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Current Event Posting Number 1

Topic: Technology/Science

Title: Reprogrammable Card Can Be Many Credit Cards In One Writer: Rebecca Boyle

Publication Name: Popular Science Date of Publication: Sept 17, 2010

Length: 362 words/1 page

Main Ideas

Same magnetic strip that works on all magnetic-strip readers, new card, credit cards are becoming gadgets. Dynamics Inc. presented new programmable credits cards that are not far off in the future, at the recent DEMO tech conference. These cards have two new features that greatly help everyday citizens like you and me. First off, it has the capability of toggling between multiple accounts on one card or even between credit and debit. This helps because users now don’t have to lug around multiple credit cards from different accounts, allowing users to have a less packed wallet. The card is able to toggle back and forth between accounts using tiny buttons on the card face. Users use these buttons to go back and forth between accounts. The selected account had a light illuminated next to it to notify the user of which account is in use. Secondly, it has good security as well. The same type of keys that allow users to toggle back and forth between accounts also require customers to insert PIN numbers on the face of the card before it can be activated. The card also ahs a tiny display that obscures part of the account numbers for added security. Lastly, as an added bonus, these cards are fully waterproof and function on a lithium-polymer battery.

Conclusion

These new credit cards are a promising technology for the future. Useful capabilities allow users to toggle between accounts as well as proving added security to the users of the cards. Waterproof technology and battery operation give users more convenience. In conclusion, these credit cards are not far off in the future and will greatly alleviate inconveniences for users.

Opinion

In my opinion these credit cards are a very promising piece of technology. However, there are still some features that need to be ironed out. A battery-operated cards pose the possibility of running out of battery and not being able to use your credit card. Then what? Also if these cards are stolen you lose all of you accounts, not just one. Although these cards have a major upside, there are still some aspects about it that aren’t great.