Ubiquitous Computing

Exercise Session 1: Ubiquitous Computing Research

Kristof Van Laerhoven

Add a slide to this deck at the end

Ubiquitous Computing – Exercises

 Regina Castro
Quote from {Mark Weiser}: According to the paragraph:

Sociologically, ubiquitous computing may ● If computers become ubiquitous and accessible across
mean the decline of the computer addict various social groups, there may be a decline in
(...) In addition, embodied virtuality will addiction to computers.
bring computers to the presidents of ● UbiComp will help address information overload by
industries and countries for nearly the first
time. Computer access will penetrate all seamlessly integrating into our environment, as
groups in society. refreshing as a walk in the woods.

Most important, ubiquitous computers will Is it a “walk in the woods”?

help overcome the problem of information
overload. There is more information Despite these intentions, this technology today has been
available at our fingertips during a walk in designed in ways that contribute to new sources of stress and
the woods than in any computer system, yet
people find a walk among trees relaxing and information overload, for example:
computers frustrating. Machines that fit the
human environment instead of forcing ● addictive behaviours like social media and smartphone
humans to enter theirs will make using a addiction (FOMO)
computer as refreshing as taking a walk in ● Creation and spread of "fake news"
the woods. ● fear of surveillance and privacy concerns.
● Pressures to always be online and responsive,
potentially reducing personal time.
Goyal, Vinay (2023) “Impact of IoT and Ubiquitous Computing on Social Interactions”
https://pm.sdcollegeambala.ac.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Vol14march-5.pdf

Ubiquitous Computing – Exercises

 Muaaz Siddiq
Quote from {Mark Weiser}: According to the paragraph:

Hundreds of computers in a room could ● As the time progresses, technologies evolved.

seem intimidating at first, just as hundreds ● Initially every new technology feels overwhelmed and is
of volts coursing through wires in the walls considered hard to use and adopt.
once did. But like the wires in the walls, ● But by continuously adapting/using that technology
these hundreds of computers will come to
be invisible to common awareness. People made it so simple that a person can work with it daily
will simply use them unconsciously to without putting any extra efforts .
accomplish everyday tasks.
Extrapolation:

By looking at previous trends it is most likely that people

will adapt the new technologies easily. Today everyone
want to be the early adopters of new trends especially in
the domain of gadgets and computing devices and with
passage of time it will increase.

Ubiquitous Computing – Exercises

 Elias Madfouni
Quote from {Mark Weiser}: According to the paragraph:
The technology required for ubiquitous
computing comes in three parts: cheap, Mark Weiser identified three essential conditions for
low-power computers that include equally achieving ubiquitous computing:
convenient displays, software for ubiquitous
applications and a network that ties them ● Cheap, low-power computers with equally convenient
all together. displays.
Neither an explication of the principles of ● Purpose-built software for ubiquitous applications.
ubiquitous computing nor a list of the ● An interconnected network that binds these
technologies involved really gives a sense of components together.
what it would be like to live in a world full of
invisible widgets. Extrapolating from today’s Extrapolation:
rudimentary fragments of embodied
virtuality is like trying to predict the Though a lot of advances have been achieved in edge
publication of Finnegans Wake shortly after computing, AI powered IoT and distributed networks, the
having inscribed the first clay tablets.
Nevertheless, the effort is probably realization of ubiquitous computing still looks distant. Future
worthwhile. studies may focus on improvements and creation of
communication protocols for the purpose of integrating
technology invisibly into our daily lives.

