THE EVOLVING INTERFACE

• Biometrics, Motion sensors, Facial recognition, Eyeball tracking. These are all potential new methods for human interaction with computing systems. Apple’s introduction of the fingerprint sensor is a major step forward for the consumerization of biometrics. And with the release of smartwatches such as the Samsung Galaxy Gear, developers and users will require a new approach to UI for such limited screen space. Expect to see a wave of new interfaces to expand beyond touch.

Smart Wig• According to The Engineer and other sites, Sony has filed

a patent application for a smart wig. The patent application is reported to indicate that the device will contain sensors, communications functionality and “an actuator for tactile feedback.” The wig could be used as a navigation tool, a potential boon to the sight-impaired. The device will accomplish this by sending out ultrasound signals to detect objects and subsequently alert the wearer via vibrations or small electric shocks. Other functionality, including video cameras and body monitors, also will be housed in the wig.

Smart Wig

Google Glass• Google seems to be releasing small updates to Google

Glass on an ongoing basis, despite the fact that the device has not been released to the general public. For instance, in November, the Bristol Post reported that Google Glass introduced an ear bud “instead of the strange bone-induction sound system that came on the first devices and was generally poorly received.” This month, according to Android Community, Google has incorporated Google Play Music.

Hexoskin• Carré Technologies’ Hexoskin, according to the company,

“is a smart device that connects to a compatible high tech intelligent garment with integrated sensors” that monitor the body. These smart shirts can be used to monitor workouts and in conjunction with remote health care, the military and even space exploration, the company says.

Hexoskin

Fitbit Force• Fitbit Force is an activity monitoring wristband that tracks

steps taken, distance traveled, calories burned, stairs climbed and other movements during a normal day. The device tracks sleep and offers a silent vibrating alarm. It uses Bluetooth 4.0 to link to a PC, Apple and/or Android device. Charts and graphs illustrate a user’s progress.

Fitbit Force

The UP 3.0• Jawbone’s UP24 wristband is aimed at helping users

understand their eating, moving and sleeping habits. Last month, Jawbone announced upgrades to the device. The UP 3.0 app now offers the “Today I Will” feature. According to the company, Today I Will, which is available from the UP 3.0 App Insights Engine, does such things as remind users to drink a suggested number of glasses of water or to go to bed at a certain time. It offers commemoration of both long- and short-term achievements

Jawbone’s UP24 and PowerUP 3.0

Nissan 3E• The Nissan Motor Company may seem like an unlikely

maker of wearable computing devices, but at the Tokyo Motor Show last month, the company displayed the Nissan 3E. The single-eye, monocle-style device shoots video and adds augmented reality information. It was made available to reporters at the show. The idea, according to a video accompanying a press release, is to expand the ways in which people shop for automobiles by providing the additional information and extending the shopper’s experience to people in remote locations.

Nissan 3E

Skully P1• Skully Helmets’ Skully P1 is a motorcycle helmet with a

camera on the back to provide riders with a 180-degree view. The ability to see what is behind them can reduce accidents. The helmets feature the Heads-Up Display (HUD), which the company says provides “an advanced situational awareness system” showing navigation and illuminating blind spots. The helmets offer GPS mapping and Bluetooth smartphone integration.

Skully P1

Vuzix M100 smart glasses• Android-based Vuzix M100 smart glasses are monocular

augmented reality devices featuring a display, video recording capabilities and wireless connectivity. Pre-installed apps can record and playback high-definition images and video. The device features Bluetooth 4.0, which enables pairing with other Bluetooth devices. Situational awareness is created by a combination of GPS and integrated head-tracking capabilities.

Vuzix M100 smart glasses