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[–] sbt2160p 0 points 1 point (+1|-0) ago 

someday we could even make vehicles using modular parts

We already do this. Want to bolt on new wheels, suspension, air intake, turbo, seats, steering wheel, audio system, throttle bodies, or body panels? Be my guest!

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[–] qpwt [S] 0 points 1 point (+1|-0) ago 

Good point. I was thinking more along the lines of electric vehicles. Still, not much different at all from what you are pointing out.

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[–] Wowbagger 0 points 1 point (+1|-0) ago 

Check out the Dragonbox Pyra.

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[–] tendie 0 points 1 point (+1|-0) ago 

i demand wifi for my toaster!

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[–] Y8goKTH959VCLKty8xIz 0 points 1 point (+1|-0) ago 

if annon gets to be autistic then goats can be schizo. Embrace it. It's 2017 after all

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[–] dannym 0 points 2 points (+2|-0) ago  (edited ago)

I can't help feeling that I'm being watched and listened to all the time

That's because most likely you are.

not because I'm special, just because the technology exists and people in power are corrupt.

And the NSA, GCHQ and BND exist and have those tools for mass surveillance. They don't need probable cause. Since the NSA can't officially do that to Americans (ha! as if they care) they'll just ask their buddies, the GCHQ - those can watch Americans. This has all been documented.

Also, they track their spouses etc.

I carry my phone with me all the time,

Don't.

I rarely turn it off,

Do.

and I know that it is physically impossible for me to turn off the microphone and/or camera.

Yeah, that bothers me, too.

I emailed these guys and told them I was excited to find their product, but that the reviews said the silicon case caused it to stick in a pocket. I've always been a fan of smooth cases. Nit-picky of me? Yes.

A lot of cases have that problem. I have another one that definitely makes things stick to it - so if I take the phone out it will often pull something else out of my pocket with it.

I have yet to find a PC or phone that allows me to physically disable the camera and/or microphone.

If nothing else, the Lenovo X200 PC allows you to replace the BIOS so even if the camera/microphone is not physically disabled, no one is there to use it without you seeing it (in principle). It's definitely not for the faint of heart to set it up (better know electrical engineering basics and have some tools like clamps etc). There exists a company, Minifree, that does it for you, though.

As for phones, there's Replicant and FreeCalypso, two projects that are trying to make the privacy situation better. They are not in a finished state, though.

Can you imagine an open API for a mobile phone platform that would allow any company to create modules for your phone? I think it would be really cool.

Yes. Not sure how reliable the snaps would be, though. It would probably be a warranty nightmare.

Some bright inventor or entrepreneur is going to make a boatload of money when they realize all the cool business opportunities in giving the power back to the people.

I wish that was true but the vast majority doesn't care. It has always been that way.

For example, look at FreeCalypso, there's like 8 people in the project mailing list - and probably fewer that provide funding. Doesn't scream business opportunity to me.

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[–] Thissandwich 0 points 2 points (+2|-0) ago 

I think I would like to transfer the +1/+1 counters from my old phone to my new one.

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[–] Donbuster 0 points 3 points (+3|-0) ago 

Well, for phones, my advice? Keep a dumbphone, take the battery out when not using it. For the laptop, its possible to configure enterprise machines where they don't even COME with a camera or mic. (I know either the dell precision 5520 or 3520 developer editions come with those options if you configure them). I've never seen a desktop with a built in mic in the tower.

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[–] Super_Cooper 0 points 3 points (+3|-0) ago 

Modular technology is awesome. Make it happen dude. You can do it. You can be the next Steve Jobs.

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