Ubiquitous Computing – Exercises

 Radha Kapse
Quote from {Mark Weiser}: According to the paragraph:

Most computers that participate in ● Computers will be embedded in everyday objects and
embodied virtuality will be invisible in fact interconnected.
as well as in metaphor. Already computers ● These devices will form a ubiquitous network, activating
in light switches, thermostats, stereos and the world around us.
ovens help to activate the world. These
machines and more will be interconnected ● Location and scale are crucial for these computers to
in a ubiquitous network. As computer sci- function effectively.
entists, however, my colleagues and I have ● Knowing their physical location enables them to adapt
focused on devices that transmit and dis-
without needing complex AI.
play information more directly. We have
found two issues of crucial importance:
location and scale. Little is more basic to Extrapolation:
human perception than physical juxtapo-
sition, and so ubiquitous computers must Embodied virtuality envisions computers embedded in
know where they are. (Today’s computers, everyday objects like switches and thermostats, forming
in contrast, have no idea of their location a network of interconnected devices. These systems will
and surroundings.) If a computer knows be aware of their physical location, allowing them to
merely what room it is in, it can adapt its
behavior in significant ways without requir- adapt to their environment. Location and scale are
ing even a hint of artificial intelligence. crucial for their functionality, enabling simple devices to
behave intelligently without requiring advanced AI. This
integration will make technology more seamless and
responsive to human needs.

Ubiquitous Computing – Exercises

 Lauren Rzayev
According to the paragraph:
- Weiser argues that ubiquitous computing won’t introduce
Quote from Marc Weiser completely new activities but will change the way we engage
“The Computer for the 21st Century” with existing ones by making them quicker, easier, and less
p. 25 mentally exhausting.
- He compares this to desktop publishing, which made
“Like the personal computer, computer typesetting—something that had been around for
ubiquitous computing will produce decades—much simpler, showing that ease of use, rather
nothing fundamentally new, but by than novelty, often leads to real progress.
making everything faster and easier - The paragraph emphasizes that small improvements, like
to do, with less strain and fewer intuitive interfaces and reducing friction, can open up new
mental gymnastics, it will transform possibilities for people, even if no entirely new technology is
what is apparently possible. Desktop invented.
publishing, for example, is essentially
no different from computer
typesetting, which dates back to the Exploration:
mid-1960s. But ease of use makes an Weiser’s idea that technology makes existing tasks easier aligns with
enormous difference.“ ambient intelligence in healthcare. AmI systems automate patient
monitoring, reducing caregiver workload and combining already
existing technologies. This usability shows how small improvements
can have a big impact.

Thakur, N., & Han, C. Y. (2021). An ambient intelligence-based human behavior

monitoring framework for ubiquitous environments. Information, 12(2), 81.

Ubiquitous Computing – Exercises

 Danish Raza
Quote from {Mark Weiser}: According to the paragraph:

Perhaps most diametrically opposed to our ● Virtual Reality is the complete opposite of ubiquitous
vision is the notion of virtual reality, which computing.
attempts to make a world inside the
● In virtual reality, while people might be able to interact
computer. Users don special goggles that
project an artificial scene onto their eyes; with things by wearing goggle and bodysuits, these
they wear gloves or even bodysuits that elements are still computer-generated and not real.
sense their motions and gestures so that Whereas, ubiquitous computing aims to enhance the
they can move about and manipulate virtual
objects. Although it may have its purpose in real world experience.
allowing people to explore realms otherwise
inaccessible—the insides of cells, How has technology evolved?
the surfaces of distant planets, the
information web of data bases—virtual ● As Weiser predicted, many UC devices have become a
reality is only a map, not a territory. It critical part of our day to day to lives like fitbits, security
excludes desks, offices, other people not cameras and smart lights etc.
wearing goggles and bodysuits, weather,
● There have been attempts to make virtual reality more
trees, walks, chance encounters and, in
general, the infinite richness of the engaging by simulating real-life sensations, such as
universe. Virtual reality focuses an feeling a hit in a game while immersed in the virtual
enormous apparatus on simulating the world.
world rather than on invisibly enhancing the
world that already exists. ● Nowadays, Virtual reality is directly connected to
real-time events rather than computer generated
graphics like the Meta Quest VR Headset.

