3 ms·

> We already have wearable computers, but we call them "smartphones". Smartphones are not wearable computers. I don't wear mine, but always have it with me in

by nodata 15y ago

> We already have wearable computers, but we call them "smartphones". Smartphones are not wearable computers. I don't wear mine, but always have it with me in my pocket. I don't wear my wallet - it's in my pocket. (Laptops are also not wearable computers, even though I always have it with me.)

kylemaxwell 15y ago
In your pocket is close enough for almost all purposes. Laptops that you have to carry are qualitatively different.
talmand 15y ago
Use a strap like they do with iPods for joggers, you are now wearing your computer. I think the point is the smartphone can be considered "wearable" simply because you can, not because people already do.
pndmnm 15y ago
Do you wear your belt, or is it just always with you, hooked through some loops on your pants? This isn't meant sarcastically -- the idea of "wearing" something is pretty tied up with the context of the object (e.g. is it "clothing") and less to do with how you're actually carrying it around, which can make "wearable" computing something of an oxymoron depending on how it's interpreted.
- nodata 15y ago
  Whether or not the two things are equivalent in one way ("you have it with you") isn't what we're discussing. Am I wearing this book in my hand? No I am not. The ring on my finger? Yes. "Wearable" is a word that means a specific thing. It doesn't mean "something you have with you".
  - kylemaxwell 15y ago
    No, but unlike a book, I can clip my phone to my belt (well, if it were 10 years ago and I still thought that didn't look terrible). Given Bluetooth and PANs, there's just not much different between what's in my pocket and what's on my belt.
  - pndmnm 15y ago
    Right. So why are you wearing your belt (hooked through some fabric loops on your pants) and you're not wearing your phone (resting in a fabric pouch on your pants)?
- camtarn 15y ago
  Perhaps a distinction can be drawn based on how you use the device - with exception of audio and vibration notifications, phones have to be in your hand to be used. Wearables can be used without overly impeding whatever you're doing. Still, having an always-accessible computing platform and internet terminal, even if it has to be held, is a pretty big deal :)

by nodata 15y ago

kylemaxwell 15y ago

In your pocket is close enough for almost all purposes. Laptops that you have to carry are qualitatively different.

talmand 15y ago

Use a strap like they do with iPods for joggers, you are now wearing your computer. I think the point is the smartphone can be considered "wearable" simply because you can, not because people already do.

pndmnm 15y ago

Do you wear your belt, or is it just always with you, hooked through some loops on your pants? This isn't meant sarcastically -- the idea of "wearing" something is pretty tied up with the context of the object (e.g. is it "clothing") and less to do with how you're actually carrying it around, which can make "wearable" computing something of an oxymoron depending on how it's interpreted.

nodata 15y ago
Whether or not the two things are equivalent in one way ("you have it with you") isn't what we're discussing. Am I wearing this book in my hand? No I am not. The ring on my finger? Yes. "Wearable" is a word that means a specific thing. It doesn't mean "something you have with you".
- kylemaxwell 15y ago
  No, but unlike a book, I can clip my phone to my belt (well, if it were 10 years ago and I still thought that didn't look terrible). Given Bluetooth and PANs, there's just not much different between what's in my pocket and what's on my belt.
- pndmnm 15y ago
  Right. So why are you wearing your belt (hooked through some fabric loops on your pants) and you're not wearing your phone (resting in a fabric pouch on your pants)?
camtarn 15y ago
Perhaps a distinction can be drawn based on how you use the device - with exception of audio and vibration notifications, phones have to be in your hand to be used. Wearables can be used without overly impeding whatever you're doing. Still, having an always-accessible computing platform and internet terminal, even if it has to be held, is a pretty big deal :)