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Frequently Asked Questions, Wearable Computing
Q. Why do wearable computers typically use a head mounted display (HMD) rather than a hand-held or wrist-mounted display?

A. The HMD allows the apparatus to be used with less conscious thought or effort. For example, even when you are not engaged in the activity of using the apparatus, it may signal to you, as with Xbiff, to let you know you have mail. This is possible because the device runs continuously, even when you are not really trying to use it. Moreover, it can augment or mediate your visual experience of reality, and facilitates a "Reality User Interface" (RUI). At the very least, an HMD provides privacy so that nobody else can easily read your screen while doing other things (e.g. while walking down the street, and typing at the same time).

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