came right out of a UFO crash. Read "The Day after Roswell" by Lt. Col Philip J. Corso. And if you can find this book "In League with a UFO". The Dept. of Defense mixes this ufo tech with our own and tells the corporations to figure it out and take the copyright for it and sell it to the public. But don't ask where we got it from. Welcome to the universe.

Jim, Little Rock, USA

And of course, the employees will show to be highly stressed,
because they are having to use a Microsoft OS and software.

mjt, houston, tx

I am sorry to say this, but I believe that some years ago, Call Centre staff somewhere here in the North of England were complaining that their computers monitored how many "strokes per minute" they were typing! The staff said that they didn't want to work under such conditions, but there was no other work available locally. Also, some SAS-type security companies, who guard safe houses, think nothing of "monitoring" their clients with the use of sensors, that principally detect heart rate and show any signs of undue stress - that's on top of cameras and microphones. It's an easy-peasy way of telling whether your client is being attacked by an intruder and allows the security company to monitor you from a neighbouring room or building. What if you have sex? British Telecom, since the late 1970s, has allowed your boss to patch-in to all your phone calls using # plus four numbers. Add to that the cameras in our streets ..... God help us all

Penelope, Godalming, England

That piece of Microsoft "technology", if it ever gets to be marketed, will end up monitoring viruses -its own viruses, that is- temperature, electrical activity and stress levels....

Edward, LA, CA

Why do these people want to dehumanise their employees so much? Are they aliens that popularise earth and hence desire to destroy what make us humans? Isn't it enough for them to have their trillions and the power and control their money already brought them? Why don't they turn their minds to solving problems instead of creating them?

Grumbles, London, England

Those that would give up liberty in the pursuit of security shall have neither.

Bejamin Franklin, Graveyard,

Has anyone used Microsoft's technology? How many times has your computer crashed? This software borders on the same responses that are used in lie detectors which by the way have been proven not to be totally accurate. What happens when a loved one passes away and your stress level is up? Will that be used to indicate you're about to rampage?Whatever happend to using a supervisor to monitor employees or cameras? No matter what technology they try to cook up to monitor people someone will always be too lazy to use it. I can see this coming in handy at review time. Like any other "secure" software that Microsoft has, I'm sure someone will hack it and be able to prove your supervisor is lying about the company not having enough money to give you a raise.

Ron, Knox, Tn

What about all those laws on personal data protection? Shall I know in what form and what exactly is gathered, how it is stored, and if transmitted to others then how.

Ivan K, Zdolbuniv, Ukraine

Why is anyone seriously concerned about this? Microsoft has never got a damn thing to work right, and this is far beyond their reach.

I am happy to see the level of resentment and dissatisfaction that Microsoft has built up against itself over the years. It is very evident in this forum. Barring some surprise major new software product, they may end up nothing more than a video game company in a few years.

Gregory Scott, Houston, Texas

It seems to me that the perfect application for this would be to attach it to witnesses giving testimony .... ooops! that's right, they are working on real time portable brain scan devices to use as lie detectors. Anyway, just because they filed a patent is meaningless --- and an example of how Microsoft is just wasting it's money with a shot gun approach to "research" -- probably some researcher and in house attorneys worked this patent up to justify their 6 figure salaries for doing basically nothing of value.

MJ, San Diego,

Remember the famous "tricorder" of Star Trek fame? Did you really think that politicians would fail to find use for such a device beyond the benign nedical purpose?
If this comes about, then lets get together and make it compulsory for every politician and manager to wear such a device at all times to indicate level of truthfulness. Just don't answer your wife's fashion questions if you're wearing one!

KR, Stockport,

Oh great... all we need is a stupid animated paperclip popping up saying something like "It looks like you're having a mental breakdown, would you like to..."

I put this into the same category as mandatory drugtesting called "Giving up your rights".

KG, Alexandria, VA

Lorelei from Los Angeles, I have the same thing on my PC, it's nothing new.

When ever I try and do anything more taxing than opening a basic Word file, the stress monitor within the Microsoft Office software changes my cursor into an egg timer - thus telling my to go for a five minute break.

If I really overwork myself and try to have Quark AND Photoshop running at the same time, it automatically shuts my PC down, thus telling me to take a long lunch.

This new development is just an extention of that.

Irwin Fletcher, Dubai,

Easy solution. Close down Microsoft!. Get the Unions to come together on a transnational scale and impose a work to rule and stoppage on any Microdsoft imposed software.
By the way, this all reminds me of Karl Marx's dictum that
a worker was merely a commodity.
Get the Labour Movement to introduce a companion piece of software called 'Lazy Bosses' and turn the whole thing against them This whole smacks of that fascist 'Taylorism' and his Industrial Relations school of theory.
Don't think the French, Dutch or Scandanavian workers will acept this as in these countries workers are actually respected as human beings.

Proinsias, Den Hague, Netherlands

This is going to dramatically increase the demand for Soma, the drug described in the novel "Brave New World" which flatlined everybody's emotions, effectively masking them from Bill Gates.

Dan, Seattle, USA

Evan, a co-worker of mine described an event like this a few years ago. He'd been working for a long period of time at a very fast speed, processing mailroom data in a Windows multi-screen setup, bam bam bam, but suddenly the screen changed and a coffee cup symbol came up like "take a break"... he couldn't believe it. Just because somebody's fast and efficient doesn't mean they need to calm down.

