Smart fabrics and wearable computers are progressing thx to miniaturization, RFID tags, sensors, Bluetooth and microchips in such a way that in the near future your clothing might well be smarter than you are.
CNN describes a wired future wherein your clothes have moved well beyond having an integrated MP3 player with the controls embroidered on your sleeve. Future developments in electronic textiles are expected bring gaming vests with embedded Wii-like controllers, glucose meters, pedometers, cameras and the like.
The miltary version would include such things as VHF and UHF radios, satellite comm, actuators, attenuators, shear-thickening fluid armor, exoskeleton-assist, active thermoregulation, night vision, IFF, HUD, health monitors and translators.
With such wired and intelligent ready-to-wear clothing, it seems all that one need worry about are hackers and how to wash the darn stuff.
Future dress code: Very smart – CNN, Feb 26 2007
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The gaming vests sound cool, but you’re also right about hackers. i’d hate to have to go to the police to say that someone has hacked into my pants.
I’d love to be able to play a game of chess with my sweatshirt.
The health monitors for military uniforms could save many lives.
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