Sehrish Naeem says Over the last couple of decades, technology has evolved beyond belief and has transformed the lives of consumers. Who in the world of the 1990’s could envision the world of the present, as we become increasingly connected by a global information system that is completely integrated into our everyday lives.
(1) Brain-Controlled Computing
From a desktop to a laptop to a handheld phone, computing has transformed beyond recognition in the decades since it first emerged. So what will it look like in 2018? According to U.S computer expert Ray Kurzwell, the computer of the near future will be so advanced that it will be rival the intellect of humans. He, along with other computer engineers, foresees a future in which computers will be controlled by the human mind. Recently, an Intel researcher named Dean Pomerleau alluded to these possibilities, stating, “Eventually people may be willing to be more committed… to brain implants. Imagine being able to surf the Web with the power of your thoughts”.
(2) Luxurious Air Travel
Though time travel and teleportation are still a distant pipe dream, there are several air travel innovations set to change the future of air travel. While you will probably still have to rely on old fashioned planes to get you around, it doesn’t mean you can’t do it in style:
New conceptual art for the Airbus envisions a future where the planes are equipped with holograms, a sunroof and see through-walls, touch-screen TVs and self-cleaning cabins.
(3) Hologram Games
Just last week in Tokyo, the most discussed prediction was that gaming would soon involve holograms being projected into one’s living room. Moving beyond the motion sensor technology, companies are developing a means to project virtual objects for gamers to interact with:
Earlier in the year, Sony discussed these advancements, noting technologies that would project light beams to make an image float in a room. Sony even managed to have 3D images float outside and in front of television screens earlier this year and projected a hologram of a dog in a jar. More recently, Apple patented a technology that would project a 3D image and allow people to play with virtual objects in their hands which could be implemented for use in personal computers and movies.
(4) Motion-Operated Cell Phones
Think your touch screen phone is impressive? The cell phone of the future will forgo the tedium of using your hands and is expected to operate solely on gestures — think Kinect for your handheld phone.
Just last month, designers Pilotfish and sensor maker Synaptics released the prototype of a cell phone without any buttons. Dubbed the Onyx device, the phone is operated solely by signs and gestures.
Just swiping the screen opens and closes applications, and lifting the phone to your cheek automatically answers calls.
Additionally, the designs are being revamped including origami cell phones, foldable phones and even a wristwatch cell phone.
(5) Cardless Credit Cards
Earlier this month, MasterCard Labs unveiled their prototype for mobile credit cards. Among their prototypes, various methods of card-less payments were revealed which allow for the ability to purchase items directly from television.
Similarly, Google is developing its own innovative credit card application. Google Wallet allows people to merely tap their phones at the counter to make a purchase. These new innovations will potentially make credit cards obsolete.
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