Google believes the neck is the next region for wearable technology, at least according to a patent it filed and that was published last week, CNN reported.
In its 10-page patent, Google calls the device an "electric skin tattoo" that communicates with smartphones and other mobile devices. Rather than giving voice commands directly to one's phone or through headphones and earpieces, the tattoo, via an embedded microphone and transreceiver, will act as a more accessible intermediary. Though this feature, incoming and outgoing communication should be clearer, especially in a noisy environment. The technology could make listening to music without headphones a reality, according to CNN.
The neck tattoo may have been indirectly inspired by Google Glass, which is still halfway in (and halfway out of) its trial stages upon limited release to the public. In the first version of the electronic eyewear, which didn't have an earpiece, incoming sound was supposed to be transmitted through vibrations in the ear bone. Early users complained about poor audio and so the latest edition of Glass has a physical ear piece, according to CNN.
The electronic tat will function as more than just a "neck bud." According to the patent, the device's close contact with skin and electricity could be used as an improvised lie detector.
"Optionally, the electronic skin tattoo can further include a galvanic skin response detector to detect skin resistance of a user," the explanation read. "It is contemplated that a user that may be nervous or engaging in speaking falsehoods may exhibit different galvanic skin response than a more confident, truth telling individual."
It's unclear how the tattoo, between the size of "band aid and a postage stamp," will attach (and if it will be comfortable, how resistant it will be to sweat, etc.) other than an "adhesive," according to the patent's description. Though neck beards won't be an issue as the patent states, "the electronic tattoo can also be applied to an animal as well."
