Microsoft has publicly revealed an intriguing patent originally filled in 2014, entitled, Wearable Computer Having A Skin-Stimulating Interface. In a rather space-age fashion, the patent allows Microsoft to relay notifications through small sensory shocks. In theory, this could be also be used to stimulate a person’s senses after a prolonged period of inactivity. Therefore, it’s possible the technology is rooted in the fitness market. According to the patent:
“The electrical stimuli may inform the user of an event, a condition, etc. Examples of an event include but are not limited to receipt of a message (e.g. an email, an instant message (IM), a short message service (SMS) message, or a transcribed voicemail), receipt of an alarm (e.g. an alarm clock alarm or a warning), receipt of a phone call, occurrence of a time of day, etc.”
“The electrical stimuli may inform the user of a condition of clothing that is worn by the user. The electrical stimuli may inform the user that a physical positioning of the user is to be changed.”
It seems there is the possibility for tactile notifications using sensors embedded into specialized clothing. Although, I’m quite dubious how long it would take for such a catastrophic change to become widely accepted. Nevertheless, in 20-30 years time, it’s unthinkable how advanced technology will become and the degree to which our lives will change forever.
Thank you Cnet for providing us with this information.