Ubiquitous Computing – Exercises

 Haitham El Euch
Quote from {Mark Weiser}: According to the paragraph:

The most profound technologies are those ● The best technologies are those that blend into daily life
that disappear. They weave themselves into and become invisible.
the fabric of everyday life until they are ● Writing is an example of an early information technology
indistinguishable from it. Consider writing, that allowed people to store and share ideas without
perhaps the first information technology.
The ability to represent spoken language relying on memory.
symbolically for long-term storage freed ● Today writing is everywhere and we don’t even think if it
information from the limits of individual as technology anymore.
memory. Today this technology is
ubiquitous in industrialized countries. Extrapolation:

● In the future, technologies like smart devices and AI will

become as invisible as writing is today
● These technologies will be part of our daily routines,
without us needing to think about them.
● Areas like healthcare, transport, and communication will
all have “invisible” technologies that make life easier.

Ubiquitous Computing – Exercises

 Neha Rai
Quote from {Mark Weiser}: According to this paragraph:
● If computer become less noticeable and naturally
By pushing computers into the background, embodied more integrating in our lives then people will pay
virtuality will make individuals more aware of the people on more attention to others they connect with
the other ends of their computer links. This development online.
may reverse the unhealthy centripetal forces that ● This change can help reduce the loneliness caused
conventional personal computers have introduced into life by regular computers which often make people
and the workplace. focus on their screen instead of interacting to
others.
Even today, people holed up in windowless offices before ● In the future , with technologies that blend
glowing computer screens may not see their fellows for the computer into everyday life , people might start to
better part of each day. And in virtual reality, the outside notice ,connect, interact , share experiences with
world and all its inhabitants effectively cease to exist. others more .
Ubiquitous computers, in contrast, reside in the human
Extrapolation: The idea of ubiquitous
world and pose no barrier to personal interactions. If
computing—where technology is seamlessly integrated
anything, the transparent connections that they offer
into our environment—could change this dynamic of
between different locations and times may tend to bring
isolation. These computers would not obstruct personal
communities closer together.
interactions; rather, they would facilitate connections,
allowing people to engage with others across distances.
This could help people feel more connected to one
another rather than focusing on screen.

Ubiquitous Computing – Exercises

 Thorben Meiswinkel
Quote from Mark Weiser’s “The Computer
The Paragraph talks about:
st •How easy the computer can give us wanted information,
for the 21 century”:
based on information the computer got from us
When almost every object either con- unknowingly
tains a computer or can have a tab attached
to it, obtaining information will be trivial:
The implementation of such technologies will be
“Who made that dress? Are there any more undaubtedly useful in many situations, but it will lead to
in the store? What was the name of the issues:
designer of that suit I liked last week?” The •The fear of surveillance or beeing targeted for
computing environment knows the suit advertisment/misinformation
•Economic problems, maybe no one will go to shops in
you looked at for a long time last week
person anymore, since they don‘t have to go there to
because it knows both of your locations, check what they saw (but also the opposite could
and it can retroactively find the designer’s happen)
name even though that information did not •Possibly a decrease in attention
interest you at the time.

Ubiquitous Computing – Exercises

 Meenambiga Velmurugan

Quote from {Mark Weiser}: According to this paragraph:

● Tabs, pads, and boards are just the starting point. The
Tabs, pads, and boards are just the real strength of ubiquitous computing lies in how all
beginning of ubiquitous computing. these devices work together.
The real power of the concept comes ● It's not about just one device that the center of
attention.Actually ,it’s about building a system where
not from any one of these devices—it
everything works together and help to get things done
emerges from the interaction of all of faster.
them. The hundreds of processors and
displays are not a 'user interface' like a Extrapolation:
mouse and windows, just a pleasant
and effective 'place' to get things ● Nowadays, we don’t just use one device. Our phones,
tablets, and computers are all connected, making it easy
done.
to move between them without even thinking about it.
● We can adjust the lights, play music and also change the
temperature from any device.