Lorelei, Los Angeles, California

By the time Microsoft gets finished on this, all of those desk jobs will be done by computers anyway; so who cares?

Geminate, Orange, CA

Dan'l, Portland, US/Maine: Employees ARE commodities in the eyes of owners / bosses dude. You tell me you've been working all these years under the impression that you are something else? You wouldn't be at your job if you weren't. Employees get replaced (yes, just like parts in a machine) all the time because they're underperforming or turning in sub-par work. Sorry to burst your bubble. LOL

Besides, the system works both ways. Employees can prove, using evidence from the device, if they're employers tried to work them past their capabilities and to the detriment of their health. I would have LOVED to subpoena that kind of evidence in a liability claim. It would have been a slam dunk!

Euan Sharp, St. Catharines, Ontario

Developed in the USA, but Britain will most likely utilize it the most. It's already Big Brother over there with your surveilience systems photographing anyone in London on average 350 times a day.

Mario, Miami, FL

I suggest that this is beta tested while someone is trying to upgrade from XP to Vista.

Or would that just become an excuse to blame the human rather than the software?

Physician - heal thyself!

John L, Livingston, NJ

If this patent is just for the office then it seems over specific.
For example TimesOnLine could require readers to connect to such a system while using this website. To monitor their reactions to the adverts and stories.

quentin, Reading, UK

Well with 80% of Amercian Citizens owning Firearms and most of those multipal items, it would seem to maybe bringing new meaning to the phrase "You're Fired" only the Employer's job is on the line, It mentioned monitering "stress levels" if put to use those would go thru the roof, Employers don't like Unions ....if they had treated people right in the beginning ...there wouldn've been any Unions..Wake Up People

Lawrence, Seattle, Wa USA

Can you say, "Gattaca, Gattaca, Gattaca, Gattaca, Gattaca, Gattaca, Gattaca, Gattaca, Gattaca, Gattaca, Gattaca, Gattaca, Gattaca, Gattaca, Gattaca, Gattaca, Gattaca, Gattaca, Gattaca, Gattaca, Gattaca, GATTACA"?!

Chris, Atlanta, Georgia

1. People in an office already have somebody looking over their shoulder. Those who have to worry are those who work at home.

2. Those of you using Vista know it is designed to anticipate much of what you are going to do. You probably also know it is nearly always totally wrong, and then it tries to prevent you from doing what you want to do. I expect the systems Microsoft is working on will follow in this tradition. This is because the people who design these things know how computers work but not how people work. Computers are easier and getting cheaper every second. Therefor the moral of the story is you can make a lot of money by getting people to work like computers. But this didn't work in the industrial age and probably won't now.

3. Management has to get it through its collective heads that human beings are more adaptable and more productive than any computer or machine, which will always be less than its creator.

Christopher Hobe Morrison, Pine Bush, Ulster County, NY, USA

In the US, wouldn't this information be considered personal medical information which would fall under federal HIPAA rules of confidentiality?

Joe Skull, Cincy, OH

It would be nice if Management knew who was prone to rampage. Individuals who carry their stress into the public arena are responsible for most crime,that is not monetary in origin.

Morgan Smith, Santa Fe,

Awesome technology that they have created although let's please have an open-source version of it. Great for bio-feedback situations where people need support like therapy, medical and personal development. Should not be used against peoples wills

james, amsterdam,

I'm sure someone who is human will evaluate the data before a decision is made.

Charles, Euless, Texas

Its annoying enough microsoft offering advice on how to use its programmes , without offering its dubious medical expertise too, and perhaps it should work on making its systems less frustrating rather than monitoring how successful it has been in hacking off the working population. Dont you just love the screen that tells you off for not shutting down properly after the stupid thing has crashed???

China, Scotland, UK

HAL: "Take a stress pill, Dave..."

David, Wichita, KS

You would be suprised how much liberty people are willing to give up in the name of security...not to mention the almighty dollar.
All I can say is I think everyone should live as far off the grid as they can.
Next it will be a mandantory RFID chip in your hand or forehead so you can by and sell. For security of course. It won't be long.

Roland Edwards, Scotland Neck, NC, USA

Gee. Yet another push towards Orwell's 1984, with a touch of GATTACA tossed into the mix.

We won't have to worry about it too much though. As it'll be a Microsoft product, it'll likely malfunction more often than not.

S, Baltimore, MD

Anyone who hasn't already figured out that we live in an authoritarian police state had better wake up - and quickly. How big of a step do you think it will be from here to find out the government is using this information for health insurance, medicare eligibility and all sorts of other ugly stuff that I don't care to mention here.

Andy, BigBrother, NJ

Obviously, when money isn't enough, control will be the drug.

Sylvan, Lincoln, USA, OR.

Employers can monitor my vital statistics when they pry them from my cold dead hands.

Biran, Liberty, MO

I for one...will never be fitted with a productivity collar. I hope those that support this "innovation" are the first to experience and benefit from it's use.

