In its latest patent, Microsoft describes how to transmit power and data between wearable devices, and how to turn your toy poodle into a virtual keyboard.
Microsoft has been awarded a patent for turning your skin into a power conduit and data bus, and which describes a novel idea for a keyboard that should have most household pets running scared. Patent number 6,754,472 describes a method of transmitting power and data to devices worn on the body, and for communication of data between those devices.
In its filing, Microsoft cites the proliferation of wearable electronic devices, such as wristwatches, pagers, PDAs (worn on people"s belts) and small displays that can now be worn mounted on headgear. "As a result of carrying multiple portable electronic devices, there is often a significant amount of redundancy in terms of input/output devices included in the portable devices used by a single person," says the filing. "For example, a watch, pager, PDA and radio may all include a speaker."