Up On the Roof…

An article on Ars Technica today covered a new patent by Apple, that could tie its Nike+iPod device to particular pieces of clothing.

If they carry through with it and you have intentions to buy this pedometer on steriods, you could find yourself limited to the shoes you run, jog or walk in. Additionally, it could restrict your choice of any garments, such as head gear, jackets, sweatpants, etc…

There were plenty of comments on Ars, mostly negative, most on how evil Apple is becoming, but maybe not? This could be start of something big.

Picture your typical geek. Okay, what is he/she wearing? Can you see where I’m going with this?

RFID, if you haven’t heard of it, is a system of tracking things via radio signals, think of EZ Pass (the electronic toll booth tags), or more closely the tags on clothing at the department store, but they’re smarter than those. They can ID in more detail.

These things have already been miniaturized. Soon they’ll be in your closet. Wouldn’t it be cool if each of these articles of clothing could talk to each other? They could prevent all kinds of fashion catastrophes? No more short pants with dress shoes, mismatched socks, etc.

Okay, but we need a warning system. What good will it be if it doesn’t alert us to the problem? Maybe its early and your coffee hasn’t kicked in yet. Ever heard of the Invisible Fence? It’s the system meant to prevent your pets from running into the street, etc.

I could see a market for a combination of these and if anyone can do it, Apple can.

READER CHALLENGE: What would they call it? Any ideas?