ABSTRACT
Mobile devices with small form factors, yet with computing power comparable to desktops only years old, are now common. Enhanced multimodal user interfaces such as touch screens, biometric security devices, and accelerometers have significantly improved the usability of these devices. The integration of global position system (GPS) receivers, cameras, and recorders in cellphones and personal digital assistants (PDAs) has ushered in a new generation of
converged
mobile devices. We are now witnessing a continuous proliferation of wireless appliances in everyday life, such as crib monitors, home security alarms, fire alarm annunciators, and surveillance cameras. These technological advances are helping create resource-rich environments in which personal mobile devices can seamlessly integrate to utilize and provide services; moreover, these mobile devices will be capable of sharing their capabilities via wireless means. Peer-to-peer relationships will enable devices to dynamically form collaborative relationships and perform complex tasks leveraging available resources either shared among the peers or present in their surrounding environment.
