Comments on: Patent for a wristwatch that tells you how much longer you could expect to live http://boingboing.net/2012/06/13/patent-for-a-wristwatch-that-t.html Brain candy for Happy Mutants Sun, 19 May 2013 15:13:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.1 By: Jello http://boingboing.net/2012/06/13/patent-for-a-wristwatch-that-t.html#comment-1449197 Jello Thu, 14 Jun 2012 06:07:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=166056#comment-1449197 My thoughts exactly. It's an insane world we're living in if Karl Pilkington's inventions are becoming real. I wait with baited breath for the 'old woman turns into a baby' invention that will surely follow. My thoughts exactly. It’s an insane world we’re living in if Karl Pilkington’s inventions are becoming real. I wait with baited breath for the ‘old woman turns into a baby’ invention that will surely follow.

]]> By: RedShirt77 http://boingboing.net/2012/06/13/patent-for-a-wristwatch-that-t.html#comment-1448900 RedShirt77 Wed, 13 Jun 2012 20:56:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=166056#comment-1448900 If I wore one of these I would need a second watch that told me how far off bankruptcy is if I live life to the fullest. If I wore one of these I would need a second watch that told me how far off bankruptcy is if I live life to the fullest.

]]> By: CH http://boingboing.net/2012/06/13/patent-for-a-wristwatch-that-t.html#comment-1448896 CH Wed, 13 Jun 2012 20:54:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=166056#comment-1448896 I don't get it why everybody is in such a hurry to die. I have absolutely no plans of dying, such a waste of time. Like with the Venus flyover... "Last chance to see in your lifetime!" Pfft... you can go die if you want to, I missed this one due to clouds, I'm not going to miss the next one. I don’t get it why everybody is in such a hurry to die. I have absolutely no plans of dying, such a waste of time.

Like with the Venus flyover… “Last chance to see in your lifetime!” Pfft… you can go die if you want to, I missed this one due to clouds, I’m not going to miss the next one.

]]> By: ablebody http://boingboing.net/2012/06/13/patent-for-a-wristwatch-that-t.html#comment-1448826 ablebody Wed, 13 Jun 2012 19:46:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=166056#comment-1448826 the way my life is going, the watch would break. i'd spend my final days rifling thru warranty papers and pressing 1 (o marque ocho) to speak with a representative. the way my life is going, the watch would break. i’d spend my final days rifling thru warranty papers and pressing 1 (o marque ocho) to speak with a representative.

]]> By: Paul Renault http://boingboing.net/2012/06/13/patent-for-a-wristwatch-that-t.html#comment-1448783 Paul Renault Wed, 13 Jun 2012 19:00:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=166056#comment-1448783 I hope the 'Time Expectancy Timepiece' is eventually manufactured by the Trafalmadorian Corporation. I hope the ‘Time Expectancy Timepiece’ is eventually manufactured by the Trafalmadorian Corporation.

]]> By: malindrome http://boingboing.net/2012/06/13/patent-for-a-wristwatch-that-t.html#comment-1448773 malindrome Wed, 13 Jun 2012 18:50:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=166056#comment-1448773 And maybe it could be on the palm of your hand and change colors as each citizen approaches their "Last Day".  If they refuse to enter the Carousel and accept Renewal, we can send Sandmen after them. And maybe it could be on the palm of your hand and change colors as each citizen approaches their “Last Day”.  If they refuse to enter the Carousel and accept Renewal, we can send Sandmen after them.

]]> By: bcsizemo http://boingboing.net/2012/06/13/patent-for-a-wristwatch-that-t.html#comment-1448769 bcsizemo Wed, 13 Jun 2012 18:43:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=166056#comment-1448769 It appears www.deathclock.org might have "died" so to speak... and ironically www.deathclock.com gives you a different date every time you hit the button, even if you don't change anything. It appears http://www.deathclock.org might have “died” so to speak…

and ironically http://www.deathclock.com gives you a different date every time you hit the button, even if you don’t change anything.

