http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2013/01/17000-linux-powered-rifle-brings-auto-...

So much for the theoretical perfect "it does everything for you but pull the trigger"  super duper scope.  

It is here, powered by Linux and a ARM chipset.  

Remember this, how BIG it is and how expensive it is.  

In 3-4 years you will be able to buy one at Walmart for less than $100.

The "can't miss" weapon may be bought by government agencies for the sniper role, but actually it is the idea itself that is going to move more towards the main stream.

You squeeze the trigger when the target and shot are "approved" then the next time your random fine scope motions happen to line up perfectly the trigger block action goes away and the gun fires.   This cuts down on the random human element, which is the LARGEST part of inaccuracy in shooting a modern sniper weapon.

Plus, this gun does all the distance & drop stuff for you automatically as it has a dual laser distance sensor built into it.   That is why they want you to use their ballistically known & very consistent performing ammo.

There were several electronic triggers in existance that operated by hitting the primer with a strong capacitor discharge (mini spot weld type current) and these would do the same job without any muscle movement at all to disturb the alignment.  However, extra bulk on this scope and gun are not needed at this time -- it is big and bulky enough to be sure.

There have been electronic scopes before, but they cost even more than this and were just as big (or bigger).


==================


Linux and ARM are moving into realms not even imagined before -- that is the real story here.   The computing power that can be placed in small envelopes for odd purposes is becoming very interesting, no ??