Handheld MP3 Players Are, Like, Sooo Passé

iPods, you're playing yesterday's iTunes. Creative Zens, there's a new koan in town. The South Korean government is backing efforts to launch digitized apparel by the end of the year. "The research and development of smart clothing can't be left up to the market only, because of its high risk. The government has taken the role of offsetting this risk," said Hwang Kyu-yearn, an official at the Commerce and Industry Ministry.


Mr. Hwang changed the subject when asked if the smart clothing would still work after washing and drying in LG washers and dryers or if they would work after a spring rain in Seoul.