With Linux rapidly becoming an industry standard, it's important that developers be able to create new applications across all platforms, including pervasive devices, and the intent of IBM's research is to further that work. In addition, the watch will provide users with calendar, address book and to-do list functions. The watch contains a powerful processor along with eight megabytes of flash memory and another eight megabytes of dynamic random access memory.
Users interact with the watch through a combination of a touch-sensitive screen and a roller wheel.
The watch also has both IR and RF wireless connectivity. Among the technologies IBM is developing for small pervasive devices are packaging, displays, processors, hardware encryption, low power systems, wireless protocols, user interfaces, privacy models, middleware, and applications. Other devices that could leverage these technologies include PDAs, smart identification badges, and other wearable devices. Several benefits accrue from the use of Linux in small pervasive devices. The availability of source code and a well-understood application programming environment makes it easy for students, researchers, and software companies to add new features and develop applications.