The topic of discussion concerning this blog, if not already given away in the title, is all about wearable computers. However, what exactly defines a wearable computer?
In the most basic terms, wearable computers are computers that are worn on the body. They are directly incorporated with our bodies in which case for example, the computers are embedded into our clothing or worn as accessories like a pair of glasses. Dr. Steve Mann, a leading researcher in the field of wearable computers states that wearable computers are meant to, "[facilitate] a new form of human-computer interaction". He identifies two main characteristics that define wearable computers as being "always on" and "continual accessibility". In other words, this means that the computers are always with the user and always interacting with the user. Computers will no longer just be sitting on our desks as an external machine, but will be working hand-in-hand as a natural part of the body,a so-called "extension" of the user's mind and body.
So what exactly are they used for? Pretty much anything. They are designed to enhance our daily lives whether at home or work, through the accessibility of a computers technological powers.The reason to why they are so useful, is from their ability to multi-task. It doesn't require one to stop what they are doing to use a wearable computer, they are designed to be incorporated with the user.
The field of wearable computers began around the 1960's, and since then with the improvements of technology, the field has become much more diverse and complex. Wearable computers are a future in technology. Researchers have even begun to suggest that in the future, these wearable computers won't even be worn on the human body as clothes or accessories, but yet embedded and fused directly into their users. Now that's something to think about!
References:
- http://www.designboom.com/weblog/cat/16/view/5586/wearable-computers.html
- http://www.usatoday.com/tech/columnist/ccmak000.htm
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