A field of applied science and technology covering a broad range of topics. The main unifying theme is the control of matter on a scale smaller than one micrometer, as well as the fabrication of devices on this same length scale.
Published in Chapter:
Technology in the Cities
Susan A. Elwood (Texas A&M University Corpus Christi, USA), Marsha Grace (Texas A&M University Corpus Christi, USA), and Claudia Lichtenberger (Texas A&M University Corpus Christi, USA)
Copyright: © 2008
|Pages: 7
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-59904-881-9.ch138
Abstract
We are making progressive advances towards Weiser’s vision. Technologies are already being embedded into our environment. Smart floors can sense when a person has fallen and immediately send vital information to paramedic support (Abowd, Atkeson, Bobick, Essa, MacIntyre, Mynatt, & Starner, 2000). People are using mobile devices, such as cell phones for e-mail, instant messaging, Web browsing, games, and MP3 playback (Lendino, 2006). Presence technologies are already informing us as to our IM buddy’s physical presence, such as online, off-line, busy, or away from the desk. Current uses of the Web for searching, photos, music, video, various levels of electronic communities, and online, collaborative software applications are preparing users to advance to the next Web 2.0 level of Internet use. Combine Web 2.0 with expanded WiFi capabilities, and we won’t need large computing devices for sharing large amounts of data within virtual, collaborative environments.