When is a computer not a computer?
 
 
 
 
This website is about information appliances. But what exactly is an information appliance? The computing industry sometimes uses the term to describe the latest generation of handheld PCs or organisers. To some it means specialist Internet browsers. Others even use it to describe the results of crossing a computer with a fridge! We take a broader perspective, based on the notions of ubiquitous or pervasive computing.
Digital camera - one of the information appliances already in common use.
 

The idea of an ordinary appliance is a well-established one. Appliances are the tools we use everyday to accomplish simple tasks without thinking. We just plug them in and start using them to wash the dishes, make lunch or clean the car. Appliances do one thing well, and everyone knows how to use them.

Information appliances are just appliances which deal with information. They're already all around us too: digital cameras; mobile phones; photocopiers, printers and scanners. New ones are being invented all the time.

Information appliances are invisible computers. Instead of behaving like computers, they share characteristics we call applianceness. The Appliance Studio specialises in the core disciplines required to invent, design and engineer successful information appliances. We bring applianceness to your product.

To read more about information appliances download our appliance whitepaper.