Wearables

iWorm is a not-at-all ridiculous-looking way to hold your tablet

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Using the iWorm with a tablet
The very early iWorm prototype made with clay, chicken wire and newspaper
A 3D rendering of the iWorm
A 3D rendering of the iWorm in use
How to put the iWorm on
The flexible gooseneck of the iWorm
A view the whole device
Using the iWorm with a tablet
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Remember that iArm photo that swept around the Internet a while back? It featured an individual essentially wearing their tablet on their arm and looking at it in much the same way one would look at a wristwatch. Turns out, someone took that picture to heart, and is attempting to create a product with a similar function called the iWorm. However, instead of wearing the tablet on the user's arm, this one goes over the user's shoulders.

The iWorm is designed to put the tablet right at eye level, so a user can read or watch videos while moving around freely and without their hands becoming tired from the weight of the tablet.

The iWorm looks about as absurd as it sounds (see photos for yourself), but the functionality behind it does make a certain amount of sense. Thankfully, the design featured in the photos is not final, as it is just a prototype. Instead of the smiley-face foam cushions, standard pads will be used. The back will be flat and made of memory foam for added comfort.

Jeffrey Gu, the creator of the iWorm, is currently seeking funding on Kickstarter to take his idea from prototype to a final product. Interested buyers will need to a minimum pledge of $79 to secure themselves an iWorm.

The Kickstarter pitch below demonstrates how the device is used.

Source: Kickstarter

View gallery - 7 images
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6 comments
Two Replies
http://youreholdingitwrong.org/apple-iphone-4-you-are-holding-it-wrong.jpg
Scott Bailey
I really like the iWorm idea. How ever would it be not better to target the full range of Tablet PC's?
I think that the device would be more comfortable to use at a height where the user's arms are closer to a 100 Deg. angle.
Why not incorporate a small battery and or a few solar panels in the design?
On a real winner here, good luck with it!
Scott :)
Freyr Gunnar
A bit too geeky, but as tablets are used more and more for business to read/input data such as when entering polls, there's indeed a need to hold the tablet when standing up.
BleedingEdge
I am really trying to envision the market for this type of product. Would it be an industrial type setting where someone needs to remain standing in a work environment like an inspection process? Maybe someone working in a technical role where they're using both hands and referring to an on-screen diagnostic or PDF type documentation? If is intended as a consumer accessory, I can't see this as anything one would use casually in public and for around one's home there's no need to remain standing. To be honest people feel awkward enough just using a Bluetooth earpiece in public. I don't think the average consumer would go for this. Something that deploys quickly from a padded backpack strap would be more marketable as the backpack could also carry the tablet, books etc. Please don't get me wrong - I've always been an early adopter of technology and was the first to use a tablet in my workplace, but this dog won't hunt. Another approach might be to use a nylon fabric type solution similar to the on-your-chest baby carriers using a strap/sling arrangement instead of rigid hardware to support the device. Best of luck.
Walt Stawicki
more thangs oh my. not on the bus in the cafe or why at home unless im inventorying the prepper pantry so it leaves those industrial zones where they seem happy with handheldbricks already... early tech adaptation? this is gadgettech not a new whizzgee! and blednedg is right a drop down that gets t f pit of the way is so more "ergometrically optimized to create a seamless (whatever) experience."
noteugene
While necessity could benifit from an occasional use of such a product, this design is just banal. A better design would be to have flat sheet plastic extend from bottom of device like an antenna to just above waist level. Then an elastic cord or strap from bottom of device area to mid point of ones chest to then encircle chest area. (Straps on each side would impede arm movement). Not only would this be drastically cheaper but far more lighter & comfortable. The preferred height useage would be easily adjustable. I agree with another poster here, a lower console would be more natural than holding your arms up like a praying manthis. I give this company Kadoo's in attempting to target a consumer's need area but a F in product design.