New Media X initiative on mobile alternative and form factor devices

January 30, 2006. What if it is possible to build an eye-tracking device as augmented input that’s embedded into every laptop, desktop, cell phone and automobile? What if the telecommunications sector business models and infrastructure were to change to reflect a more “open” environment? What if the ubiquity of mobile technologies in developing countries could be harnessed to bridge the digital divide, offering up a new paradigm for distance education?

These are just a few of the questions that Stanford researchers will explore though projects funded in Media X’s latest initiative focusing on mobile alternative and factor form devices. Research topics could range from a focus on the device itself, the consumer or enterprise use cases for that device, the interface employed to render that device useful, and the connectivity opportunities and needs required to make that device part of the “connected” computing ecosystems.

As part of the initiative, Media X not only put out the call for research proposals (RFP), it also launched a graduate student fund (GSF) to support student research activities in this area.  The RFP is the ninth to be issued since Media X was established. 

Both the RFP & GSF are evident, campus wide mechanisms Media X uses to support interdisciplinary research that addresses questions of real importance to both academia and industry that involve people, technology and innovation.

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