In the future I can see us all having difficulty explaining to our
grandchildren the logic behind computers that sat on desks or perched
our laps. They may even have to download archival material to their
AOL/Dell Injectable (tm) to understand the logic of computers that
strapped on our waists......
Thanks to the pioneering work of many on this list, the wearable
community, universities, entrepeneurs and companies wearable computing
is a trend approaching an inflection point. Computer companies that are
slow to react to this trend will stumble. Some (such as VIA (tm) and
Xybernaut (tm)) get it already - and are moving to supply what is
currently considered by most large computer companies a niche market.
Others seem to be laying the groundwork - note the recent IBM (tm) ad
with the daytrader conducting his business via a voice activated
wearable / cell phone while sitting on a park bench.
The computing business ecosystem of the past fifteen years was
established with the following key factors;
* compelling user interface enabling ease of use
* "killer application" - spreadsheets
* standardized hardware form factors enabling competition and wide
choice
* WinTel - providing a standard and a somewhat continuous upward
migration path
* +
The computing business ecosystem of the next ten years could be wearable
centric.... if similar key factors are established;
* compelling user interface ( voice interface, virtual keyboard, ......)
* "killer application" ( CNN (tm) on the fly, personal GPS (never again
have to ask directions from your spouse), memory assistance, ........
* standardized hardware form factors enabling competition and wide
choice
- ( current PC 104 form factor too bulky - need to promote / create
much smaller form factor)
- "no wires" the mass market will not want to dress and then wire
up......components should interact via proximity - Bluetooth or similar
technology
- visual interface - big barrier here - no one really wants to look
like a Borg - best to date seems to be Micro-Optical (tm)...Big
commercial opportunity for the companies that create the best solution.
- battery technology - must last the waking day (14 + hours)
* Wireless data standards - various developing data standards CDMA, 3G
(third generation), .....
* LinTel (linux/Intel) developing standard offers the best future
here...... applications will have to be rethought.... simple / voice
activated / less is more ......
* consumer migration path from desktop/laptop to wearable ( perhaps a
Palm Pilot (tm) style cradle sync process or ..... )
* +
So what is the best way to catalyse a wearable computing future ?
The Linux Open Source effort is an inspiring model - perhaps it could
translated to a "Wearable Open Hardware" effort that could catalyse the
move to wearable computing. A start might be a community effort to
further develop / expand the above key factors..... perhaps even create
and publish "open business plans" that set forth the challenge /
opportunity size that a solution to each of the key factors
represents.... and creatively figure out how to overcome these
barriers.....
Would appreciate your thoughts, comments and ideas.
Best Regards,
Jamie Alison
403-202-2668
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