Tim, Phoenix, AZ

dont think its necessary in a work area, since this would prove a great disadvantage to the workers who after all are human only, who will feel frustrations and all those emotions a human would feel, this would be an intrusion into their privacy. but yeah, this being used in vehicles as suggested by lyndsay williams, would be a useful idea.
shafa, maldives

shafa moosa manik, male, maldives

Wow
George Orwell is laughing right now...saying under his breath,"I told you so"

Bob, Wilmington, USA/DE

To Lindsay Williams and other scary Orwellian collectivists, is there any privacy (or individual right) that you would not gleefully trade for the slavery of perceived "safety." Are there any real men left in the UK? Victoria, Texas

Victoria, ColoradoCity, Texas

Clippy: "It looks like you're writing a suicide note. Can I help?"

My God! Microsoft jokes have become reality! ^o^

Dick C. Flatline, Hog Valley, USA

Why don't they just chain employees to their workstations and beat a drum so they can all keep cadence on their keyboards? It worked on the Roman slave ships and would be a lot cheaper then paying a license fee to Microsoft.

Jimbo, Boston,

Joseph Stalin is alive and well and living in the USA.

Pushkin Kimok, Amsterdam,

Dear Jay...I hope you're the first to get fitted for your productivity collar...tool.

Tim, Phoenix, AZ

Last year we had a fellow worker drop dead at his desk due to an heart attack brought on by work induced stress. Corporation executives should think twice about using something that collects data that may incriminate them of providing an unhealthy work environment. They might find that OHSA will require them to provide less stressful working conditions for employees.

JH, Memphis, TN

Oh my God, can you imagine starting to feel frustrated trying to find something online, and all of a sudden that insipid little paper clip comes out: "It looks like you're having a hard time. Can I help you today?"

Evan, Tacoma, WA

This technology is similar to the polygraph. That is the machine that everyone calls a lie detector. In reality the polygraph does no better a job at lie detecting than a coin toss. The tragedy is that, like the polygraph, everyone will think this works but it doesn't.

Charles Kormos, Tampa,

I wonder if it will work as well as other Ms products? Automatic updates? Sure.

hotbos2002, Boston, MA

Whataya want to bet that MS doesn't even have anything like this but is only getting the basic idea patented. That way, in the event that someone... anyone comes up with a system covered by this (very) basic idea, MS can 'litigate' for patent infrigement. I suspect that this is not an uncommon strategy for MS and, indeed for many companies. It is right in-line with the ever-expanding desire many now have to 'ehance' their revenue without lifting a finger of their own.

Bill Powell, Iberia, MO

Hello 1984.
Why would you let your employer monitor anything beyond your productivity?
Freedom and this ridiculous system are incompatible.

This is a stunning change from the free-thinking Microsoft of old where they actually allowed drinking on the job and had servers pushing a cart full of booze from desk to desk.

If you allow your employer this level of control over you, your lifestyle, and your thoughts, you're signing your life over to true wage slavery and serfdom.

Enjoy-Paul R. Bear

Paul R. Bear, NY , US NY

Instead of inventing a way to monitor the user and then "help" them when they are frustrated with the software how about Microsoft just make the software work without having to relearn how with each new release.

Tankfixer, PDX,

So....this system could automatically detect frustration and stress in the user eh?

I'm struggling to think of anything I currently encounter in my day-to-day work life that would cause me as much frustration and stress as being hooked into a system like this!

If I was in a coma and in danger of dropping dead at any minute, I would appreciate my vital signs being scrutinised by a machine that goes 'bing' when certain parameters are reached, but to have my boss come running out to check I'm okay every time I have a harsh phone call from a customer, or get let down by a supplier would drive me up the wall (and him, too, no doubt).

I'm sure mobile phones, emails, 'all that new technology', and the 'right now' culture we are being swept into is what causes a lot of stress for us humans - I think I was born about 100 years too late, and certainly wouldn't bring children into a world where stuff like this is supposedly a "good" idea.

Matt, Portsmouth, UK

Come on people dont be sheep say no. Stop just doing as you are told all the while, say no to dictators free life free life free life.

affaiec, stourbridge,

Yeah, everybody talks tough but how many of you submitted to a drug test to get the job you have now ?

Frederick Lehmann, Chuluota, US / FL

New technology is always masked and concealed as a way to increase productivity and improve the bottom line for the employers. For those of you who write this off as, "it won't affect me", mark my words, you will be the first to lose your job or your insurance for high blood pressure or some other reason that once was your own business. Wake up America!

AD, Navarre,

The ironic thing is that MS Software can be so frustrating to use and crashes so often that it actually causes the results it interprets.

sean, San Diego CA, USA, CA

does anyone know the patent number for this software ? i was trying to search it but didnt succeed.

Mohammed, London, UK

Does this mean that the employers would discriminate on hiring an employee based on their blood pressure or heart disease? How will this affect health insurance for employees if your employer knows your medical condition?

Nylsa Barris, Bronx,NY, USA

The first thing I thought of when I read this was is this the first step where humans become wired to machines and the matrix goes from science fiction to science reality.

