Next-Generation Wearable Networks

Increased research in microelectronics, wireless communications, and human-computer interaction, particularly augmented-reality applications, has made a symbiotic system technically feasible. Wearable computing, or wearware, focuses on making this technology useful in everyday life, particularly for integrating contextual data with the Internet to automate mundane tasks. The availability of portable, energy-efficient computing devices that can be easily integrated with clothing has renewed interest in the possibilities of wearware. The notion of a wearable network of interactive devices aiding users in their day-to-day activities is extremely appealing, but for it to become a reality researchers must develop interesting and useful applications. Consumers are not interested in the technology per se but in how it could enrich their lives.