Wearable Android: Android Wear and Google FIT App Development

Chapter 1 Wearables: Introduction

1.1 Wearable Computing

In general, a computer or computing device is characterized by the presence of a central processing unit (CPU) within it. The CPU is the crucial hardware that carries out the instructions of computer programs. Wearable Computing is the paradigm that entails lightweight, miniature computers that can be worn on the body such that the user and the computer can interact at any time as needed, with minimal overhead and impact on the user’s real-world physical activities. Examples of such real-world physical activities are gardening, jogging, rafting, carrying a child, walking a dog, and so on. It can be harder and inconvenient to engage in many such real-world physical activities while also holding a phone or having to bring it out of the pocket or handbag frequently.

1.2 Wearable Computers and Technology

A Wearable Computer is a body-borne, miniature computing device, which the user has opportunity for constant access to and interaction with—with minimal impact to the user’s real-world activities. Wearable Computers have historically been used for the last few decades in niche and specialized segments such as space, military, academic, medical, industrial, and so on. Wearables have also been the subject of academic research since decades. Many of the technological innovations from the academic and niche arenas are starting to be seen today in the nascent consumer Wearable segment.

1.3 “Wearables”

Wearable Computers ...