Research on the progress of ubiquitous computing (ubicomp), where computers are everywhere--versus only in one place, as it was with desktop computing--is presented in this paper. In this way, computers have become part of the environment, such as other technologies (electricity, paper).

The paper follows the work of Marc Weiser, who is considered the father of ubicomp. For each of the concepts, the paper presents recent developments, including almost 100 references.

The main aspects of ubicomp are: the computer should help the user do an activity; it should be quiet; the computer should use intuition; and the technology should create calm. The author stresses the psychological aspects of ubicomp, “the richer history behind the people, ideas, and values that culminated into a vision of ubiquitous computing,” using tables and graphics.

I found section 5, a list of philosophical works, especially interesting. The paper is less than ten pages, but brings together a wealth of information on the field. It is interesting, though frequent references make it a bit hard to read.