W-41: Wearable connectivity clothing that's quite mobile-geeky
Yes! Get yourself a totally unique W-41 t-shirt that comes complete with it’s own special logo, thus:
See that big white logo on that girl’s chest? That’s it!
Now. If you’re that girl, other people can use the W-41 application to take a picture of that logo with your mobile, thus:
When you snap that logo, you’ll then have the ability to do all kinds of things — like leave a message for the wearer of the T-shirt.
There are, of course, a few issues with this. Firstly, you need to download the W-41 application and install it on your handset. They support 288 different handsets, so chances are, you’ll have a handset to hand that’s compatible.
Second, you need to find someone that’s wearing a W-41 T-shirt in order to be able to try this out. So there’s quite a few stars that need to be aligned in order for this to work.
But. When it does, it’s pretty neat. At least, it works from my very geeky perspective.
SMS Text News reader Mike, who came across W-41 recently, isn’t entirely convinced and makes a few valid points:
* You need to download their reader first, prior to stalking your victim. Why not go with existing readers/codes from the established players? Probably the fees.
* You need to get within arm’s reach, the code needs to be clear (no bag strap/hair/wrinkles/boyfriend’s arm in the way)
* Your phone will need a pretty good cam & lense, given the typical scenario for use will be in quite dark places (trains, pubs, clubs etc)
* You will look like a complete stalker-freak.
* Your victim needs to buy into the concept of being stalked. Why not just tattoo ‘desperate’ across your forehead?
* What’s wrong with wearing a t-shirt with ‘single’ down the arm? Worked for me in the day.
I’m not sure you’re getting into the spirit of the concept here Mike? He came back with this feedback:
Imagine some guy coming up to a female friend and pointing his camera, taking a snap and then walking away. Where I come from, that’s a hospital pass, pal! Didn’t they think that people might just find that weird? If you are within camerashot, why not just *talk* to them?
Again, fair point Mike. Fair point. There is a looney-issue here. But I could see a few folk at the Unlimited Drinks parties using this. Albeit probably not for dating. I remember SMS Text News reader Terence, for example, handing out special little mini-business cards featuring a Nokia-readable logo that contains his contact details.
Mike finishes:
Now if you wanted to use this as a way to get a brand/website publicised etc, why not just wear the freakin’ URL or Social Network ID on your t-shirt?
Yeah. Again, I get that. It’s not as geeky-cool though…
Do head over to W-41 and take a look – I applaud the innovation!