I am sure there are good uses for this kind of interface with a computer, but I would object if it becomes some observation tool that is beyond what George Orwell fortold in "1984"

William Smith, Philadelphia, PA/USA

In my country, this would violate the privacy act, human rights act and employment relations act.
You would not be able to take the info for reasons of privacy unless you worked in a job where your health status was absolutely critical to the job,
the employer would not be allowed to discriminate on the basis of the data and it goes against the employment act.
Why microsoft feels that they have to disrupt their users rather than improve the software they make is beyond me.
I'm going to get openoffice when i get my new laptop, I will not use new versions of microsoft software, IMHO, the old stuff is lame enough, without adding built-in spying on users.
Also, what are you going to do when you get a phone call?
I would not like that system using my data when my ex calls, or other stressful calls are made. Another thing would be when the radio plays some horrible song for the fifth time that day.
Should I be disciplined for not liking the station my workmates like?

Kiwipeso, Wellington, New Zealand

This is nothing more than a concept patent that will go nowhere. Many of these sensors already exist in the medical field. Just more Microsoft drivel.

Otto Klein, Chicago, IL

Yet another step along the way to the planned global police state as foretold by Orwell, Huxley and others based upon actual, documented long-term plans by elites to subdue and control entire populations. The Gates family, for instance, has a long association with the eugenics movement as do the Rockefellers and British and European aristocrats.

Mel, Gold Coast, Australia

Quote: The system could also “automatically detect frustration or stress in the user” and “offer and provide assistance accordingly”.

Microsoft should address their ability to not frustrate users in the first place, rather than trying to then placate them. Programs that do not freeze, programs that do not pop-up stupid warnings and questions every 10 seconds, programs that do not try to change the formatting of my work without my consent and programs that focus more on looking pretty than on being good would all be a great start.

If their idea of "providing assistance" is anything like their past offerings, suchs as talking paperclips that tell me I'm writing a letter, then I have no desire to use this software.

Daniel Clarke, Atlanta, GA, USA

At some point, I would hope we all stand up in unison to say, "We're simply not going to take it any more."

But, like a frog slowly elevated in temperature until it boils to death, we seem to be so desensitized to the outrage that we just let it happen to us.

trippin, washington, US

Jay and other breach of privacy sympathisers,

The point here is that these corporations function within Democracies - not the other way round - and one of the sovereign principles of democracy is the right to privacy. This vital principle cannot afford to be subservient to anything, let alone being manipulated and undermined by the mass uptake of such a pervasive system. Another sovereign principle is freedom of choice, but if one company adopts this technology and achieves higher productivity so that other companies will have to follow in order to remain competitive, how will the employee exercise his right to work elsewhere?

E-mails are already scanned, websites blocked and CCTV used to spy - these should be the final steps in using technology to control employees.The introduction of microsoft's system is one step away from controlling when and where we eat, sleep and fornicate according to productivity margins, quotas and the monthly software updates they are controlled by.

SCC, London,

Yet another reason to switch to Linux.

Jeff, Martinsville,

Just because someone patents something doesn't mean everyone is required to use it. As some have noted, there may be legitimate uses for this, like the firefighter. People like to get all worked up over nothing.

Ben, Philadelphia, PA, USA

My two computers have been M$ Free for years now, and this is one reason why.

Scott, Boone, NC

As a veteran with symptoms of PTSD , having many effects of agent orange exposure ( to include diabetes , nerve disorders and elevated PSA ) along with general health issues arising from same , I find this to be not only intrusive but totally unacceptable for the job prospects of all concerned .

Bob Graham , Las Vegas, Nevada , USA

Clear and Simple:

I work in IT and the second that any company implements this system, or any other like it, will be my last day at that company.

People need to stand up to this unprecedented violation of privacy, the fact that you work for a company does not give them the right to implement this level of intrusion into your personal life and being.

If no one accepts this crap then no company with this system will be able to maintain a viable staff. Period. People need to stop acting like mindless moths and recognize their importance as an individual.

Victor, Raleigh, NC

how bout instead they just invent an OS that isn't crap ?
Vista... the food equivalant of the McRib.

JT , Henderson,

I'm not an attorney, but it would appear that this type of intrusion might violate medical privacy laws - after all, the information they propose to gather is personal medical data.

If it doesn't violate current laws, Congress can be pressed to amend them and kill this egregious technology, hopefully after MS has spent a fortune in R&D.

Meanwhile, I will cease and desist from using MS products (as a longtime Apple user, I've already switched to iWork and dumped Office - I feel better already).

Magnus Pym, Little Rock,

Jay from Chicago your capitalistic shallow speak is very concerning - and a true example that you are a programmed "cog in a wheel" that is a part of broke rigged system that currently and in a pervasive way benefits the very few-polarization is on the rise-and this is just another example of Orwellian control tactics from faceless transnational corporations. Churchill would not be pleased if he were alive today.

Ryan, Chicago,

If this technology was used in vehicles to monitor state of driver to enable safer driving and save lives, it could be rather useful.
Lyndsay Williams, Girton Labs, Cambridge

Lyndsay Williams, Cambridge, UK

watch "office space"

jnich, titlessville, fl

Won't be long now until we have urine sensor in the toilets, the land of the Free is part of our history.

Jim, Anchorage, Alaska

I have always hated Microsoft and this little piece of news should encourage others to do so as well. I made a new year's resolution to use only opensource products and so far this is working just fine. Just say "NO!" to Microsoft.

