You picked a bad analagy there... our 42" DLP TV has never been connected to an aerial/cable feed and we couldn't be happier (programming content is so bad these days I can't understand why anyone would put up with it).
Technically the GPLv3 is a EULA, it requires the _user_ of the software to do things. GPLv2 is only in action if you are distributing the software.
In Canada it is permitted to listening in on _Analogue_ radio signals, providing that the information is not used in action of a crime and is not re-broadcast/told to others.
However listening _Digital_ transmissions are _NOT_ permitted, so in fact Google did break Canadian law by receiving the said data, even if by mistake. They would be extremely unwise to have done/do anything with data-mining the data.
Mungewell.
PS. As people are generally stupid, I have to point out I am not a lawer and could be completely mistaken on my view of reality.
Let's just assume it actually works as they say and there isn't some easy way to link the random ID the real phone.
Don't know about you, but I have a habit of sleeping in my own bed every night, so the fact that each day is allocated a random tag is irrelevant. The last few lat/long logs in the 'previous day' will be the same lat/long logs in the 'next day'. Munge
Why not a 2D barcode, etched or pin'ed into surface?
DataMatrix (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Datamatrix) can store upto 2335 alpha/3116 digit in a single 144x144 matrix including some pretty robust error checking, they can be 'stacked' in groups of 16. Whilst not easy, these can be decoded by hand and given a 'global standard' it is highly likely that some form of automated decoder would survive whatever disaster you are imagining.
PS. anything that is a 'visual representation' should not be used as a security token, as it can easily be replicated.
As well as all the previously mentioned objects (moon/planents/etc.) you could consider man made stuff as well including ISS, satelite 'flashes', radio beacons from satelites.
There's a real time 'calculator' here:
http://www.heavens-above.com./
These would help you students understand orbits.... even just a simple GPS reciver which shows which satellites are above you would be cool.
Mungewell.
I'm suprised no-one else has mentioned it, but VLC has had streaming capabilities for a long time.
http://www.videolan.org/vlc/streaming.html
You can also use 'a big fat pipe' and get some really high quality images.
Mungewell.
Just one comment... battery life. If each user's cell phone had to relay messages on behalf of the 'mesh' it would probably be flat in not much time.
The HAM radio community already have active emergency planning groups and ideas about setting up disaster communications, the most important aspect is to moderate what makes it onto the airwaves. Watching streaming video of the disaster is probably not needed when a simple broadcast SMS would do.
I have mine set to 'I read your email'.
We are just starting to use Knowledge Tree, and it does have a 'Tag Field' where you can associate searchable keywords with every/any document contained in the system. It also supports the concept of linking documents, so you can manually add specific links between documents.
If 'you' are just looking to index the text contained in a series of PDFs, why not just use one of the many desktop search engines.
Mungewell.
This is not about the technology (the construction of the bar code or the reader software), this is about lock in and a future profit stream for the Microsoft.
From the FAQ:
--
Publisher Use
Q. What does it cost for publishers or businesses to take advantage of the Microsoft Tag solution?
During the beta period, commercial use of Microsoft Tag, including generating, using, and receiving consumer analytics data will be provided at no cost.
--
The whole point of the 'special' barcode is that it is a 'protected' design and can only be used with permission. There is no such a restriction on Q-Codes or DataMatrix.
Also with URLS/content stored within the barcode you don't rely on a middleman to provide the dereferencing service (although you can if you so desire - think minimal URL with reference number).
BTW this format was first used on GameDVDs:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/6570871.stm
http://www.techshout.com/general/2007/16/microsofts-high-capacity-multicolor-bar-code-licensed-by-isan-to-lend-a-splash-of-color/
Mungewell.
If all else fails, lower your standards.