]]> By: AnthonyC http://boingboing.net/2012/06/13/patent-for-a-wristwatch-that-t.html#comment-1448758 AnthonyC Wed, 13 Jun 2012 18:39:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=166056#comment-1448758  I hope not since there was no such year. /pedantry  I hope not since there was no such year.
/pedantry

]]> By: Robert Baruch http://boingboing.net/2012/06/13/patent-for-a-wristwatch-that-t.html#comment-1448762 Robert Baruch Wed, 13 Jun 2012 18:39:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=166056#comment-1448762 I think there should be a Singularitarian version. It starts off ticking down normally, but it keeps slowing down. Then it stops and refuses to start up again. I think there should be a Singularitarian version. It starts off ticking down normally, but it keeps slowing down. Then it stops and refuses to start up again.

]]> By: bbonyx http://boingboing.net/2012/06/13/patent-for-a-wristwatch-that-t.html#comment-1448740 bbonyx Wed, 13 Jun 2012 18:22:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=166056#comment-1448740 I've never understood the fear of knowing ones death date. If I could know exactly when I am going to go I would take that info in a heartbeat. We all know we're going to die (although apparently many people live in denial of that fact) so imagine the usefulness of having accurate parameters of your stay on this rock. The only fear should be spending your final time comatose, painfully ill or paralyzed due to a non-fatal, yet significant trauma or disease. I've never been afraid of dying, I'm only afraid of being seriously injured. Imagine if you knew exactly how much time you have. You would know exactly how much you could get done and exactly when you could stop sweating things like your credit rating or healthy lifestyle and just go balls out hedonist without a care in the world due to a complete lack of long-term ramifications. Bliss! I’ve never understood the fear of knowing ones death date. If I could know exactly when I am going to go I would take that info in a heartbeat. We all know we’re going to die (although apparently many people live in denial of that fact) so imagine the usefulness of having accurate parameters of your stay on this rock.

The only fear should be spending your final time comatose, painfully ill or paralyzed due to a non-fatal, yet significant trauma or disease. I’ve never been afraid of dying, I’m only afraid of being seriously injured.

Imagine if you knew exactly how much time you have. You would know exactly how much you could get done and exactly when you could stop sweating things like your credit rating or healthy lifestyle and just go balls out hedonist without a care in the world due to a complete lack of long-term ramifications. Bliss!

]]> By: bbonyx http://boingboing.net/2012/06/13/patent-for-a-wristwatch-that-t.html#comment-1448727 bbonyx Wed, 13 Jun 2012 18:13:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=166056#comment-1448727 Yes, but by your own statement, the number of infants who *make* it to 65 (and thus start collecting SS) is increasing. So while the expectation of those who have reached the SS gateway may be fairly static once they are in it, the volume of people reaching that gateway is increasing, which is the problem. Yes, but by your own statement, the number of infants who *make* it to 65 (and thus start collecting SS) is increasing. So while the expectation of those who have reached the SS gateway may be fairly static once they are in it, the volume of people reaching that gateway is increasing, which is the problem.

]]> By: John Hattan http://boingboing.net/2012/06/13/patent-for-a-wristwatch-that-t.html#comment-1448711 John Hattan Wed, 13 Jun 2012 17:55:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=166056#comment-1448711 It's funny. I have a free "Life-O-Meter" app (google for it), and it gets horrible reviews because it completely freaks people out. I mean, I literally have a one-star review that's "I uninstalled this because it gave me nightmares". It’s funny. I have a free “Life-O-Meter” app (google for it), and it gets horrible reviews because it completely freaks people out.

I mean, I literally have a one-star review that’s “I uninstalled this because it gave me nightmares”.

]]> By: Evan King http://boingboing.net/2012/06/13/patent-for-a-wristwatch-that-t.html#comment-1448646 Evan King Wed, 13 Jun 2012 16:47:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=166056#comment-1448646 Anyone know of an app that would do this on OS X ? The one Kevin Kelly referred to in 2007 is PPC only. Anyone know of an app that would do this on OS X ? The one Kevin Kelly referred to in 2007 is PPC only.

]]> By: dingobaby http://boingboing.net/2012/06/13/patent-for-a-wristwatch-that-t.html#comment-1448618 dingobaby Wed, 13 Jun 2012 16:09:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=166056#comment-1448618 It already existed, although good luck trying to find one: http://www.digitalwatchlibrary.com/DWL/1work/casio_dbs-21/ You could input any date and time and it would tell you the remaining time to that moment. Seem to remember it would go right back until 0 AD. Great for seeing how long you had lived, how close it was to Christmas, or just how long until the weekend. It already existed, although good luck trying to find one: http://www.digitalwatchlibrary.com/DWL/1work/casio_dbs-21/

You could input any date and time and it would tell you the remaining time to that moment. Seem to remember it would go right back until 0 AD. Great for seeing how long you had lived, how close it was to Christmas, or just how long until the weekend.

