MULTI-WEAR: a multi-wearable platform for enhancing mobile experiences

Abstract

The uptake of wearable technology suggests that the time is ripe to explore new opportunities for improving mobile experiences. Apps, however, are not keeping up with the pace of technological advancement because wearables are treated as standalone devices, although their individual capabilities better classify them as peripherals with complementary roles. We foresee that the next generation of apps will orchestrate multiple wearable devices to enhance mobile user experiences. However, currently there is limited support for combining heterogeneous devices. This paper introduces Multi-Wear, a platform to scaffold the development of apps that span multiple wearables. It demonstrates experimentally how MULTI-WEAR can help bring changes to mobile apps that go beyond conventional practices.