I caught an interesting reference today to "socially aware" phones (the original article is here).
Basically, the concept is to add software to phones so that they can, by querying other phones within range, determine a context that will affect their function.
So if you go to a movie, your phone notes that the majority of surrounding phones are already on vibrate, and switches to that mode as long as the condition continues. This metaphor and functionality can be extended to other situations. With the right programming, the phone could notice patterns of behavior (repetitive activities) and "anticipate" the state into which it could place itself.
Very cool. I look forward to the future.
Posted by artandscience at February 16, 2004 07:04 AM