Ubiquitous Computing – Exercises

 Jannis Craen
Quote from {Mark Weiser},
The computer of the 21st Century: According to this paragraph:
Even today, people holed up in windowless
offices before glowing computer ● The usage of computers negatively impacts social
screens may not see their fellows for the contact
● VR creates an environment that is completely shut off
better part of each day. And in virtual real-
from the real world
ity, the outside world and all its inhabitants
● Ubiquitous computing does not hinder personal
effectively cease to exist. Ubiquitous com-
interactions and can also improve the communication
puters, in contrast, reside in the human
from across the world
world and pose no barrier to personal
interactions. If anything, the transparent
connections that they offer between dif-
Extrapolation:
ferent locations and times may tend to
bring communities closer together. ● Nowaday it is possible to be connected to people from
all over the world and to work with them on the same
project. Through the connected devices it is possible to
hold virtual meetings and exchange information very
fast. This connectivity enhances productivity as it
allows real time collaboration despite geographic
barriers.

Ubiquitous Computing – Exercises

 Sasmitha Sinnathurai
Quote from {Mark Weiser}: According to this paragraph:
“Ubiquitous computers will also come in different sizes, ● discusses the concept of ubiquitous computing,
each suited to a particular task. My colleagues and I have where computers exist in various sizes and
built what we call tabs, pads and boards: inch-scale seamlessly integrate into our daily environments.
machines that approximate active Post-it notes, foot-scale ● devices, like "tabs," "pads," and "boards," will be
ones that behave something like a sheet of paper (or a book so common and functional that they become part
or a magazine) and yard-scale displays that are the of the background, much like the labels or clocks
equivalent of a blackboard or bulletin board. How many we see around us.
tabs, pads and board-size writing and display surfaces are ● The goal is for these technologies to assist us
there in a typical room? Look around you: at the inch scale, without requiring conscious attention, making our
include wall notes, titles on book spines, labels on controls, interactions more intuitive.
thermostats and clocks, as well as small pieces of paper.
Extrapolation: In recent years, we’ve seen ubiquitous
Depending on the room, you may see more than 100 tabs,
computing through the rise of smart home devices,
10 or 20 pads and one or two boards. This leads to our goal
wearable technology, and IoT (Internet of Things). For
for initially deploying the hardware of embodied virtuality:
example, smart home systems now control lighting,
hundreds of computers per room. Hundreds of computers
heating, and security without us needing to think about
in a room could seem intimidating at first, just as hundreds
the underlying technology, reflecting the vision of
of volts coursing through wires in the walls once did. But
hundreds of unobtrusive computers working in harmony.
like the wires in the walls, these hundreds of computers will
come to be invisible to common awareness. People will
simply use them unconsciously to accomplish everyday
tasks. “

Ubiquitous Computing – Exercises

 Max Breit
Excerpt from The Computer for the 21st Summary:
Century by Mark Weiser
● With an increased amount of computers also comes an
In addition to showing some of the ways increased privacy risk
that computers can enter invisibly into ● A malignant device could take advantage of private
people's lives, this scenario points up some information
of the social issues that embodied virtuality
will engender. Perhaps key among them is ● Comparison with malignant “standard” computer:
privacy: hundreds of computers in every Ubiquitous computers perhaps worse because of more
room, all capable of sensing people near available information (e.g. people in the same room, …)
them and linked by high-speed networks,
have the potential to make totalitarianism
up to now seem like sheerest anarchy. Just
as a workstation on a local area network can Extrapolation:
be programmed to intercept messages
meant for others, a single rogue tab in a ● Today: Usage of smart devices
room could potentially record everything
that happened there. ● Smart devices store a lot of sensitive information
(personal or corporate), are an expression of the owner
● Smart devices will be most lucrative targets for hackers,
also because of the users unawareness of security
threats

Arabo, Brown, El-Moussa, Privacy in the age of Mobility and Smart Devices in Smart
Homes (2012)

Ubiquitous Computing – Exercises

 Lakhan Singh

Quote from Mark Weiser: According to Paragraph:

