Now you can turn your palmtop computer into a sophisticated “alarm clock”
that’s triggered by space rather than time. Or so says a team of computer
scientists led by Jason Pascoe at the University of Kent in Canterbury, whose
software links the palmtop to a portable Global Positioning System receiver. It
monitors where you are, and as you approach a familiar place, say home or the
railway station, it will remind you of the note you made the last time you were
there—something which needs to be done at that location such as pruning
the roses or buying a season ticket. The Kent team sees the system as part of a
broader approach to what’s being termed “context-aware computers”. The
technology should become easier to use when palmtops with integral GPS receivers
come on the market.
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features

Physics
Gravity's strength measured more reliably than ever before
News

Mind
Symptoms of early dementia reversed by bespoke treatment plans
News

Physics
QBox theory may offer glimpse of reality deeper than quantum realm
News

ÎçÒ¹¸£Àû1000¼¯ºÏ
Is stem cell therapy about to transform medicine and reverse ageing?
Comment
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles
1
Largest-ever octopus was great white shark of invertebrate predators
2
Symptoms of early dementia reversed by bespoke treatment plans
3
How autoimmune conditions can unexpectedly drive mental illness
4
QBox theory may offer glimpse of reality deeper than quantum realm
5
The audacious quest to light up the sky with artificial auroras
6
You can upgrade your immune system, but not in the way you think
7
Why your opinion of used electric vehicles is probably wrong
8
The monstrous number sequences that break the rules of mathematics
9
Catching a cold can delay cancer from spreading to the lungs
10
Why the right kind of stress is crucial for your health and happiness