6th sense

Pattie Maes & Pranav Mistry: Unveiling the "Sixth Sense," game-changing wearable tech

I just watched this presentation about an item that is in development. It is another way for people to interact with technology. Using a camera, a cell phone and a mini projector, it would allow people to access the information on the internet in a whole different way.

Draw a circle on your wrist and the projector will see your visual signal and project a watch telling you the time.
Using your fingers, frame an area and the camera will take a picture. Look at a person, the
camera will recognize him (presentation doesn't say how) and pull up information about
him from his blog or other online sources. Look at a book, the camera will recognize it and pull up reviews from amazon.com.

The purpose is to have instant relevant information available the moment you need it. Almost like a portable attachable extra brain. I have to wonder how the development of this product will impact the development of people in general. A student was overheard bragging because they knew a telephone number. When I was growing up I had lots of phone numbers memorized. Students today simply put them in their cell phone. They rarely dial a number..simply select a name and send. What are the implications for brain development when information is accessed via portable devices in stead of through memorization? I am not a fan of lots of "memorizing" but will this allow us to strengthen and develop other aspects of our intellectual capacities or cause our brains to become out of shape, and unable to perform mental weightlifting?

Most technical gadgets cause me to say "cool, I want that". This is a potential breakthrough that leaves me a little nervous.