Wearable Technology
Posted on March 10, 2008 by B Juergens
Culture, Tech
While the two are not inseparable, fashion and technology have always been somewhat related. Let’s take, for instance, the first recorded mention of a “pocket-clock” in 1462, by Italian clock maker Bartholomew Manfredi. At the time, such a device was quite bulky and worn around the neck. It wasn’t until the 16th century that they were small enough to fit into a pocket. This led to a creation of a specific pocket in the waistcoat and vest for the watch. Fast forward four centuries to trendy pockets built in gal’s bags made for mobile devices and handsomely stylized self-contained cases to be worn around guy’s belts! Reminiscent of the short-lived, yet notably popular ring-watch of the 80’s, the up-coming GM500 Cell watch is a cousin of wearable technology.
Just this last week in Hannover, Germany at a global CeBIT (“Where Zeros and Ones Turn Into Billions”) convention , a plethora of digital IT and telecommunications solutions were showcased. While some lacked in Red Carpet sensibilities; I personally would “wear,” at least, the following three (for a minute!): The G777 (a multimedia-capable phone equipped with video glasses!), the GM500 Cell watch (name gives it away), and Germany’s own Mobile Research Center’s nameless 3-piece wearable computing suit.
As for the Spy Kid-esque visor-like G777, there will be no make-out sessions while donning this more personal ensemble (I swear this was featured in Pretty in Pink way back in 1986!) This multimedia-capable phone allows you to watch movies, read e-books, listen to MP3s, take pictures, and for your voyeuristic pleasure record video. Just don’t use it while driving.
Aaaahhh, the simplicity of the GM500; a wristwatch doubling as your cell… by the way, it does come with a headset so you won’t look goofy talking to your wrist. What the GM500 may do for fashion depletes the need for an array of pockets. It might keep you from endlessly replacing phones that drop out of laps, cars, and tables.
The nameless and domineering Minority Report 3-piece consists of a vest, a glove, and a headset to feed information to a computer without the use of a keyboard or mouse. Unless this getup will also think for me…not so sure its worth all of the trouble….I’ll still have to show up to work, sit in my chair, pass out chocolates, and take a lunch break. Not to mention; look like a total nerdy creep!
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2 Responses to “Wearable Technology”
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Wow! great insights, I feel technology has a hard time integrating with fashion. At best the device may be ergonomic, however it rarely looks cool. Pockets bulge with equipment, people look like schneider from “One Day At a Time” with many things on the belt, maybe that is some kind of nerd fashion, or status. I prefer my devices remain heard but not seen. However women can either see or hear the phones as they are buried in the purse or they juggle keys, phone, PDA, ciggies, and wallet in one hand, often falling and breaking or becoming quickly lost.
I like this girl’s thinking. Where did you find her?