Wearable computers & networks
At various times, we have covered various types of wearable computers and gadgets in eNews. The trend is increasing, not just for the techy or geeky fashion, but because there are times when it makes a lot of sense.
The crowds who surround us every day constitute a huge waste of information that could usefully be networked. If you live in a big city for instance, there are many people who may pass within a few yards of you each day who could give you a ride home. Or they might want to buy an item you're trying to sell. Dynamic networking makes it possible to tap those resources through a momentary alliance among transient interest groups.
In the world of wireless wearables, computers embedded in clothing could form networks on the fly, prompting software agents to carry out mutually beneficial transactions. For example, people waiting to buy movie tickets in a long line might use an ad hoc network to auction off favorable places in line. Or, as I strolled around with my family and friends in Disneyworld, we could track each others' whereabouts and exchange ideas and comments about where to go next and what to do. Or, you could operate a mini-eBay auction for your bike to departing visitors, instead of locking and parking it.
Your wearable PC will let you know that you are passing a particular store, or give you a choice of restaurants in the mall. Hey! you could even download that MP3 music from a friend, as you walk around the mall.
