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IBM Linux Watch v2.0
sdamberger writes "IBM has created an even smaller second-generation Linux wristwatch. They have been modifying Linux to make the battery last even longer." Still oh-so-useless, but an oh so neat proof of concept.
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The IBM Wearable Computing web site has a bit more info and a bunch of pix.
But then again, when we think of interfacing with a computer, we picture a keyboard, mouse and a monitor able to display 32 bit color in 1024x768 or at the very least text in 80x25 columns. This type of interface is infeasible for a watch.
However, consider that we simply won't be doing the same things with a watch that we do with the monster on your desk. We won't be writing reports on it, we won't be spending 20 hour stretches kernel hacking on it, nor will we be playing the latest incarnation of Quake. It probably won't even make a remarkably good websurfer. It would appear quite useless from typical computer standards.
But thats exactly the point. Its not going to be used as a typical computer. I can think of quite a few novelty uses for it besides keeping time. Certainly many of the PDA functions could be replicated on a device as small as a watch. But the true power of a such a device is the capability that a dynamic operating system provides. I don't know what it could be used for tomorrow, but knowing the device runs linux, I have a good shot at being able to implement a useful feature should the opportunity arise, and I won't necessarily have to do a hardware upgrade to accomplish it.
As for battery power, two hours might not seem like a lot of time, but think of how long cell phones used to last with MUCH larger batteries. It will require a combination of more efficient batteries and more efficient electronics, along with an easy method of recharging. Since this is still very much a prototype stage, I fail to see the issue.
-Restil
Play with my webcams and lights here
There are high-resolutions of the second generation device at http://www.zdnet.com/zdnn/graphics/library/screens hot/0103ibm/linuxwatch.html?chkpt=0103ibm. (This time, no flash ads.)
I really like that clock face -- anyone know the name of the program?
"...America's great minds of today, teaching America's great minds of tomorrow. Poor bastards." -- A Beautiful Min
a watch that gives me the number of seconds since the Epoch
--
Je t'aime Stéphanie
Q: Excuse me sir, but do you have the time?
:)
A: Sure, one sec....
> Login: root
> Password: xxxxxxx
> Timex# date
> Fri Mar 23 14:37:59 PST 2001
> Timex#
A: Its Two Thirty seven PM.
I would give my left nut to do that in public. Must be the geek in me.
Feed The Need[goatse.cx]
Wind-OS?
Rolix?
Whatever...