]]> By: benjymous http://boingboing.net/2012/06/13/patent-for-a-wristwatch-that-t.html#comment-1448613 benjymous Wed, 13 Jun 2012 16:07:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=166056#comment-1448613 I've already got a MetaWatch, which is very dev friendly (as I've spent the last seven months improving the software!) As I said, implementing this would probably take less than 10 minutes, but frankly it gives me the heebie geebies! I’ve already got a MetaWatch, which is very dev friendly (as I’ve spent the last seven months improving the software!)

As I said, implementing this would probably take less than 10 minutes, but frankly it gives me the heebie geebies!

]]> By: Jake0748 http://boingboing.net/2012/06/13/patent-for-a-wristwatch-that-t.html#comment-1448604 Jake0748 Wed, 13 Jun 2012 16:01:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=166056#comment-1448604  Holy Holey Wholly Batman!!  Holy Holey Wholly Batman!!

]]> By: Daneel http://boingboing.net/2012/06/13/patent-for-a-wristwatch-that-t.html#comment-1448606 Daneel Wed, 13 Jun 2012 16:01:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=166056#comment-1448606 Relevant cartoon is relevant: http://formalsweatpants.com/journal/2011/12/15/the-watch.html (via bearfood.com) Relevant cartoon is relevant:

http://formalsweatpants.com/journal/2011/12/15/the-watch.html

(via bearfood.com)

]]> By: billstewart http://boingboing.net/2012/06/13/patent-for-a-wristwatch-that-t.html#comment-1448602 billstewart Wed, 13 Jun 2012 15:59:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=166056#comment-1448602  Shortly after 9/11, a security expert was being interviewed on the radio about what you can do to protect yourself from terrorism.  "Quit smoking and wear your seatbelt!"  Those are much higher risks than crazy people in airplanes.  But I don't need a countdown widget - I've got hair that's gradually switching to gray...  Shortly after 9/11, a security expert was being interviewed on the radio about what you can do to protect yourself from terrorism.  “Quit smoking and wear your seatbelt!”  Those are much higher risks than crazy people in airplanes. 

But I don’t need a countdown widget – I’ve got hair that’s gradually switching to gray…

]]> By: billstewart http://boingboing.net/2012/06/13/patent-for-a-wristwatch-that-t.html#comment-1448600 billstewart Wed, 13 Jun 2012 15:57:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=166056#comment-1448600  If you want something that's been Kickstartered, there's the Pebble watch.  Metawatch looks cool.  If you want something that's programmer-friendly and cheap, the TI Chronos is $50, often discounted to $25, and has an accelerometer and radio links so you can do a variety of things with it.  If you want something that’s been Kickstartered, there’s the Pebble watch.  Metawatch looks cool.  If you want something that’s programmer-friendly and cheap, the TI Chronos is $50, often discounted to $25, and has an accelerometer and radio links so you can do a variety of things with it.

]]> By: J.T. Murphy http://boingboing.net/2012/06/13/patent-for-a-wristwatch-that-t.html#comment-1448597 J.T. Murphy Wed, 13 Jun 2012 15:56:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=166056#comment-1448597 I'm not a fan of this idea, but if it happens, "Devil's Watch" would be an AWESOME name for it. I’m not a fan of this idea, but if it happens, “Devil’s Watch” would be an AWESOME name for it.

]]> By: Duncan Alexander http://boingboing.net/2012/06/13/patent-for-a-wristwatch-that-t.html#comment-1448591 Duncan Alexander Wed, 13 Jun 2012 15:52:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=166056#comment-1448591  THE LIFE CLOCKS ARE A LIE! CAROUSEL IS A LIE!  THE LIFE CLOCKS ARE A LIE! CAROUSEL IS A LIE!

