context-aware computing

Computers are often perceived as stupid because they lack seemingly obvious information about a user's situation or objective. Until recently, there was very little that could be done to bridge this gap, but with the rise of smartphones with a camera, microphone and speakers, GPS, accelerometer, and an always-on network connection, applications can get context like never before. Combine that with some basic information about what you might be doing and who you know from your contacts and calendar, and suddenly the computer can be a little or a lot smarter.

This session is going to be an open discussion and brainstorming about the possibilities for context-aware computing. I will bring along some interesting apps that showcase the possibilities, and talk a little bit about research going on in this area to kick things off, but I mostly want to meet and talk to other people who are thinking about this stuff.