Google Glass Gets Creepier

A Google Glass app titled NameTag will allow the user to access online information about a stranger merely by looking at them.

NameTag uses facial recognition technology that will allow you to take a snapshot of the person you forgot or the cute person at the bar and send the picture to NameTag’s servers, where it will be compared to pictures available on social media sites. If a match is found, then the picture is sent back with the person’s name, as well as other significant personal details, including hobbies, interests, and even their current relationship status. If a criminal record is also found in the public record, it will flash in nice big red letters.

Google says that facial recognition apps are against their developer policies and will not be available through them. Nevertheless, Sen. Al Franken is concerned and has written the creators of NameTag to ask that they not release it.

“According to promotional materials, NameTag lets strangers get a broad range of personal information—including a person’s name, photos, and dating website profiles—simply by looking at that person’s face with the Glass camera,” writes Franken. “This is apparently done without that person’s knowledge or consent, which crosses a bright line for privacy and personal safety.” We may well be heading toward a world in which facial recognition is as ubiquitous (and maybe as welcome) as caller i.d., but Franken wants Tussey to hold off until the law catches up with what technology is capable of.

NameTag's developers posted a demo in December.

Purity Ball Tickets: $69

For a mere $69 each, fathers and their virginal teen daughters can cavort at a grand Purity Ball which will culminate in a celebration of intact hymens.

Dads, escort your daughter to an unforgettable event where hundreds of young ladies dressed in formal attire and their dashing fathers will celebrate purity! This extraordinary evening includes an elegant atmosphere, pictures, gourmet dinner and dessert, flowers, music and other surprises sure to delight both father and daughter. Legacy’s President and popular speaker, Carrie Abbott, will deliver a unique message to dads and daughters and our Master of Ceremonies will facilitate a purity covenant.

From the FAQ page:

Will fathers/daughters feel comfortable at the Purity Ball if they don’t regularly attend church? Answer: Yes! In fact this would be a great opportunity to expose pre-Christian friends to the love of Jesus Christ in a non-threatening way. It will be an uplifting event for all who attend!

Pre-Christian. That's a new one. Source.

Today In Creepy Realistic Animation

From a company called Activision:

This animated character is being rendered in real-time on current video card hardware, using standard bone animation. The rendering techniques, as well as the animation pipeline are being presented at GDC 2013, "Next Generation Character Rendering" on March 27. The original high resolution data was acquired from Light Stage Facial Scanning and Performance Capture by USC Institute for Creative Technologies, then converted to a 70 bones rig, while preserving the high frequency detail in diffuse, normal and displacement composite maps. It is being rendered in a DirectX11 environment, using advanced techniques to faithfully represent the character's skin and eyes.

The porn applications will doubtlessly come immediately.

RELATED: NPR reminds us of the Uncanny Valley.

Does this next-generation animation cross the so-called "uncanny valley?" The term was coined in 1970 by the Japanese roboticist Masahiro Mori. He said humans can relate to robots — think R2-D2 — but once they get too humanlike, but not close enough — think the animated Angelina Jolie in Beowulf — they feel disgust. That disgust — that "uncanny valley" — subsides at the other side: when the robot is indistinguishable from reality.  So, have we crossed that valley with this animation?

Today In Super-Creepy Christian Toys

Viciously anti-gay crackpot Pastor John Hagee is selling a super-creepy teddy bear that drones out bible quotes while children sleep.  And we're the ones indoctrinating kids.

With the Scripture player nestled inside of the teddy bear, your child can sleep while literally holding onto and listening to the comforting promises of our Lord and Savior. Narrated by Pastor Matthew Hagee, the Promises To Grow On Scripture player contains both Words of encouragement and Bible verses in a format especially tailored for children. Whether at sleep or play, your children and grandchildren can listen to the soothing Word of God’s promises.

(Via Christian Nightmares)

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Details. (Tipped by JMG reader Vivian)

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Via Friendly Atheist.