]]> By: Jens Reuterberg http://boingboing.net/2012/06/13/patent-for-a-wristwatch-that-t.html#comment-1448588 Jens Reuterberg Wed, 13 Jun 2012 15:49:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=166056#comment-1448588 15814 days left for me. Thats if I (a smoker) will live to the average age for a man in Sweden (78,7ish)...  I think its kinda refreshing, found a countdown widget for my android and placed it on my homescreen. 15814 days left for me. Thats if I (a smoker) will live to the average age for a man in Sweden (78,7ish)… 
I think its kinda refreshing, found a countdown widget for my android and placed it on my homescreen.

]]> By: waetherman http://boingboing.net/2012/06/13/patent-for-a-wristwatch-that-t.html#comment-1448583 waetherman Wed, 13 Jun 2012 15:37:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=166056#comment-1448583 It's been 21 years, so I think we're past the term of the patent... It’s been 21 years, so I think we’re past the term of the patent…

]]> By: Shai_Hulud http://boingboing.net/2012/06/13/patent-for-a-wristwatch-that-t.html#comment-1448582 Shai_Hulud Wed, 13 Jun 2012 15:36:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=166056#comment-1448582 Could augment the data provided with a "Survival/death probability" via Gompertz Law. http://gravityandlevity.wordpress.com/2009/07/08/your-body-wasnt-built-to-last-a-lesson-from-human-mortality-rates/ http://forio.com/simulate/simulation/mbean/death-probability-calculator/ Could augment the data provided with a “Survival/death probability” via Gompertz Law. http://gravityandlevity.wordpress.com/2009/07/08/your-body-wasnt-built-to-last-a-lesson-from-human-mortality-rates/
http://forio.com/simulate/simulation/mbean/death-probability-calculator/

]]> By: Gary Woodrow http://boingboing.net/2012/06/13/patent-for-a-wristwatch-that-t.html#comment-1448576 Gary Woodrow Wed, 13 Jun 2012 15:29:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=166056#comment-1448576 Could it have a green display and be implanted under the skin. Could it have a green display and be implanted under the skin.

]]> By: Fred Cairns http://boingboing.net/2012/06/13/patent-for-a-wristwatch-that-t.html#comment-1448569 Fred Cairns Wed, 13 Jun 2012 15:19:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=166056#comment-1448569 Kinda surprised that nobody mentioned the plethora of sites on teh internets that will happily provide some sort of estimate along these lines. www.deathclock.com and www.deathclock.org are just two of many. I don't endorse them. One of them, and I can't remember which one, and maybe there is more than one, will allow you to download an app which you can stick on your desktop. I really don't care to have this kind of counter on my desktop, or on my wrist.   Kinda surprised that nobody mentioned the plethora of sites on teh internets that will happily provide some sort of estimate along these lines. http://www.deathclock.com and http://www.deathclock.org are just two of many. I don’t endorse them. One of them, and I can’t remember which one, and maybe there is more than one, will allow you to download an app which you can stick on your desktop. I really don’t care to have this kind of counter on my desktop, or on my wrist.  

]]> By: lozhuf http://boingboing.net/2012/06/13/patent-for-a-wristwatch-that-t.html#comment-1448568 lozhuf Wed, 13 Jun 2012 15:18:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=166056#comment-1448568 It just makes me think of this Simpsons line:  http://download.lardlad.com/sounds/season14/cedoh14.mp3 It just makes me think of this Simpsons line: 

http://download.lardlad.com/sounds/season14/cedoh14.mp3

]]> By: Wreckrob8 http://boingboing.net/2012/06/13/patent-for-a-wristwatch-that-t.html#comment-1448550 Wreckrob8 Wed, 13 Jun 2012 15:07:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=166056#comment-1448550 And then get run over trying to work out your new watch! And then get run over trying to work out your new watch!

]]> By: Wreckrob8 http://boingboing.net/2012/06/13/patent-for-a-wristwatch-that-t.html#comment-1448548 Wreckrob8 Wed, 13 Jun 2012 15:06:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=166056#comment-1448548 I think you need to study the HOLEy texts! I think you need to study the HOLEy texts!

]]> By: nixiebunny http://boingboing.net/2012/06/13/patent-for-a-wristwatch-that-t.html#comment-1448545 nixiebunny Wed, 13 Jun 2012 15:01:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=166056#comment-1448545 Someone paid a lawyer money to patent such an idea????!!?!?! Someone paid a lawyer money to patent such an idea????!!?!?!

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