The changing world of handhelds
As we see technology moving towards a convergence of devices offering a ‘Swiss Army knife’ for technology lovers, what can we expect around the corner?
Wearable computing or wearware is available to us now due to a continuous demand for ubiquitous and pervasive technology that offers portability, connectivity and flexibility. The Wearable Digital Assistant (WDA) has the functions of a Smartphone including voice recognition and wireless connectivity, but small enough to fit onto a wrist. You can also buy Goggles or a ClothesCam that incorporate a digital camera and microphone so, when you capture an image or sound as you walk around, you can beam it direct to the WDA.
Today’s smartphones -- when used in tandem with heart-rate and body-motion sensors -- not only can monitor health status but also can provide immediate feedback before a health problem becomes critical. For example, people will be able to monitor themselves for signs of heart trouble and then take the appropriate steps to prevent a heart attack” Michael Sung, senior researcher in Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
The Mitsubushi SCOPO can be plugged into a mobile phone or PDA with video functionality and video can be streamed directly to the field of vision 
without too much distraction. It uses a small LCD screen that hangs over your eye and fills your vision, providing the illusion of a ten inch screen from a miniature surface. The headset has optional headphones and a belt attachment has a small unit that contains the silicon that creates the images on the screen.
Smartifacts and Unattended devices
Howard Rheingold over the past twenty years has observed the trends in computing, communication and culture. In his book SMARTMOBS – the next Social Revolution he describes how mobile devices can connect to other devices in the environment. Microchips can be stored in any item – supermarket 
items that track your use and storage away from the shop, advertising boards at the side of the road, shop fronts - all “products with invisible intercommunicating smartifacts”. This sensing technology, using GPS offers you sounds as well as smells potentially which can present a broader experience of the world. Imagine walking around a local castle or historical house and being able to hear, see and even smell how it was in years gone by.
More changing world ideas
Andy Stanford-Clark knows his bathroom window is open, even though he is 20 miles away on the other side of the Solent. His Smartphone told him. Read or watch Andy Stanford Clark as he explains about the window and his llamas.
Nabaztag is a cute handheld gadget that uses WiFi technology. It's always connected to the Int
ernet, wriggles its ears when emails or voice messages are received. It has alarms and talking clock, weather and traffic information.
You may be an Ipod user already. Apple have now made links with Nike to develop a Sportkit which can fit into your running shoe and ‘speaks’ to an Ipod receiver while you’re running. As well as listening to your music you can be updated on your time and distance and calories burned. There's also a pace indicator and you can programme your music to play to increase or decrease the pace.
Quicklinks
The changing world
More ideas from the future
Other sections
In Practice
Examples and ideas showing practical ways to use the different devices in the classroom and out and about
Choose the Right Device
What to look for when buying the devices, reviews and suggestions
Technical Tips
Troubleshooting, software and hardware solutions
FAQs for Organisations
Issues and questions that organisations experience
Making it Accessible
Ways to use the technology accessibly
Glossary
An a-z glossary of mobile technology terms