Keeping it real with technology

"Just because it's possible doesn't mean you should put it straight into products" is a point I feel needs to be stressed when new technology comes along and lets you do something cool. Take for example the wireless security and ignition systems now being installed into many new mid to high end cars. These systems allow you to unlock your car and start your engine without the need for keys, instead they use wireless fobs or other means to identify the driver of the car. These systems eliminate the need for mechanical security and entirely rely on software and are hence vulnerable to hackers who can in some cases break the security in under 20 minutes, just ask David Beckham who lost two BMW X5's because of this.

The problem we face is it's possible to replace so much of the stuff in our lives with computer technology and the sales / gimmick value of doing so makes it very tempting to do so but this isn't something we can rush into. New technology can takes years to implement correctly and reliably and often those who rush in first get burnt. Would you trust your Windows PC to be a life support machine? Of course not! I love new technology and all the new possibilities it brings but also being a software developer I know how hard it is to deliver something reliable and secure especially if when you add in commercial pressure to deliver something within a set timeframe. I wouldn't trust or rely on anything that hasn't been thoroughly developed and tested though I'd quite happily test and experiment with something that's bleeding edge.

Our cars are already full of little computers doing all kinds of important tasks and I feel happy relying on them doing their job though I'm a little concerned that the ECU in my Fiat is a bit unreliable. However you won't find me buying in early to new technology like electronic braking and assisted driving until it's been well tested in the real world. If you do buy in early to new technology you are making yourself the industry equivalent of a drugs test volunteer and the potential consequences of that can be unpleasant.

Inspiration for this article: Gone in 20 Minutes: using laptops to steal cars