❖ Components of Ubiquitous computing
(Computers, Displays, Softwares and
The technology required for ubiquitous computing
comes in three parts: cheap, low-power computers Networks)
that include equally convenient displays, software ❖ Trends in Display Technology
for ubiquitous applications and a network that ties ❖ By the end of decade displays would
them all together. Current trends suggest that the become thinner and energy efficient.
first of these requirements will easily be met.
Flat-panel displays containing 640 × 480 Extrapolation:
black-and-white pixels are now common. This is
the standard size for PCs and is also about right for As Mark Weiser predicted devices like laptops
television. As long as laptop, palmtop and and palmtops become popular and display
notebook computers continue to grow in technology become cheaper, thinner and more
popularity, display prices will fall, and resolution energy efficient. Today this realized in
and quality will rise. By the end of the decade, a
high-resolution, ultra-thin OLED screens used in
1,000 × 800-pixel high-contrast display will be a
smartphones, tablets and wearables. Every
fraction of a centimeter thick and weigh perhaps
100 grams. A small battery will provide several efficient technologies like self-powered or
days of continuous use. batteryless devices could lead to continuous
operation without external power, making
computing truly seamless and part of daily life.
Ubiquitous Computing – Exercises
 Priya Nagar
Quote from {Gregory D. Abowd}: According to this paragraph:
“Applications are of course the whole point of ubiquitous •Highlights the balance between building technology for
computing.” [46] specific applications and general-purpose innovations.
This mantra from Weiser is a two-edged sword. While •Some technologies (e.g., sensors, location tracking) have
there is little reason to develop a computing technology value beyond immediate applications by enhancing core
unless it has some hope of being applied to a problem
people care about, we sometimes over-emphasize this capabilities.
point in assessing the contributions of different ubicomp •These "application-agnostic" technologies create value
research activities. There is a continuum in the balance by being applicable across a wide range of domains, as
between technology development and application. A
seen in research fields like human-computer interaction
technology advance that improves availability or
accessibility to a core technical capability (e.g., location) (UIST, CHI) and systems engineering.
is of value regardless of the application of that capability.
This kind of application agnostic research features Extrapolation:
prominently in our research literature. Previous
examples already discussed in this paper include turning Smartphones & Sensors: Core sensor technologies
the LED into an input sensor, and infrastructure (e.g., accelerometers, GPS) found in smartphones are
mediated sensing. There are also fine examples of this examples of application-agnostic advances. These
approach in research fields that highlight interaction
technologies (e.g., UIST and CHI) over the past two sensors are used in various applications like fitness
decades, such as DiamondTouch [17], sensing on tracking, navigation, and augmented reality.
mobile devices [25], and Skinput [24]. Much of the AI & Machine Learning: Foundational in diverse areas
research in systems, networking and software such as healthcare and entertainment.
engineering pride themselves in being broadly applicable
across a wide variety of application domains. Wearables & IoT: Power smartwatches and smart home
devices across multiple fields.
5G & Edge Computing: Faster, more reliable networks
are foundational to advancements in smart cities,
autonomous vehicles, and real-time data processing.
Ubiquitous Computing – Exercises
 Trina Sarkar

Quote from Mark Weiser: According to Paragraph:

● We cannot fathom a world that has technology

integrated into it to such an extent that we fail to
Neither an explication of the principles acknowledge its very existence.
● This is so from neither the technology available
of ubiquitous computing nor a list of the at present nor from our understanding of existing
ubiquitous computing principles,
technologies involved really gives a sense ● Trying to extrapolate such a reality from our
current reality is almost laughably impossible.
of what it would be like to live in a world ● The effort to further our understanding is well
worth our while.
full of invisible widgets. Extrapolating from Extrapolation:
Currently, we are in a present where we already have
today’s rudimentary fragments of embodied these so called ‘invisible widgets’ interwoven into daily aspects
of our lives. The clearest example of it being a smartphone that
virtuality is like trying to predict the has replaced multiple devices needed for our daily lives, for
example, a clock, calculator, calendar, and honestly most other
publication of Finnegans Wake shortly after physical forms of media and communication. You slip it in your
pocket and use it so often that it never even occurs to us that we
having inscribed the first clay tablets. Nev- can stay functional without it. The same principle extends to
devices like a smart-watch as well which can do almost all the
ertheless, the effort is probably worthwhile. tasks that a smartphone does. So, I wouldn’t say, with ubiquitous
computing in mind, that at present it’s not like we are just
figuring out the art of scripts and languages and are trying to
predict Finnegan’s Wake. But more so that we already have
Beowulf in existence.
Ubiquitous Computing – Exercises
 Ullas Srinivasa
According to Paragraph:

