IBM researchers are running Linux on a "smart watch," demonstrating the viability of the operating system across all platforms - from large enterprise servers to the smallest intelligent device.
Designed to communicate wirelessly with PCs, cell phones and other wireless-enabled devices, the smart watch has the ability to view condensed email messages and directly receive pager-like messages. In addition, it will provide users with calendar, address book and to-do list functions.
Future enhancements will include a high-resolution screen and applications that will allow the watch to be used as an access device for various Internet-based services such as up-to-the-minute information about weather, traffic conditions, the stock market, sports results and so on.
The watch contains a powerful processor, along with eight megabytes of flash memory and another eight megabytes of dynamic random access memory. Users interact with the watch through a combination of a touch-sensitive screen and a roller wheel. The watch also has both IR and RF wireless connectivity.
The watch is 56 milimeters wide, 48 milimeters long and 12.25 milimeters thick. It weighs about one and a half ounces and features Linux operating system 2.2.
Several benefits accrue from the use of Linux in small pervasive devices. The availability of source code and a well-understood application programming environment makes it easy for students, researchers, and software companies to add new features and develop applications.
Source: IBM News