PragueBob, Prague, Czech Republic

Since this was invented by Microsoft, I'm sure it has an "Innovation Alarm" which sets off a bell and a flashing light if the employee actually has a new idea...so managers can hurry over and stamp it out before it infects their products.

OP Dave, Overland Park, USA/KS

Don't worry, there is always a way to disable or interrupt such things.

Bubba, Atlanta, GA,

Maybe it comes with an "auto-promote" feature, where the computer finds out that your boss is less competent than you are.

David M, Chattanooga, TN

Corporations are NOT democracies. Democracies bestow freedom as a right. Corporations bestow freedom based on what you have to offer, the value of your productivity. If you don't like this, either start your own corporation or become a socialist and let the government take care of you. CHURCHILL said: "The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of blessings; the inherent virtue of socialism is the equal sharing of miseries." Understand this very well!!

Jay, Chicago, IL

Luckly in America people have the freedom to work here or not. Some may freely chose to work in this environment and may even enjoy it. I hwever would never work for microsoft.

tom, dc, usa

As I read the article, that scene in the movie Apollo 13 came to mind where Jim Lovell (Tom Hanks) rips off his biomedical monitoring sensors and then the other two astronauts shortly follow suit.

The flight surgeon goes ballistic and the flight director Gene Kranz says "relax Doc - it's just a little medical mutiny - I'm sure they're fine"

The point is - at what point do people THEMSELVES say ENOUGH !?

Companies will force this kind of stuff on you as long as you take it. At some point you have to stand up and say "take your sensors and shove them where the sun don't shine"

JB, Dayton, OH USA

"If some employer wanted to do this to me I'd quit."

Exactly, and this is the correct response. If you don't like this then quit, and then employees would not use this kind of software. However, there are uses for it, not all of which would invade anyone's privacy. This article, and people's response to it, is an over-reaction to this type of technology. There are all kinds of uses for this, not the least of which is just the computer being able to help someone out who is having a hard time understanding the software. Whether it's wired to "the boss" is the employer and employees option. This technology has other, good uses.

Spence, Kalamazoo,

I'd like to know which clients of Microsoft asked Microsoft to develop this technology and how they plan to use it.

Jeff, Broad Brook, CT

I'm sure that the Orwellian British government is salivating at the chance to add this new technology to their arsenal.

Anthony, Charleston, WV, USA

As a person with a generalized anxiety disorder, I am hoping for a motion. This seems to be a physiological replacement for the old trick of walking around with a clipboard to look busy. Perhaps an employee simple needs to have an exciting video running in small window to up his heart rate and eye movements. Gee will this "wireless" transmitter be a subcutaneous chip? Say, you want to work here, so get a drug test and have this chip inserted. It will tell us when you arrive, when you go to the bathroom, when you go for breaks, where you are at any moment, and the general state of your physiology. Added to our hidden cameras and microphones, at least we keep a lid on office gossip! You will used to it . . ."

iRobot

Mark Reither, Fresno, CA, USA

So if you're in a bad mood, you should sit there with a stupid grin just because the computer may pick up on it? No, I guess one would need an intelligent grin... And what, the computer is now going to say things like "you're too fat", "stop smoking" "where were you last night"....but that would be a good idea for a sitcom though.... and indeed some diversion from concentrating on the actual work to do....would also be curious to know how any employer can justify having so little trust in their lawfully recruited staff?

elise, oxford,

They say better technology, all i see is regression.

m., laughalon, sd

Gosh, maybe soon employers will want to check urine too!!

Tom, Aurora, CO

I can't believe someone is impressed with the UnaBomber's IQ: he wasn't smart enough to stay out of jail nor implicate himself with his idiotic letter to the press....

As to this technology, as has been said, 'people get the kind of government they deserve...' That also applies to one's workplace, health, and environment.

John Gault, Edgecomb, me

I would advise extreme caution and would not be on board with any brain or body mnitoring of any kind for any reason. Where does it end is my question. In my option, this is yet another example of push towards a socialist society and gradually eroding away our liberty and freedoms. I think this one's really bad because it involves big corporations leading the initiative.

Dave, Bala Cynwyd, PA

Maybe they could tie this in with Onstar and call an ambulance if your computer detects a stroke.

Aaron, Bloomington, USA / IL

There should be a Flatulence meter in the cubicle so we all will know when and who let on go!!! Now that would be a useful innovation...

Bob Jones, Baltimore, MD

How much monitoring can people take until they just simply snap. With this much monitoring a person has to be vigilant 24/7 and never be able to let your guard down. I'd be like living in a facist state. If some employer wanted to do this to me I'd quit.

Adam, Baltimore, MD

Can't people be people anymore :s.. too much technology, this is totally invading peoples privacy!! If i wanted people to know i was frustrated or worked up id Flippin well tell um!!!

Jo

Jodie, Bolton, England

I hear Apple's counter-solution is to not only improve their software to the point of the complete elimination of work-related stress, but also to release an iMac which wirelessly stimulates the pleasure centres of the user's brain, resulting in dizzying waves of absolute euphoria. In the next release of iTunes, apple will include a facility for the online distribution of coffee, donuts and warm hugs.