Quote from Gregory D. Abowd: ● The paragraph talks about how ubiquitous
computing is becoming less and less of a
If you accept that ubicomp as a niche research separate topic of study.
field has disappeared, then you probably have ● It considers the challenges of imagining
how computers will develop in the future.
already been wondering about what the next
● The author acknowledges that they are
generation of computing will be and how it will unable to provide comparable prototypes
inspire future generations of researchers. I am or illustrative examples and offers an
afraid my thoughts on that topic are not as clear alternative method of thinking about
cut. The visions of the personal computer and computing’s future.
ubicomp were fuelled by masterful prototype ● Demonstrates how hard it is to predict
demonstrations; I have no such prototypes to future events without particular examples.

offer. Nor do I have prototypical “day in the life” Extrapolation:

scenarios of an everyday figure, similar to Historically, advancements in computing were
Weiser’s Sal, to inspire the reader’s imagination. propelled by tangible prototypes that highlighted
Instead, I offer an alternative way for us to new concepts. Today, innovations like smart
contemplate computing’s fourth generation. home devices and wearables arise from rapid
prototyping and iterative development, allowing
for quicker adoption and seamless integration
into daily life.

Ubiquitous Computing – Exercises

 Pranav Singh Rathore
Quote from Mark Weiser: According to Paragraph:
Computer operating systems and ★ Operating systems assume static
window-based display software will have to hardware and software configurations.
change substantially. The design of current ★ Ubiquitous computing needs dynamic
operating systems, such as DOS and Unix, is system adaptability.
based on the assumption that a computer’s ★ Devices in a room may appear or
hardware and software configuration will not disappear frequently.
change substantially while it is running. This Extrapolation:
assumption is reasonable for conventional
With modern advancements like IoT and cloud computing,
mainframes and personal computers, but it
current operating systems must adapt to ever-changing
makes no sense in terms of ubiquitous
device ecosystems. However, in today's world, devices
computing. Pads, tabs and even boards may such as smartphones, tablets, or even smart home gadgets
come and go at any time in any room, and it can connect and disconnect from networks all the time. For
will certainly be impossible to shut down all example, you might have a smart thermostat, smart lights,
the computers in a room to install new or a tablet in a room, and these devices are constantly
software in any one of them. (Indeed, it may communicating with each other. Dynamic connectivity and
be impossible to find all the computers in a seamless updates are essential as smart devices proliferate,
room.) requiring OS designs that handle constant hardware
integration without interruptions or shutdowns.
Ubiquitous Computing – Exercises
 Karthikeya Nerolu
Quote from Gregory D. Abowd: According to Paragraph:
The ubicomp community is one of the most
● This paragraph mentions the wideness of the
eclectic research communities in computing.
ubiquitous research community.
The conferences attract results from very
● The innovative approach of bringing together
different research communities. Where else do
hardware, sensing, middleware, systems, and
we bring together hardware, sensing, activity
industrial design is commendable.
recognition, systems, middleware, industrial
● The European Disappearing Computer
design and applications researchers with
Initiative and the UK’s EQUATOR project are
social science and privacy researchers? Some
some of the most innovative works to bring
of the most innovative work our community
the communities together.
has seen resulted from initiatives that
explicitly brought these communities together, Extrapolation:
such as the European Disappearing Computer
The basic idea behind Ubiquitous Computing is to
Initiative and the UK’s EQUATOR project.
provide assistance without drawing any attention.
Products of the ubiquitous computing such as
smartwatches, smart home devices, smartphones are
on the market making a big impact on day-to-day
life.

