Disadvantages of Wearable Computers

Wearable computers can have a negative side. Although advantages far out weight disadvantages, it is important to take them into consideration.

In organizations, managers are usually sceptical about the costs of acquiring this new technology. For example, the costs of training employees how to use the new technology have to be taken into consideration, as this can slow the productivity of the company. The wearable computer itself could be very expensive and could add an unnecessary expense. Some employees might not be flexible to change and this can cause further organizational problems. Repairs, updates, and malfunctions could be very costly. Moreover, if the information falls in the wrong hands, the company could be liable thus further expenses could outcome.

Other disadvantages include:

1. - Have lower specifications and features than regular size PCs
2. - Processors run at lower speed
3. - Wearable technology is usually much more expensive
4. - Weight of wearable computer can be an issue
5. - More complicated to expand and upgrade parts
6. - Much more expensive to repair than regular PCs
7. - Some have overheating problems, making them less reliable
8. - Privacy can be an issue
9. - Valuable or personal information could end up in the wrong hands if system is stolen or lost
10. - Wearable computers can be easily damaged

Sources:

http://306is.blogspot.com/2007/04/disadvantages-of-wearable-computing.html

http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/askjack/2005/sep/29/whataretheadvantagesofpor

http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20060711134730AACgyAV

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/22235/laptop_computer_vs_desktop_computer.html?page=2&cat=15

Wearable Computers and Organizations

Some wearable computers are already in the market and used by people at home as well as employees in large organizations.

This segment will discuss the advantages that these wearable computers offer working people.
In today’s fast-paced world, it is important for companies to acquire new technologies to help them survive and keep up with the competition. For this reason, some companies are up-to-date with the latest technologies available and have managed to successfully put them at work. Others should take into consideration the purchase of wearable computers.

Here are some examples:

- Most organizations are dealing with the increasing problem of over-stressed employees. This causes organizational problems such a low motivation, high turn-over and high absenteeism with the result of low productivity. Fortunately, researchers from Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) and the University of Pittsburgh are currently testing the final version of a wearable computer called eWatch. This piece of technology monitors and records information about the user and his environment. For example, it measures the user’s heart-rate, temperature and others bodily functions. At certain time periods the eWatch asks the user to rate his current emotions and feelings such as “sleepy” or “working hard”; the device then sends all the information gathered to a database where it is constantly analysed. This wearable computer could be a perfect way to prevent work over-load, stress and motivation, as management can assign tasks according to their employees stress levels.

- In other companies, problems such as employee distraction can affect productivity. Instead of employees working on a computer and being constantly distracted by their surrounding, an eyeglass monitor could be used as a replacement. This might seem rather funny, but it could be a solution for a costly organizational problem. In this case, the technology already exists and is out to try in electronic stores. Engineered by 22Moo, the Argo MP/3G-2 is designed for Apple’s iPod and iPhone as well as for most gadgets that support an AV output. It is basically a high resolution eyewear monitor that works via Blue-tooth and have headphones integrated; this control may refrain employees from being distracted.

- Some companies require that their employees do physical work with their hands and use a computer to keep track, locate, record, and other tasks. In some cases, the computer’s location might be far from that of the employee. It is a waste of time and effort to go back to use the computer by constantly pausing work to type on the computer. Thanks to LXE, companies can reduce this lost time by purchasing the new HX3 wearable computer that is located on the wrist or waist ran by Windows CE. The key feature of this machine is that no keyboard or mouse is needed. The system’s applications are operated and directed by voice allowing employees to use the computer while there are occupied.


Sources:

http://www.itsf.org/brochure/wearable.html

http://www.wearable.ethz.ch/

http://www.cs.man.ac.uk/~toby/writing/PCW/wear.htm

Potential Advantages of Wearable Computers

In today’s society, there is a huge hype for new state of the art technology, which leads to a large market demand. As a result, companies are increasing their research and development skills for user-friendly technologies for both recreational and functional uses. As most of these new technologies are prototypes for future public retail, it is important to notice first whether the wearable computer will be beneficent. If the prototype is successful, the new technology can assist people do tasks more efficiently. For example, some of the applications that new wearable computers can potentially offer include the increase of:

-Communications
-Efficiency in inventory management
-Medical assistance
-Stylish entertainment appliances
-Military efficiency
-Optical devices
-And many more….

New portable computers can replace, or have the potential to replace, older technologies. This could mean a huge advance in how people interact with their jobs on a daily basis. Presently, there are a number of new portable computers and prototypes that can, if they not already have, change the course of job-management in organizations.

First, let us take a look at some wearable computers prototypes and what they could mean for organizations which acquire them.


- The Personal Performance Coach (PPC) is being designed by a group of researchers at the Accenture Technology Lab. Basically; their goal is to create a cell-phone capable of “coaching” the user through a series of applications for home and job activities. For example, a salesperson can improve his/her abilities to sell a product to a customer by having specific information about the features of the product handy.

- The European Union has a prototype of an amazing piece of wearable computer called WearIT@Work. This table-PC-like computer will replace the big screen, keyboard, and mouse of a regular computer and integrate it in a light machine that will let the user interact with the application via voice-commands and gesture control.

- Currently being developed by Bluetooth Special Interest Group (BSITG) and Nokia Corporation is the Wibree. This small wearable computer will be able to offer an all-in-one wrist-watch that will replace cell-phones, personal computers, heart rate monitors, wrist-watches, gaming sensors, keyboard and most devices that work via Blue-tooth. The idea is to create a small wearable device that can be personalized to pick up Blue-tooth signals from your other personal electronics and be able to use them through this unique device.

Sources:
http://www.redwoodhouse.com/wearable/

http://www.itsf.org/brochure/wearable.html

http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/payload/projects/borg/

Wearable Computers

Like the word says, wearable computers are computers that are mounted on the body like a type of jewelery or clothing, while letting the user interact with the machine’s operational system. A wearable computer can have the same power as that of a desktop or portable computer with the advantage that they can be carried anywhere. In other words, they are designed for applications where the user is required to be hands-free and enable us to enter and execute commands for further tasks.

Wearable computers can work as a communication tool that sends, receives and stores messages; a recorder of visual and audio information; and/or an orientation device that can tell a person’s or an objects physical position.

Some examples include:

• -EyeTap

• -Head-mounted display

• -Head-up display

• -Personal digital assistant

• -Virtual retinal display

• -Pocket computer

• -Tablet PC

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wearable_computer

http://www.media.mit.edu/wearables/

http://about.eyetap.org/fundamentals/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DNXLAogM7Q