By donning a hands-free PC
with a head mount display, we will soon be able to watch our
favorite video while commuting to work or participate in a lecture
while relaxing at home.
This is the vision held by Hitachi and Xybernaut Corporation as
they announced their plans to develop a wearable Internet appliance
for the consumer market.
Under the terms of the licensing agreement, Hitachi will
manufacture and sell the product and OEM it to Xybernaut, who will
market and sell it to the consumer.
Xybernaut is hoping that the wearable Internet appliance will
appear on store shelves just in time for the Christmas rush.
Consumers are promised a suite entertainment and lifestyle services
such as streaming music and video and interactive games along with
banking, shopping, and stock market trading.
"Hitachi is very pleased to enter into this close
relationship with Xybernaut, the leader in wearable computing,
" said Shigeru Matsuoka, CEO of the Net-PDA Venture Company,
Hitachi. "We expect that our new product line will completely
change the way people live, work, and play. The applications we
envision will offer up all kinds of new business opportunities. Our
current partners and clients as well as our future partners,
subscribers, and consumers alike will find that our products enrich
their lives. "
The market for consumer appliances will grow rapidly worldwide
due to the increase in wireless bandwidth, according to Edward
Newman, chairman and president, CEO of Xybernaut.
Hitachi/Xybernaut Hands-Free PC, Wearable Internet Appliance
- Hitachi 32-Bit 128 MHz RI SC processor with common coprocessor
- Microsoft Windows CE 3.0
- Compact Flash slot, USB port
- 32 MB of RAM
- SVGA (800 x 600) head mount display, providing a desktop like
viewing experience
- Removable internal rechargeable battery
- Weighing 10.9 ounces
- On/Off Internet access
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