Jack, Northampton, UK

Great ! Now I will have the proof to sue Microsoft for undue stress etc when my computer crashes yet again today or perhaps my employer when they ask too much.

The Dutch are going to love it, routine paid 'overspannen' time will replace the fag break.

It detects the junior doctor who has just compeleted 70 hours is too tired to perform an essential operation didn't we already know that ?

As an addition to motion sensing games it may be interesting. Perhaps people are focusing too much on the wrong application for this sort of technology.

Terry, Barnsley, England

Wow - what a load of utter tosh I'm reading in this thread. Some Microsoft researcher has done some research about integrating computers with biometrics and next thing you know Bill is King of the Borg. Forget the fact that it is simply standard practice in the industry to protect your science by use of the patent system.

Has it occurred to anyone that if Microsoft are granted a patent on this subject then they will also be able to keep the concept OFF the market. Or perhaps the technology can be used to provide a better experience for the ill or the handicapped?

Please, specially all you raving born-again lunatics on the left side of the pond, please, please, grow up.

Scot Richards, Beijing,

Will you get a free chain with the package so that you can attach the worker's ankle to the desk? No doubt some companies would insist on this to ensure that workers are continually monitored - for health and saftey reasons!!

Kevin Herbert, Greater Manchester, UK

This would not work in the Civil Service. Rather the IT departent would be inundated with false alarms of deceased operators given the sloth-like metabolic rates displayed by most of the shinybums.

Ian Harold Brown, Southampton, UK

There are those who would argue that Microsoft's definition of "acceptable productivity and competence" at least amongst its technical staff, is unthreatengingly low.

And, since it relies on an external peripheral connected by Bluetooth and a Windows driver, it can doubtless be readily hacked to make even Homer Simpson look like a hyperactive genius.

Ian Kemmish, Biggleswade, UK

I look forward to the day that an operating system replaces my brain.

Graeme Blundell, Sevenoaks,

First it will be the 'workplace', then the 'home' for 'health safety' reasons, with all data being transmitted 'in real time' to the State via 'service providers'...This next 'evolution' in physiological surveillance technology is the phase in the developing architecture of the Police State right before a formulation of Orwell's 'thoughtcrime' is explicitly made by their 'Ministry of Truth'....
Therefore, 2 +2 = whatever the State tell you it is

(the very fact that '"I" have to "register" to submit this message is itself proof that relentless 'registration' is now a 'normal' process affecting EVERY activity....

atreyunsu, Los Angeles, US

Computers are finally reaching the potential which was, from the beginning envisioned for them. Without them the total control of humanity would be near impossible, so the indoctrination of them and the dependence on them had to be insured by the, "it will make your work so much easier" propaganda to the adults, and "look at all the cool things you can do with them" with the kids. Very nicely done, to the ones who have brought this about.

David S, Seymour, Tn

Why not? The western world has turned into a shivering mass of spineless jellyfish... terrified that there's an evil Muslim behind every tree. The governments are grabbing more and more power over our daily lives as we stupidly stand by... ever eager to trade more of what we used to call "freedoms" for what the governments calls "security". Shame on us... shame on us.

Dutch, Cody, Wyoming

Maybe be this will help increase shareholder value??
.....before the next revolution, that is (if this kind of thing becomes commonplace it won't be long-unless, of course, the eductaion system dumbs us down enough so we no longer notice what's happening to society!!)

rob, Paris, France

Oh please, please approve this patent application so that I may finally retire rich after I sue the company for 2 X their market cap for gross negligence and multiple civil and criminal violations! Thanks Bill G.

Rickey , New Haven, CT

Euan Sharp: I trust you don't really need your PC to tell you when you're burning out...this makes you sound like a 'mere commodity' in the production line; when unit (with the ID Euan Sharp burns out, replace that unit with the ID of Davy Jones, etc..)

Ladies and Gents, here's one more reason to buy a mac...

Dan'l, Portland, US/Maine

My boss would never do this to me, I'm self-employed. But I'd never implement this software on my employees either, I respect them too much. Nor would I work for a company that tried to foist this on me.

G. Spotczski, Colorado Springs,

Dr. Theodore John "Ted" Kaczynski known as the Unabomber wrote
“industrial-technological system will inevitably lead to the end of human freedom”, I guess he was right. He had an IQ of 167 and was a genius. He just didn’t spread his message the right way.

Sally, Big Pine Key, Florida

Well then that settles it. Linux here I come!
Oh, and my business too.

ncplumber, Charlotte,

The power of modern computers as a tool used by evil humans to enslave the "little people" is far, far beyond George Orwell's worst nightmare. And they have no problem telling the world that they want to know when an employee is "frustrated" so they can "provide help". In reality, they want to monitor your every thought and utterance ... to know if you are a "team player". If you hate your boss, they want to know.
You do know, of course, that search engines in the US are already required to keep a record of every search you make for at least six months, so government agents can request a list of all the searches you've done using so-called "national security letters". And the grocery store has a list of all you've bought either with your teller card, or your "loyalty card". And your credit card company and mobile phone company have records. The government can LEGALLY access all those upon request because those records are the business records of your service providers.

