What a future visit to Disneyland might look like, with some of the new hi-tech widgets Disney is testing:
Digital cameras disguised as lampposts will be scattered throughout the park. If you click on a handheld remote control, the lampposts will snap your picture as you wander around, then deliver the photos over the internet to your computer, from which you can order coffee mugs, T shirts or whatever emblazoned with whichever of them you prefer.
As your child approaches a costumed Disney character, she squeals in delight (or runs away) as the character greets her by name. The person inside the costume was tipped off to your family’s identity by chips embedded in your souvenir autograph book. Then, as she passes attractions and other sights, the Mickey Mouse wristband you bought for her squeaks out various fun facts, enabling her to lead her family around like a tour guide. Just when you think you’re safe at home, the wristband springs to life again triggered by infrared prompts from Disney TV programs.
There are some folks for whom this is a horrifying prospect. Not me. I think it’s keen, an extension of the personalizing technology that Amazon is so good at.
As long as you can turn it off at the end of the day …
(Via BoingBoing)