An Unhackable, Power-Free, Analog Gadget for Your Desk
Rahul Bhaskar Mohite, CEO and Lead Geologist at S.I.U., created this power-free analog desk gadget that is completely unhackable.
Every day, there is some breaking news story about a security leak or vulnerability that puts millions of users at risk. One day it is your online banking system and the next day it is your smart Toastr. That’s why Rahul Bhaskar Mohite, CEO and Lead Geologist at S.I.U., created this power-free analog desk gadget that is completely unhackable.
The S.I.U. Mark 1 is currently available on Kickstarter, but surprisingly hasn’t raised any funds yet. That’s a mystery, because the device is very compelling on paper. It doesn’t require any power source at all and you can use it forever without ever giving it a charge. It never needs firmware or software updates. It is completely and totally unhackable. And it has a good weight to it, with a beautiful natural finish.
It is a rock.
Yes, the campaign is satire.
But it is really good satire that lampoons the often ridiculous nature of crowdfunding, product launches, technical buzz words, and PR hype.
From the FAQ page:
Is this a scam?
A scam implies deception. I am being aggressively honest with you. I am selling you a rock for money. I am providing a service: I am finding a nice rock so you don't have to. It is a premium, curated, artisanal inactivity experience.
Does it have a dark mode?
Yes. To activate Dark Mode, simply turn off the lights in your room. The S.I.U. will immediately become dark.
While this is very clearly and openly satirical, Mohite is actually selling products: rocks. You can back the campaign to get a rock, if you like. I recommend The “Developer” Bundle, which includes some sidewalk chalk, a sandpaper firewall, and a waterproof case from the well-known Ziploc brand.
Mohite may even make a few bucks from this and I’d be happy if he did. Seeing this campaign gave me a laugh, which is worth some money. In fact, I am now the proud first backer of that campaign, because I fancy myself a patron of the arts.
If nothing else, we should all take this opportunity to consider how silly product launches and their marketing speak can be. If only it had a blockchain...