David, san diego, CALIFORNIA -- USA

In answer to Jeremy from Lansings point. The difference between us and firefighters is that we have to work all day, everyday not just an occasional trip out of the Fire Station.

marting, Reading, UK

Hell, even Star Trek didn't have that in 2250

Kevin, Los Angeles, , ca

Microsoft is a competitor in the video game industry vs. Nintendo and Sony. Of the 3, Nintendo has made the biggest gains with it's motion sensing 'Wii-mote'. In an effort to combat this, Sony held off the deployment of their newest console (the PS3) untill they could develop a much less accurate 'sensing' ability for their controllers. What Microsoft is probably patenting is more than likely for there next generation of Xbox systems to further integrate whole body movements during gameplay. Stop freaking out, most employers dont give a crap if your stressed or not, what makes you think they would want to monitor that?

Mike B, West Dundee, USA/ILLinois

What's the problem? As a firefighter I've been hearing of this for years! It's another tool for employers to utilize to watch productivity. Unless you're trying to hide something in your little cubicle, it shouldn't be any problem. You're company may even be able to lay off that no good floor boss who's been eyeing you while you've been slacking off reading about stupid patents.

Jeremy, Lansing, MI

I wonder if the ACLU will allow the software to be ultilized in bathroom stalls?

Mikecolo, Fort Collins, CO

it's called "Telebiomedical" and the authentication is "Telebiometrics" the later is regulated by the United Nations via the ITU-T.

John, Austin, Texas

No surprise!!!

Microsoft is one of the companies which built the technology to censor any mention of democracy on the internet in China. They are a co-conspirator in tyranny just as IBM and other companies were in Nazi Germany.

You know they'll sell this technology in an instant to China, Burma, Saudi Arabia, North Korea, Cuba, Russia, Iran and every other dictatorship to further spy on and enslave their oppressed citizens.

And you know they'll sell it to the US government as well as every corporation wishing to turn humans into robots.

And next they'll build sensors to read thoughts so dictators can read the thoughts of their slaves and slaughter anyone who has even a faint thought of independence.

Support Freedom, Washington, DC, USA

I'd quit!

Bob Conover, Alexandria, VA/USA

Soon the perfect slavery will be upon us...

Property of Us Government, Symerna, MT

Microsoft really needs to work more on operating systems that don't require continual patching and updating.

Bobbie, Atlanta, GA

Microsoft has never figured out its PR problem, this is a case in point. It is so patently absurd to think that the financial benefit of such a patent would outweigh the incredibly negative fallout that will undoubtedly ensue.

That said patents are often taken out not because a company plans to create such a product but so it can profit or have a say in the eventual use of such technology. So when the time comes to have a debate about such software, Microsoft has ensured it will be squarely in the center of the controversy.

I think people have shown a willingness to drop Microsoft. Firefox, Apple, and Linux combined have posed somewhat significant challenges to the company, and their response (Vista) has obviously not met those challenges as well as they had hoped.

People need to keep up the heat on them, there is no foregone conclusion in this war of ideas. Eventually individuals will prevail, and if they don't there will be a backlash against this type of technology.

Dr. Microshod, Anytown, USA

I get very frustrated when my Microsoft products crash or cease-up

Kenneth, walla walla,

Go ahead and develop that technology. Somebody is going to get rich making clothes that will neutralize that signal and make it a expensive, useless invasion of privacy!

Don Wayne, Albany, USA

They really ARE the Borg--assimilate! Let us connect our sensors to you!

I'm sick of all this Big Brother garbage, I've had it. I refuse to be monitored, processed, folded and mutilated. I reserve ALL rights to my biometric information of all forms, and absolutely will not submit to any biometric measurement from here on out.

Time to unplug and live in a tent somewhere.

Bob, Chicago, IL,

Of course, while this technology could be used inappropriately (as all technology can - internet porn anyone?) it's actually not entirely a bad idea. Supervisors can tell when an employee is "going down" due to stress, fatigue, illness, etc. and relieve them until they're ready to perform again. And no, this doesn't necessarily have to mean firing them.

I used to work in an ad agency - working around the clock on some occasions - and would have LOVED a device attached to my computer that could have warned me or my boss when I was in danger of burning out. I worked myself to exhaustion and ended up in the hospital. If there had been an early warning system available, it might have actually saved me and my job.

Euan Sharp, St. Catharines, Ontario

Don't worry, it will all be over soon and it won't hurt a bit.

Johnathan, Shreveport, Louisiana

In response to Vernon, First off I guessed you were from NC, before I actually looked and saw for myself, I am from Charlotte, have you ever stopped and looked at the definition of Liberal? 1 a: of, relating to, or based on the liberal arts <liberal education> barchaic : of or befitting a man of free birth
2 a: marked by generosity : openhanded <a liberal giver> b: given or provided in a generous and openhanded way <a liberal meal> c: ample full

5: broad-minded; especially : not bound by authoritarianism, orthodoxy, or traditional forms.
Now just for fun lets look at the definition on conservitive.
1 a: an adherent or advocate of political conservatism bcapitalized : a member or supporter of a conservative political party
2 a: one who adheres to traditional methods or views b: a cautious or discreet person.
Just go to Websters and see for yourself,

Understand before you Critisize and point blame

alan, huntersville, nc

It's time for the U.S. government to nationalize Microsoft. They have way too much time on their hands.

