Friday, March 06, 2009

Computing in 2019 ...


10 years is not a long time, but with technology evolving, the way we interact with it becomes more transparent ... if you think back, when I first started working with "luggable" computing we were operating with command line instructions that evolved to Windows ... computers that were the forerunners of our present laptops and notebooks were transportable and weighed 20lbs (sturdy handles) ... now we feel that 5-6 lbs is heavy for a machine and we are down to sub 2lbs for the new netbooks ... such is what has happened in the evolution of computing mobility and hardware ...

I believe the new evolution that we are seeing unfold is in the evolution of our interaction with the computer ... I highlighted several new programs and things that show the "touch" interface that is bringing natural computing to the forefront ... the transparent manipulation of data and the ability to "flow" through ideas or thoughts is probably the highest use of assisted computing ... watch for new innovation in Artificial Intelligence and other methods of a move towards Singularity as described by Kurzweil ... the implications are that it could be the acceleration of current technology and unknown new technologies that can propel humanity and set the stage for a new era like the agricultural and industrial revolutions did before ... are we in the midst of a paradigm shift for life as we know it (the upheaval in our global economies that we are presently experiencing may be the symptoms) ... are the new keys emerging from the rapid evolution of technologies ....

Take a look at this video from Microsoft Office Labs (via the Future of Things website) on their vision of computing in 2019 ... you will see in it, where the printed newspapers are going (that is happening now), education, communication ... a glimpse from a visionary brain trust ... enlightening and thought provoking ... I think you will see how pervasive and empowering this new interface could be ... the beginnings of a new age?

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