Ambient's platform helps power an exciting range
of new products. These illustrative applications should spark your ideas
of what is possible with embedded wireless technology.
StockOrb™
On his way upstairs John, a 34 year-old father of two, glances at his
Fidelity StockOrb, a softball sized sphere that continuously changes color
depending on his portfolio performance. It turns increasingly green as
he's earning money, more red when he's losing money, and glows a brighter
blue as change minimizes. Fidelity sent John the Ambient-powered StockOrb
as a loyalty gift. As a result John not only is a more active trader,
but recommends Fidelity to all his friends and colleagues.
SitePinwheel™
Her hands full with a new baby, Maureen has limited time to keep up with
her close friends via e-mail. Her MSN pinwheel spins only when she receives
e-mail from a select group of friends. With this Ambient-powered pinwheel
Maureen only goes to the computer when there is meaningful e-mail waiting
for her.
TrafficFob™
Towards the end of the workday, Marian, a Media and Entertainment executive,
starts glancing at her BMW key chain to stay aware of any traffic jams.
It's important she's home by 7:30 tonight, so she takes advantage of the
first break in traffic to leave the office. This Ambient key chain is
one of the best features of her new car. To set it up she simply went
to the BMW home page and indicated her home and work addresses. Now it
constantly shows if there is congestion on three alternative routes home.
Healthwatch™
Ruth, a 73-year-old retiree, notices her Merck med-watch is displaying
a Vioxx 500mg icon, indicating that it‚s getting to be time for her
to take her arthritis medication. Because the medication must be taken
on a full stomach, she knows it is time to prepare lunch. Her pharmacist
remotely configures the display on the med-watch for all his patients
depending on their medical condition and their personal preferences. The
Ambient-powered med-watch ensures that Ruth doesn't forget to take to
care of herself.
SchedulePanel™
Paul, a busy brand manager, notices the embedded wall display on his Steelcase
partition indicates it's getting close to his next meeting. Instead of
starting a time consuming task requiring deep concentration, he uses the
remaining time to return some phone calls. This Ambient-powered Steelcase
wall panel lets Paul optimize his time by giving him a constant awareness
of upcoming events without the distraction of being in front of his computer.
MessagePen™
During a meeting Robert, a sales manger, sees his Cross pen has remained
green. This tells him there are no important voicemails waiting for him.
He continues the meeting confident he's not ignoring other clients, and
closes on an important order. This Ambient-powered pen gives Robert the
ability to stay in close touch with clients regardless of where he is.
It also lets him manage his time better. He doesn't waste time checking
his voicemail when the time is better spent on other business.
