Wearable computing struggles for social acceptance

Popular images of wearable computers have ranged from the Dick Tracy watch through to the surgical implants of fetishistic Star Trek baddies-The Borg. The cartoon detective's watch, in particular, has reached iconic status among the electronics community. It is seen as marking a key stage in miniaturisation, with conferences often hosting panel sessions on when we will see the watch become a practical reality A more practical reality for researchers in wearable computing is: would anyone want one, even if we could make one? The problem that faces those searching for commercial applications for wearable computers is where technology crosses the bounds of social acceptability and fashion.