May 16
A wearable computer is a very personal computer. It should be worn like a piece of clothing, as unobtrusive as possible. A user should interact with the computer based upon context. It could be a communications device (immediate or store and forward), a recorder (visual, audio, other sensors) or a reference device (local or remote resources).
May 13
ipodnn – Future Apple handhelds [or wearable devices] could potentially offer feedback when touched, a Toshiba technology demonstration hints. At this week’s Embedded Systems Expo in Tokyo, the company is showing off an iPod touch with a special film on top. Based on a Finnish technology known as “Senseg E-Sense,” the film helps to generate small electrical field changes that can nevertheless be felt by human fingers. Resistance can be simulated when sliding open a door, for instance, and buttons can be made to feel as if they protrude.
Toshiba is presenting an even more elaborate concept via a PC trackpad, likewise enhanced with E-Sense. Using it to move an onscreen cursor over images produces the sense of different textures, such as rough or bristly surfaces. The company argues that the film is a better option than haptic (vibration) feedback, as it is less prone to breaking, and can be adapted to curved devices.
Apr 27
cnet – crave — Codenamed Cobra, that future has yet to come. But the guys at Queen’s University in Ontario are working at it. Human Media Lab’s Zi Ye and Hammad Khalid have developed a wearable computer and projector that works in tandem with a flexible screen fitted with flex-sensing wires and sensors.
To play, the mounted system projects the game onto the screen, which users can flex, tap or shake to activate an action. For instance, bending a corner back and releasing it could simulate shooting an arrow or even casting a fishing line.
Apr 19
display, gadget, input No Comments
Wearable Computing — Christian over at Tailor Made Toys has created a way-cool Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Augmented Reality Headset. The headset is composed of Eye-Trek goggles with the addition of a USB laptop webcam. On his blog, Christian says:
“First thing I should probably say here is that I built this without even thinking what its function would be. I just thought it would be cool to add a cam to the front of my Eye-Trek goggles. As it turned out these where ideal for use with augmented reality applications. I am also working on putting them to use for other software. Such as gps overlays and night vision (like being the terminator, but more scrawny).” [...] “Other idea is to have it on all day and log on to chat roulette, give them that “being john malcovich” feeling.”
Apr 16
gizmag – Hands-free calling using Bluetooth earpieces has become – shall we say – controversial over the years, as we’ve all seen that annoying guy at Starbucks trying to close the deal as he orders his cappuccino. But the latest receiver from Tokyo Flash, the Kisai Escape C, might just have enough features to offset the Bluetooth [geek] factor.
As with most receivers, yes, you can pair the Escape C with your mobile phone to make and receive calls hands free. But the earpiece looks much like a normal earbud, so if you decide to take your phone conversation public the only giveaway is your voice. The microphone is integrated into the Escape C which can be worn around the neck like a necklace.
By pairing the device with your mp3 player you can also get your favorite music in stereo sound. The Escape C also has control buttons on its body that you can use to skip ahead or adjust volume if necessary.
Apr 15
gizmo Watch — [sic] We have marked a great shift in the form of modern gadgets that, other than holding up-to-date functions, equally support an elegant design to attract trendy users. Designed for Samsung, the ‘Wearable Mobile Device’ by Erik Campbell is a Smartphone that can be worn like a bracelet. Intended towards athletes, tech savvies, thrill seekers and active adults who look for excellence in both form and function, the Samsung device concept integrates an OLED touchscreen, tactile keypad and flexible electronics to support an active lifestyle. Featuring an elegant split pad for better airflow to prevent sweat, this device relies on memory alloy articulation for on the go communication.
Apr 13
TechEye — We don’t know about the rest of everyone in Internet Land but if there was a way to make phone calls from a dog we’d be all over it. Laura Boffi, of the Copenhagen Institute of Interactive Design [and her colleagues: Mary Huang and Li Bian], has come up with a wearable vest for messenger dogs with built-in GPS.
The idea is that the dog is trained to trek around disaster areas, and when they find a stranded straggler, they’ll sit in front of them. When he’s walking around, his jacket will play sounds to make nearby survivors aware of their doggy internet saviour. A hammy sounding American guy will then tell you, from the vest, that this dog is a messenger dog, and guide the rescued through recording a voice or picture message
Apr 06
Singularity Hub — Let’s face it, without the technology you use everyday you’d be pretty stuck. No automatic coffee pot, no iPhone, no GPS helping you crash your car. How would you even make it to the office? Not satisfied with the death grip they have on you now, scientists and designers the world over are finding new ways to integrate technology into every part of your life. Enter electronic clothes. These garments and accessories contain computers, lights, and all sorts of gadgets meant to bring you into the modern age. Why wear boring regular clothes when the newest styles will turn you into a walking multimedia phenomenon. Some of these clothes could even save your career.
The top ten according to Singularity Hub:
Apr 02
SlashGear — Apple’s iPhone gaming controller dock isn’t the only new patent application from the company to be published this week; the company is also pushing forward into head-mounted and wearable computer technology. Like the gaming patent, this latest proposition relies on taking an existing portable device – yes, like an iPhone or iPod touch – and combining it with a task-specific dock. Here, the dock is a head-mounted display system, with Apple envisaging an iPhone sliding into the side.
The rest of the patent describes the potential for different mounting designs, different materials from which the headset could be made, and possible applications. The latter includes a voice- and image-recognition system that could spot old acquaintances and flag their identity up, together with overlaying logos and other visual cues – for instance arrows – for GPS directions and the like.
Mar 31
the gadgeteer — ThinkGeek offers a very portable, wearable universal charger they call the Bracer of Battery Life +2. Unlike most charge-as-you-go chargers, this battery-extender doesn’t ruin the sleek lines of your phone, mp3 player, or gaming device, and you don’t need a different one for each of your gadgets. You wear the Bracer on your wrist like a bracelet, and you’ll have a 1500 mAh, 5.5V power source at the ready. The Bracer has a rechargeable lithium ion battery that recharges with the included USB cable. There’s a power button, a power status LED, and a 4-LED power level meter. The Bracer comes with a universal power output cable and nine connectors. You’ll receive connectors for iPhone, Nokia I (3.5 mm), Nokia II (2 mm), LG, Samsung i900, Sony Ericsson, Sony PSP, NDS Lite, Nintendo DSi, and a mini USB connector for Motorola/HTC/Dopod/and many mp3/mp4 devices. It’s $34.99 from ThinkGeek.
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