Context-aware computing using a shared contextual information service

The Aura ubiquitous computing project is investigating how we can reduce user distractions by having applications automatically adapt to the user’s context. Context-aware applications rely on a shared service, the Contextual Information Service, to obtain context information. In this paper we describe our experience in implementing four very different applications using the CIS and in porting the applications to a different environment. One of the services also integrates technologies developed by a sister project that focuses on using the Semantic Web to support context awareness and privacy.