Toshiba unveils wearable digital devices

Toshiba’s Storage Device Division (SDD) has previewed an array of innovative wearable devices based on its 0.85-inch hard disk drive (HDD) at CeBIT in Hannover, Germany.
Toshiba believe the product is destined to bring the advanced functionality and versatility of hard disks to next-generation miniature and portable products.
Toshiba is the pioneer of high capacity, small form factor hard disk drives. Its 1.8-inch drive is already the storage device of choice for some of the hottest portable gadgets on the market. Although none of the products shown at CeBIT are commercially available, Toshiba believes that the concept designs will inspire designers and manufacturers of next-generation, smart mobile accessories.
“Technology is becoming a bigger and better part of everyone’s daily lives, and storage holds the key to greater performance and functionality,” said Nick Spittle, Senior Manager Product Development, Toshiba Storage Division Europe. “The completely digital human may be a concept that is still some way off, but our hard disk's combination of high performance in a small form factor is the perfect medium to turn fantasy into reality by delivering on the visions of the product designers."
The concept products being premiered at CeBIT 2004 were:
Wristwatch PDA; Designed with the highly digital, highly mobile worker in mind, the wristwatch PDA offers the full functionality of a high-end PDA with the ease and comfort of a modern digital watch. The widescreen display ensures video playback and videophone conferencing will be received in crystal clear hi-definition whilst advanced voice recognition software enables easy and simple data input on the move. When at home or in the office, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity will broadcast directly to the nearest wireless-enabled TV or smart display.
Digital Wallet/Data Key; The data key is perfectly suited for the busy professional and hectic socialite and contains all the features you would expect from a high end mobile device. Biometric security features store and protect crucial healthcare and digital passport information and the device acts as a single security solution for your home, office or car. PDA functionality includes an electronic address book, mobile email and wireless connectivity. Personal finance features includes support for location based e-commerce and electronic purchasing via all major credit cards and retailers.
Intelligent Spectacles; The intelligent spectacles take the benefits and flexibility of personal mobile computing to an entirely new level. A wide range of connectivity standards ensures highly interactive web browsing and easy email access from any location and the advanced display capabilities for crystal-clear interface means that menu items and text could be simply selected just by focusing your eyes on the desired object on the screen.
MP3 Player Headset; With the capability to store an entire music collection on a device no smaller than a stereo headset, users can experience digital sound on the move in a design that is more natural and comfortable to wear. The player ’s scroll wheel offers quick and easy menu access and track selection and the high speed Wi-Fi compatibility and Internet browsing means music can be transferred quick and easily without needing to connect to a network provider or PC.
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