IT: From the Economist, sentient computing sounds like pervasive computing with a European twist:
By adding sensors to today’s computing and communications technology, sentient computing seeks to take account of a machine’s environment in order to make it more responsive and useful. Sentient computing systems are always on, ubiquitously available, and can adapt to their users. In short, they seek to become real help-mates. To quote a European Commission report, the aim is to create ‘convivial technologies that are easy to live with.’
… Similarly, Microsoft researchers have given wireless PDAs (personal digital assistants) new user interfaces by adding tilt sensors and accelerometers. Users can scroll through documents by tipping the PDA back and forth—as if they were controlling the ball-bearing in a toy maze. Lifting the PDA to the ear creates sensor outputs that cause the device to make a phone call. Researchers have even used the accelerometers to recognise walking patterns so that the PDA can decide whether to accept or divert a phone call.
