Nextel Two-Way Message

Remember, it is all about control. They want your mind. You have to give it to them.

New shopping carts may talk to you

Kathryn Cullen, a technology specialist at Kurt Salmon Associates, a retail consulting firm, said some retailers are shying away from such extensive use of the store card, also known as a "loyalty card."

"This is a very sensitive topic. I may not want the store to be broadcasting what I bought last time I was in here. You're getting closer and closer to being inside my home."

On the other hand, she said, consumers have a history of eventually acceding to such intrusion for the sake of convenience.