I came across an interesting link on Slashdot about programmable tattoos.  One of the ideas is to use nanobots that can rearrange themselves to spell out words, numbers, possibly even animations, all at the tap of a finger.

I found the article rather interesting.  We’ve gotten to the point where just about everyone has a phone, Blackberry, or some other personal device to keep track of phone numbers, appointments, or whatever.  Why not take the device out of the equation and use your actual palm to store and/or display this information?   You wouldn’t have to worry about losing your devices, worry about them being stolen, or forgotten (not that ANYONE would ever forget their cell phone.  Excuse the pun, but it would all be in the palm of your hand!

Another method mentioned is the use of digital tattoos with a low-power wireless personal area network (WPAN) to sync up data with a Wi-Fi PDA.  As an example, the article shows an expressive icon (emoticon) on an individual’s cheek to indicate that person’s emotional state.  Maybe this will be the next fad?  The article even mentions renting out your face to Nike during the local basketball game.

I’m sure this technology is still years away from being perfected or used in the public mainstream, but I think the idea is intriguing, like something you would read in a sci-fi novel.