Ubiquitous Computing

Pervasive computing (also called ubiquitous computing) is the growing trend towards embedding microprocessors in everyday objects so they can communicate information. The words pervasive andubiquitous mean "existing everywhere." Pervasive computing devices are completely connected and constantly available.
The group that did the presentation on ubiquitous computing did a great job at helping the class understand what it is. The discussion was most helpful. In groups we had to choose things in certain spaces that were ubiquitous computing. The five groups were home, wear, automobiles, commercial and healthcare. In the particular group that I was in we discussed automobiles. 
The first question on the discussion paper was: what are some technologies that would be considered ubiquitous computing. We thought about GPS, self driving cars, keyless entry, automatic parking, automatic breaking, temperature control, bluetooth, self monitoring sensors. Many of these technologies are now built into our cars and they are always on and always present. Since these technologies are built into our cars it is built in our minds and we don't have to think about the mundane things. We don't have to think about unlocking a car door because the keyless entry allows us to be near the car without actually unlocking it manually. Cars with automatic parking and breaking are good features for distracted people. Self driving cars would be amazing for drinking and driving because it would be the best safety feature in the world. I loved Darion's argument that he brought up during class though that so many people get speeding tickets and that is tax money and they would rather get money than have people be safe. Self driving cars would be fantastic and Google has proof that it can be safe and every accident that the Google car has been in has been because humans aren't good enough drivers. 
We also discussed the pros and cons of each aspect of the automobile ubiquitous computing. One of the pros is that it makes life much easier and you can be distracted. Bluetooth for music and phone is brilliant because people can answer phone calls in the car if the phone is connected to the car stereo system. 
The biggest con is that people get used to it. People become familiar with backup cameras and sensors and blind spot sensors that if we transfer to cars without it, there could be a huge accident because we have become use to things being done for us. If technology fails, we forget how to do those simple things like brake and parallel park.