| Google Glass, smart watches, athletic monitoring bracelets, and even Oculus Rift, the virtual reality goggles, have triggered the imagination of mobile developers ready to explore the potential of placing a computer on the body. Researchers have been developing wearable computers for many years, but today’s miniaturized, low-cost components and powerful mobile processors have made it easy to develop devices that integrate a persons physical state, location, and gestures.
These devices can solve many accessibility issues, from detecting oncoming sirens for deaf individuals to hands-free control of mobile phones, wheelchairs, and other devices. Head mounted devices track the user’s sightline, motion-based sensors track gestures and movements, and geolocation provides context specific information.
This talk introduces today’s wearable computers, key research projects, and what ideas for future products.
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