Technologies shaping our future

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Great Scott! Hover-boards and self-lacing sneakers! What next?!

We look at 5 prevalent technologies that are changing the way we run our lives.

Smartphones < 3G and 4G < Cloud Computing < Social Networking < Augmented Reality.

Roads? Roads? Where we’re going we won’t need roads!

Smartphones

Acting like a mobile mini computer device, Smartphones have completely revolutionised how we communicate with each other, as well as how frequently.  With their inbuilt applications they also allow us  to use them for a multitude of functions within the one device: for example, cameras, GPS, Social Media, Games…

The future:

• Personal Mobile Computes (PMCs) will evolve.
• PMCs will hold super- computing speeds
• Users will benefit from a very powerful sense of surroundings
• PMC will move to wrist watch becoming the interface with which you communicated with any other computer or device.
• Your PMC will be able to interact with the digital and physical worlds but also providing cues to your subconscious, i.e. what feels good will emit a decision through your PMC.

 

3G and 4G Wireless Broadband: “How many bars do I have?”

We rely on signal strength to support our new online habits and communicating function. Wireless broadband supports our access to the Cloud and our communication channels. As well as the ‘traditional’ phone calls that necessitate a good signal.

We’re frequently checking smartphone signal strength when wirelessly browsing the Internet and retrieving our email. Today’s 3G and 4G networks provide acceptable but intermittent connections and okay speed. This will change.

The Future:

Deployment will be faster and more organic.

Wireless providers will likely credit homeowners’ monthly bills for having devices like a mini cellular tower extending your wireless network in your home or small business for improved cellular performance at home. With enough of these devices in place, even remote neighbourhoods and towns will enjoy solid wireless access to the cloud.

Personal mobile computers (PMCs) won’t even have signal strength indicators; wireless access to the cloud will be pervasive and ultra-fast at all times.

 

Cloud Computing

There is certainly a lot of hype around cloud computing: whether it is a safe storage place for our personal and professional data has been up for debate. Businesses all over are moving to the Cloud and individuals are too. The Cloud allows us to access everything remotely and easily.

The Future:

With tomorrow’s cloud computing, all of our personal information and the applications will be available to us at any time. Whether you’re editing a text document while travelling, or adjusting a sales proposal at a client’s office, you’ll never be without the information needed to complete a task.

Augmented Reality

Wow. We remember watching Minority Report , the movie that conceptualized the Augmented Reality concept which was the first to show us how it can be used and how it can transform the way we interact with objects in real world. The seed has now grown into a tree and the technology is now in your smartphone.

Augmented Reality (AR) is a term for a live direct or indirect view of a physical real-world environment whose elements are merged with (or augmented by) virtual computer-generated imaginary – creating a mixed reality. (Wikipedia)

The Future:

AR glasses will project images onto the lenses using components that are barely noticeable. Your PMC will display information on your glasses much like a heads-up display (HUD), for instance, with symbols projected along the periphery. Look at a symbol and say something, and your PMC will act on the broadcasted message. Your PMC will also do a great job of minimizing the information displayed, limiting it to just what you need to know now

Some more of what to expect:

• A conference room with augmented documents
• Book’s Index pages that give you a glimpse of what’s in for the reader
• Food items that can tell you how much calories are present in them
• Roads instructing you to your destination
• Walls acting like your computer monitors.

 Social Networking

 

Social Networking has completely revolutionised how we interact with each other and how we share information.

 

 

 

 

Said also to be in its infancy, and our approach somewhat naive, Social networking is fast becoming the dominant channel for communicating and sharing. Opening ourselves up to others we may not have previously done so with.

The future:

The management of our network will be dynamic and automated; the system will make and break connections to ensure maximum value. As updates are posted, for example, only those relevant to you at the present moment will make it through the filter to your PMC.

Social networking may also become more integrated with other components of our digital lives, like our calendars, address books and GPS. When going to a scheduled meeting with someone, you may be presented with recent and relevant posts that person made on Facebook to help prepare for small talk.