If your smart cards latest scheme to exchange train tickets with RFID-based smartcards is usually to work, French railway chiefs should be hoping it doesn't fall foul with the privacy protesters currently having their say there.
Within a trial scheduled to begin this autumn, SNCF promises to introduce a brand new smartcard with a couple of twists %u2013 one for the high-tech side, the opposite decidedly old style.
The cap fits
The first innovation from the Weneo RFID card supplied by Marseille firm Neowave will likely be an onboard USB jack that's protected by a thumb-drive-like plastic cap.
SNCF says this will allow passengers picking the Wene it already carries a plain-vanilla RFID card operating to connect to your personal computer both at home and securely top it online.
Travel data too
Additionally, the general public rail network's website will provide updated timetable and fare information towards the PC based on the locale data in the card.
Through the trial, the 1,000 testers will also have to test out the next intriguing feature, that will see each card personalised using the user's photo.
Snap shut
As opposed to some sort of high-end embossing technology or a hologram, the Weneo includes a clear plastic window for the passport photo.
The user inserts images, snaps the window shut and leaves it there to prove they own the credit card. Trying to open the window and remove it simply destroys the photo.
Discount details
Identity is vital since the Weneo contains not simply straightforward cash balances but in addition information regarding each user that determines, amongst other things, whether be eligible for a discount fares according to age or employment status.
Which brings us returning to that privacy issue we going on %u2013 with 4GB of memory, the Weneo offers a good amount of scope for storing greater than just a student card plus some contactless cards Euros.
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