Creepy
I know it's inevitable that technology would get to this level, but it's still really creepy.
I know it's inevitable that technology would get to this level, but it's still really creepy.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Skybox Can Predict iPhone Launch Using Satellite Imagery
- Thread starter MacRumors
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Isn't it a little bit dangerous? I mean we have little privacy these days but now can everybody see where are we going and what are we doing? Also Google bought this technology? I mean Google, a company that wants to control all sectors to get more personal information 
Just curious: Aside from the obvious privacy issues, would Skybox's ability to watch and calculate iPhone shipments, etc., count as Industrial Espionage?
And you don't think that the US Government/Military can already do this to watch whatever they want just about anywhere on the planet?
Google will be watching over you and where you walk and tie it to your user profiles on FB and twitter profile... who knows maybe it's not even you.
Yeah they probably can, but if I may draw an analogy: an assault rifle in the hands of a Navy Seal isn't concerning to me; an assault rifle in the hands of a bullied teen ager or a crazy bigot white supremacist is deeply concerning. With regards to this technology I trust my government more than I trust an entrepreneur who's looking to capitalize on it.
This is news?
I don't see how this is a big deal. Digital Globe has been able to do the same for years http://www.digitalglobe.com/ and can do it at higher resolution and is now adding infrared imaging.
The only thing special about Skybox is that they are located in Silicon Valley near both Apple and Google. Though they do plan on have more less capable satellites in the sky.
I don't see how this is a big deal. Digital Globe has been able to do the same for years http://www.digitalglobe.com/ and can do it at higher resolution and is now adding infrared imaging.
The only thing special about Skybox is that they are located in Silicon Valley near both Apple and Google. Though they do plan on have more less capable satellites in the sky.
How about a giant inflatable iPhone! Something like a 600 inch screen that's big enough you can see it from SPACE.
----------
space selfie
This is awesome. In 10 years, when someone burglarizes my home, police will be able to pull up Skybox surveillance and track the perp and my belongings. The future of crime fighting/ deterrence.
I want 20 of those to put in my back yard. Every night I would go move them around.
That's disgusting and Google would not be above doing this. God, I hate that company. I hate everything they stand for.
----------
That's actually really horrible, when it's getting used on you doing nothing criminal and invading your privacy.
And the other special thing about skybox is, it's going be used by Google. Stop right there. Okay, now, read it carefully. G-O-O-G-L-E. It's main and only interest is harvesting human information to be feed into their Giant Advertisement Machine. Do you think they will care if someone used it for criminal purposes? No. It's not their own interest to protect your information.
Just saying, but a satellite that can take pictures at high enough resolution to identify people and number plates would have to be very big. For example, using the diffraction equation, assuming satellite altitude of 100 km, light wavelength of 550 nm, and a required resolution of 10 mm, we get a required aperture size of around 7 metres. And as pictures of the tops of people's heads, and the roofs of cars aren't all that useful, to view things at a useful angle, it would need to be more on the order of 15-20 m. And that's just the camera lens.
It is not possible to see small things (like people's faces) from a large distance with a small camera.
Detecting a car from space would only require a camera lens on the order of 10-20 cm.
That said, I wonder what the penalty would be for shooting down these satellites? It is certainly something a reasonably wealthy country could do if they got sick of being spied on.
It is not possible to see small things (like people's faces) from a large distance with a small camera.
Detecting a car from space would only require a camera lens on the order of 10-20 cm.
That said, I wonder what the penalty would be for shooting down these satellites? It is certainly something a reasonably wealthy country could do if they got sick of being spied on.
If you're implying that Apple (and any other company) doesn't do any government spying type stuff, then I got news for you. Heck you posted on this forum. MR know your IP address. You probably have a Mac and/or iPhone and bought it with a credit card. Apple knows your info. They're gonna get you man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh and it's their, not there. If you're going to be a hater, do it properly please.
Not just 80's sci-fi. It's beyond scary how we've allowed ourselves to be manipulated into servitude and are relinquishing individual rights and freedoms.
Watch "Continuum" and "Revolution" and you'll have a glimpse into the future that today's sci-fi is predicting.
----------
the missing "detail" will be provided by a grid of low-flying solar-powered drones. Driving 5 clicks over the legal speed limit ? You're fine will be emailed to your mobile device and automatically deducted from your CC on file.