glipp

Glipp is a term used primarily in speculative fiction and academic discourse to denote a small, portable device designed to collect and transmit sensory data. The concept serves as a generic stand-in for edge devices in discussions of ubiquitous computing, telepresence, and the Internet of Things. There is no canonical definition of glipp, and the term does not refer to a single real product or standard.

Origin and usage: The word appears as a neologism in late 20th and early 21st century writings, without a fixed etymology. In most depictions, a glipp is palm-sized or wearable, integrates a lightweight sensor suite (audio, video, environmental sensors), and supports wireless data transfer to a local hub or cloud service. Battery efficiency and privacy controls are common themes in its portrayal.

In fiction and theory: Glipp is used to explore questions about surveillance, user agency, data ownership, and human-computer interaction. Some authors imagine glipps as deliberately anonymous devices that blend into daily life; others treat them as ubiquitous sensors that enable ambient intelligence and context-aware services.

Variations and critique: Because glipp is not a standard term, its exact characteristics vary by work; some depictions emphasize portability and anonymity, others emphasize integration with larger networks and services. The term is often invoked in discussions of ethics, consent, and design.

See also: Wearable computing, Internet of Things, Telepresence, Sensor node.