Issue No. 12 - December (2004 vol. 37)
DOI Bookmark: http://doi.ieeecomputersociety.org/10.1109/MC.2004.258
Brad A. Myers , Carnegie Mellon University
Jeffrey Nichols , Carnegie Mellon University
Jacob O. Wobbrock , Carnegie Mellon University
Robert C. Miller , Massachusets Institute of Technology
Many appliances already communicate wirelessly, and the smart homes of the future will have ubiquitous embedded computation. Unfortunately, many computerized features are more of a hindrance than a convenience because their user interfaces are often too complex to intuitively understand. <p>In 1997, researchers from Carnegie Mellon University's Human-Computer Interaction Institute and their colleagues launched the Pebbles project to determine whether a handheld device, such as a personal digital assistant or cell phone, could serve as a simpler, more effective remote control. As part of the project, they have been studying the simultaneous use of multiple devices. They have created more than 30 applications to explore novel ways users can apply handhelds as wireless remote controls in offices, meeting rooms, classrooms, homes, factories, and military command posts. However, many open questions remain about how handheld devices can control PCs and computerized appliances.</p>
J. O. Wobbrock, B. A. Myers, J. Nichols and R. C. Miller, "Taking Handheld Devices to the Next Level," in Computer, vol. 37, no. , pp. 36-43, 2004.