From the makers of what many people consider to be the most innovative pieces of hardware (and software, in some cases) out there a new goal may appear to be in sights – wearable computers. Stemming from reports that Apple recently hired on Richerd DeVaul, a developer considered to be the foremost specialist in wearable computers, many people are beginning to anticipate Apple moving in to help bring wearable electronics more into the mainstream.
Already we can find wearable computing in some sort all around us, with many users perhaps doing so inconspicuously to help them stay connected while not drawing excess attention to themselves. One such example are Bluetooth bracelets and rings that flash, vibrate and (in some models) even display caller ID for when the wearer receives a call. Others include sunglasses with built-in MP3 players and digital cameras operated by a remote for wearers to quickly and seamlessly capture their surroundings and listen to music at the same time without needing to carry excess gadgets. Other forms in military applications include heads-up displays (HUDs) in helmets to give additional information to users instantly.
DeVaul was responsible during his studies at MIT in developing MIThril wearable electronics as well as furthering many advances unto subconscious commands that can be issued by natural eye movement to recall information and access programs without needing to direct a computer in any way. Additional studies were also done into human neural patters and micro-movements done without conscious direction and what these generally correspond to in order to better integrate user experiences into the cyber realm. His expertise if applied fully to Apple’s leading design team is expected by many to potentially yield many leading advances in wearable electronics that may be available to consumers sooner than many people think and could help bring about a new way for us to interact with both our mobile and home electronics devices.
