y and better working conditions. Sensor technology will support the auto- matic configuration of specific environments or the provision of content. (Sensor-based networks are discussed in Chapter 15.) The following sections describe some of the exciting new emerging embedded devices. These devices have the potential for both good and bad uses; it is up to all Introduction of us to make sure these emerging technologies improve our lives, not invade our privacy. In this brave new age of technology and embedded intelligence, we all bear a great responsibility in ensuring that these new tools are in fact used to promote cooperation, collaboration, and communication among people. Embedded Devices for the Home Some examples of embedded devices that exist today are a smart refrigerator with an LCD panel that allows you to browse e-mails or perhaps engage in a videocon- ference. If the fridge interacts with smart-tagged food containers, it can report on the status and shelf life of your food and place orders. (Of course, looking at it another way, this information could be transmitted to your insurance company to keep track of your behavior and consumption patterns.) Another example is a smart washing machine capable of reading RFID tags embedded in clothing or in fabrics and making decisions about what sort of wash cycle to use, based on the construction and age of the fabric. (However, one could imagine that, in the name of ensuring revenues, the tumbler might run a bit faster, and the temperature be a bit hotter, causing an earlier demise of the fabric-cer- tainly not the intent of responsible technologists, but a possibility in the hands of the wrong individual.) A smart picture frame allows friends and family to send photos to you, provid- ing a constant source of entertainment from those you love. A smart surfboard allows a surfer to do some instant messaging with fellow surfers while waiting for the perfect wave. And then there are smart coffeepots, no-burn toasters, smart table- cloths, smart nametags, smart scre