Wired runs an article today about the top tech trends that futurists pick. So, what is in the futurist’s crystal ball? It seems to boil down to some very forceable things – possibly a little too obvious too. This column focuses on the positive elements with the negative coming in a later column. The outlined predictions fall into the following 4 categories :
– Simplicity – Mobile Socialization – R.I.P combustion engine – Going green – IT revolution of 2006.
To be perfectly honest the third and fourth are valid and anticipated, but for me on a personal level less interesting. I expected simplicity and also mobile socialization – they are all pretty much here already. The predictions look to simplicity of gadgets with the focus on simplifying things. I think this is about on the money – the most sophisticated things nowadays really are those that give you the functionality but with a simplicity that is far from base and positively complex. The ipod really brings this to a sum for me. It’s a simple to use out of the box solution, but underneath the complexity is intense. I guess what simplified technology really means is the old swan on a pond image – graceful on top and a paddling powerhouse underneath.
As for mobile socialization, what this appears to boil down to is getting down to the nuts and bolts about how mobile devices compliment, facilitate and create interaction. I can see this as a plausable and predictable evolution. Infact I might argue that for the mass it may be a ever coming eventuality closer than you think. Most of the interaction is just taken for granted now from the basic levels of text, blue tooth, sat nav; through to the now common place e-mailing, browsing and pda functionality. I recall my husband’s recent comment on how as a gardener he just wants a phone that goes "bring bring". The technology on our phone is just the top of the rather deep glacier that is mobile technology. I may not be that old at 30, but I remember the age of mobile bricks and even the time before sim cards. Now, though it’s normal and I don’t think twice about it – infact I expect it.
The last point of the IT revolution of 2006 interested me. As expected most predictions are either predictable without a crystal ball or short term. This revolution will be created from :
". . . convergence of a whole stack of IT trends,"said Pearson, who’s gearing up for what he calls the 2006 IT explosion." Basially, the explosion will consist of a number of technologies: better screens, improved location technology and highly sophisticated gaming consoles that provide a hub for home entertainment."
Anyone for a PS3 or XBOX 360? The articles predicts a bumper year for gadget sellers. To me it is all good news being a confirmed gadget obsessive. The fact that as a by product of any IT boom the market of my profession improves might also pay a factor too. So, here’s to the next year and pushing the technology further. It’s a nice ride and hopefully if we pay attention to the green element of the prediction it might not end as fast as the oil supply.
