Science fiction has always been at the forefront of predicting future technology and related issues. Although not exactly science fiction, Dick Tracy comics by Chester Gould sported the wristwatch communicator, and over 80 years later, we're still waiting for it to become a commercial reality. (Although tantalizing TV advertisements have recently suggested it is a reality...)Walter Knight, author of the popular AMERICA'S GALACTIC FOREIGN LEGION scifi series, has this to say about wearable technology...
I see wearable technology as the next big thing. What used to be science fiction is becoming reality.
The most obvious wearable technology I've explored in my "America's Galactic Foreign Legion" science fiction series is the helmet camera, a reality now. Soldiers, police officers, security guards, etc., wear cameras at work. Soon, everyone will be wearing these cameras on errands and vacations. We've already seen many news reports showing biker helmet cameras and dash camera images.
Privacy concerns
are now focused on those cameras' encounters, and on government
intrusion. I'm more concerned with the privacy of the wearer of the
camera. What if an employer insists all employees wear the cameras? Will
your union go along with that? What about bathroom breaks? Cheating at
work? Picking your nose and flatulence? Political
correctness? It all gets recorded and archived. Then there are hackers
stealing images and posting them on the internet.Fortunately, there is a low-tech solution if this scenario becomes reality. Duct tape over the camera lens. Ha! Another use for duct tape!
What wearable technology do you think will be the next big thing?
Let me know - visit my web page at waltknight@yolasite.com
See Walt's books at Amazon.com and other popular book retailers online!
JB's Circuit editor John Blyler used my comments for his article "Insights From the Sci-Fi Community" about wearable technology. It's a good follow-up about what science fiction authors think of the future of wearable technology.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.chipdesignmag.com/blyler/2014/04/28/insights-from-the-sci-fi-community-on-wearables/
I got an interesting E-mail about the future use of wearable technology.
ReplyDeleteWhat if tiny micro chips could monitor what goes on inside your body, detecting everything from diabetic problems to the start of cancer cells, all before you go to the doctor. All the nurse's assistant would have to do is scan you like a bar code, like they do my car, to make sure there is no issues. Wouldn't it me great if virtual bronchoscopy images were routinely sent to your doctor so you would even have to go in for a checkup. I hate having to go to the doctor.
You could scan each other before dates, too. No more catching unexpected viruses. Good luck with that one.
Watch for the IPO.