Tom Holsinger, Turlock, California

These things aren't being kept hidden anymore; they're being thrown in our faces, with those in power seemingly daring the populace to challenge them. Unfortunately, not enough people are paying attention. Send these stories to all the people in your address book, print out the articles and photocopy them, whatever you can do to disseminate this information. Most people simply need "proof" before they will joni the fight.

Burke Hamblin, Oklahoma City, OK, USA

Looks like you'll have to carry a livecd of Linux on your thumb drive, just to have personal privacy that isn't Microsoft controlled...

Dr Small, Anonymous ,

Simple solution - start your own business and use Open Office (or just stay off the grid)...or something like that - No more intrusive big business or Big Brother BS.

Companies will only invest in these technologies as long as the public doesn't resist. If people shrug and turn their backs on the intrusive technologies and systems that now exist, companies will have no incentive to continue using such technologies. If your company wants to spy on your every move, you can either leave the company, or be a coward. Collecting a paycheck is not a valid excuse for forfeiting your freedom and privacy.

Stop being weak-kneed and

John Galt, SLC, UT, USA

I can't help but ask...is this a medical device, is the data it creates protected under HIPAA and other privacy laws. Talk about big brother.

Arleen Zank, Vienna, VA, USA

This takes micro-managing to a whole new level! Scary....

Kelly, Atlanta, Ga, USA

My guess it that it will not be used to monitor the users of Windows based systems. Otherwise it would show that all users are frustrated all the time...

Brad, cols, oh us

Do you think it will be able to detect evil thoughts about Bill Gates and Microsoft? Right now, I'd like to take my Zune and shove it .... never mind.

Steve Jobs, Los Angeles, Louisiana

It's simply ridiculous and the technology is doomed to failure. People are smarter and will know how to dodge a stupid monitoring system.

Saurabh Sircar, Philadelphia, USA

Insist the workplace adopts Linux. Problem solved.

Dwight Vandryver, Scholar Green, Cheshire

The various intelligence agencies have been doing this for decades, along with lots of other human tweeking. In a little while, we'll all be "motivated from within" to perform tricks for our "employers" and many others.

James Johnson, New York, New York, USA

Hook me up, go ahead. I'll let them know what I'm thinking, he heh ehehe... wonder what Patrick McGoohan would say about this?

Matt, Rochester, NY USA

"The system could also 'automatically detect frustration or stress in the user' and 'offer and provide assistance accordingly'."
If they use the animated paper clip to reassuringly offer help I can imagine a lot of computers being hurled through office windows.
Having chained most of the world to his bloated, wasteful software, Bill Gates obviously thinks the time is right to take over our lives.
Would you believe I got an error message while trying to send this which actually admitted Windows Vista caused the problem and offering a download of huge size to fix it?
Grrrrrr!

David Joss, Mathoura, NSW, Australia

Can you say lawsuit. The way to stop this type of fascism is thru the courts. Privacy of though, for God's sake!

Ed, Houston, TX

Chances are that if someone sitting in front of a computer is getting frustrated, it's because they are using Microsoft software. So what is Microsoft's soution? Instead of improving their software so that it doesn't cause so much stress and rage, they develop a system to monitor the hapless worker drones, letting management quickly dispose of the ones who have been driven insane by Microsoft's other defective products.

Interesting strategy...

Jon, Gainesville, FL, USA

Where do you think all of this "innovation" is coming from, Vernon? The US and European companies have exported the jobs to China and they look at the possibilities of total control here, and say, why not. We have to stop the fascists in their tracks.

Ed, Houston, TX

Microsoft is a fascist company. People should wake up and stop using their products. Only bankrupting them we
can hope to stop this monster.

vivek, New York, usa

Vernon,
If you knew what was good for you, you'd be following our suggestions anyway and we wouldn't have to make them into laws. This is all for your own good.

Steve, San Francisco, CA. USA

They did exactly this in Orwell's "1984" ...

Big Don, Kent, WA

Over and above the whole 'big brother' issue; the current on-screen 'problem resolution' messages from Microsoft make me want to scream and throw things; so I can't see them as a realistic provider of calming thoughts...

Lesley, Tyne and Wear, UK

This will serve no purpose other than to humiliate and intimidate! That is the purpose of this software. It is Fascist through and through! Forget blood pressure,, forget about the heart rate! How productive is the person??!! Some people handle stress well and actually perform well under stress. My god,, this is insane!! Some employer puts this crap on employees laptops they will not need to peer inside their brains to see what they will think of it,,, all they need do is pick up what is left of the laptop!

Mike, williamsport, USA, PA

I wouldn't touch Microshaft stuff with your hand and mine are OK.
see this, http://www.apple.com/macbookair/#ad

RON, VALLEY CENTER, Ca. USA

Hahaha.....between them and the FBI, they'll have us all wrapped and parcelled in time for next Xmas....
It getting ridiculous...
pazz

pazz, london, uk

Its funny how the liberals are doing the real spying!
And they also want to control your smoking
cellphone use
texting
how much eletricity you use in california
what kind of car you can drive
what fats you can eat
and now we are surprised that Microsoft has invented a spy on user software
that im sure China will find a use for!

Vernon, Hillsborough, USA / NC