Ubiquitous Computing – Exercises

 Seyfettin Akgün
Quote from Mark According to Paragraph:
Weiser:
● The most effective technologies are those that
integrate so smoothly into our lives that we no
longer notice them.
"The best technologies are ● Writing is used as an example by Weiser – it’s all
the ones that disappear. around us on things like books, signs, and labels, yet
They become such a we rarely think about it consciously.
natural part of everyday ● In the future, computers and digital devices should
life that we stop noticing work the same way, blending into the background
them. Think about writing and functioning without requiring constant attention.
– it’s everywhere, on Extrapolation:
books, signs, and
packaging, but we don’t Today, we already see technologies following Weiser’s vision. Smart
even think about it home systems adjust settings automatically, and voice assistants like
anymore." Alexa or Siri handle tasks without needing much interaction. Wearables,
like smartwatches, monitor health quietly in the background. These
advancements show how technology is becoming more invisible, helping
us without needing constant attention—just as Weiser predicted.

Ubiquitous Computing – Exercises

 Fadi Georges
Quote from Mark According to Paragraph:
Weiser:
“Perhaps the most extreme ● Virtual reality is described as the opposite of
opposite of our vision is the Weiser’s vision of ubiquitous computing.
idea of virtual reality, which ● In virtual reality, users are immersed in a completely
attempts to create a world
artificial world, created within the computer.
inside the computer. Users
wear special goggles that ● This requires specialized hardware like goggles and
project an artificial scene onto suits to interact with the virtual environment.
their eyes, and they wear
gloves or even bodysuits that
sense their movements and
gestures so they can move
Extrapolation:
around and manipulate virtual
While virtual reality has practical uses in areas like gaming and
objects."
simulation, it contrasts with Weiser’s idea of integrating technology into
the real world. Instead of drawing us away from reality, modern
technologies like augmented reality (AR) aim to enhance our
surroundings by overlaying digital information on the real world, allowing
us to stay connected to our environment. This reflects Weiser’s vision of
making technology blend seamlessly into everyday life, rather than
existing in a separate, virtual space.
Ubiquitous Computing – Exercises
 Anisha Borah

Quote from {Gregory D. Abow}: According to this paragraph:

● Mark Weiser's work, particularly his influential article
Of all of the work and writings of Mark Weiser, most of the
attention and scrutiny has been placed on his September in “Scientific American” , garnered significant
1991 Scientific American article [45] (also available as attention and is considered influential.
[47]). That work was indeed inspiring and should rank as
one of the most influential computing papers of the ● In this paragraph, he outlines the natural progression
1990’s. Following Weiser’s lead, others have come to of ubiquitous computing (UbiComp) across three
explain ubiquitous computing as a natural progression of
computing, from the first generation of the mainframe to a
generations.
second generation of the personal computer to the third ● According to Gregory D. Abow, while defining
generation of ubiquitous computing (see, for example,
Want’s historical account in Krumm’s edited book [44]).
UbiComp is not straightforward, it is most closely
Whenever I have trouble describing what ubiquitous aligned with the concept of third-generation
computing is, I fall back on this definition that it is the third
generation of computing. That definition, however, brings
computing.
with it a harsh reality. As with any generation, its time
comes and then it goes, to be followed by the next Extrapolation:
generation.
While many of Mark Weiser's predictions about the future
But it is too simple to say that ubicomp’s time is up simply
because time has passed. A more convincing argument is of ubiquitous computing have become reality, the concept
found in the (revised) words of Weiser himself. of its seamless integration remains significant. Technologies
once unimaginable have now materialized, but the future
The most profound research topics are those that
remains unpredictable. However, it can be envisioned as a
disappear. They weave themselves into the fabric of
everyday research until they are indistinguishable from it. world where nearly every question we can conceive is
within reach.

Ubiquitous Computing – Exercises