Eyes-Free User Interfaces

With the emergence of smart phones, the time is fast approaching when devices small enough to fit in a pocket will be able to meet all our personal computing and communication needs. Despite their increased capabilities and functionality, however, the size and shape of today´s computing devices - from laptops to handhelds - are still largely determined by the same factors. But as user interfaces become less obtrusive, this can begin to change. Next-generation Uls are extending beyond the traditional visual interface to leverage hearing and touch, thereby augmenting overall user interaction.