Automatically Transmit Photos from Camera to Computer

Have you ever sifted through the pages of an old photo album and thought "when did this happen?" or "where was I here?" If only there had been something that would have recorded the date and location of all these pictures. Meet the Eye-Fi memory card.

Like most models, the 2-gigabyte card is compatible with most cameras. Unlike most models however, the card comes complete with a built-in wireless network. (Source: uclue.de)

A wireless network built into the memory card? Why?

Just in case you're out snapping a few pictures and return home, the memory card will wirelessly and automatically transmit all photos from the camera onto your home computer.

How does it work?

Most digital cameras offer a unique feature called "geotagging" which marks every picture with an invisible time and date stamp. The Eye-Fi memory card also geotags every picture, but includes the city and state where it was taken. Now users can log onto their home computer, click a desired picture and see an aerial view of the exact location where the photo was snapped. (Source: iht.com)

The Eye-Fi memory card uses an emerging technology called WPS (WiFi Positioning System). The technology works in conjunction with the 70 million WiFi base stations all around the world. Once a second, these stations emit a signal that broadcasts its own unique name and network address to a worldwide audience.

While a computer must be within 150 feet (45 meters) of the signal for Internet use, most computers can "hear" these signals up to 1,500 feet away. WPS correlates interfering signals with their physical settings, to determine locations accurate to around 100 feet. (Source: iht.com)

The only downside to WPS is that it lacks coverage. As it stands, only 50 million WiFi hotspots are on record, leaving significant gaps all across the world. Translation: The Eye-Fi memory card will not function in remote areas where you might be hiking, swimming, or camping. This is few WiFi signals operate in these areas.

Still, if the public responds favorably to the new technology, we could see some significant changes made in the field of photography.