In “The Computer for the 21st Century,” Mark Weiser describe a world where computers are integrated seamlessly into the physical world. Instead of the model of PCs that are so commonly seen and owned by people today, he envisions interactions with computers through commonplace objects and places. He describes his vision as having the computer having knowledge of location. As well he imagines computers coming in different sizes, sizes that are dependent on tasks. His main image includes the use of tabs, pads, and boards with the computer integrated into them. These computers can easily transfer information from different rooms, or even from different parts of the world. Computers are more knowledgeable in this vision (sensing sound, movement, location etc.) and as well, they allow humans to become knowledgeable simply by their [the computers'] existence. People wear badges that give computers the knowledge of the identities as well as allow customization according to the people. Furthermore, this vision will utilize cheap, low-power computers.
In a slight contrast of Weiser’s vision, the writers of “Tangible Bits: Towards Seamless Interfaces between People, Bits, and Atoms” describe a vision where digital information can be mapped to any and all physical objects. While their vision also includes the idea of ubiquitous computing, the authors approach it in a different way. Rather than have pads and boards all with computers, they look into having different physical objects that have computers integrated into them. For example, the marble answering machine, which we have previously discussed, allows users to interact with nonphysical information (voice messages) by representing them as marbles. Live wire is also an interesting idea that allows users to “see and hear bits” represented. Digital information, because of its inherently nonphysical attribute, is difficult to represent to users. With ubiquitous computing in this vision of tangible bits, it can be represented by everyday objects.
Both articles describe a vision of ubiquitous computing that fundamentally changes the idea of personal computers. Dynamic Rehearsal certainly embodies some characteristics of the vision of ubiquitous computing. By combining common physical objects such as the pen and camera with the surface, a computer combined with a table top, Dynamic Rehearsal demonstrates some of the benefits of such a combination. An example would be the organization of information and the more knowledgeable system that, in turn, informs users. Dynamic Rehearsal seems to align more with the vision of Wesier, where computers are embedded into pads and boards. I imagine a vision that aligns more to the Tangible Bits idea would be having the physical objects return the digital information rather than the surface. In some ways Dynamic Rehearsal is limited in that there is till the focus of the user on a screen. Though the screen is embedded into a table top, partly because of the cost, it is still seen more as a large screen computer.
The two visions of ubiquitous computing can easily coexist and are certainly ones that we are moving towards. It is exciting because it offers new dimensionality to previously static things such as a desktops and walls. The exchange of information is enhanced greatly and collaboration is much more easily done with ubiquitous computing.
