Where will we be technology wise in five years? With the end of year approaching, predictions of the future always seem to come up (just look at the tabloids in the check-out line in your local grocery store). IBM has decided to make some predictions for what will happen within five years in emerging innovations and Life-changing technologies. Here is the list and a brief comment on what I think about it:

Emerging Innovations:

  • Our electric companies and home appliances will make it easier to being green. (this seems to be a no brainer. They have been working toward this for a number of years).
  • The way we drive will be “completely different.” It will ease stress, strain, and smog. IBM sees intelligent traffics systems to ease our commutes (maybe in five years they will have more of the foundation set down, but they have been talking about this for years. Maybe in twenty years, driving will be “completely different because you have to replace all the old cars.”)
  • We will know the source and makeup of our food products. (I think we are already there or close to it).
  • Our cell phones will be our bank, ticket broker, concierge, shopping buddy, and more. (Not really a bold prediction since this is what phones are just about starting to do.)
  • Doctors will get enhanced “super senses” to diagnose and better treat their patiences. (will this be something that is out in five years for the general public, or will specialists only have it?)

    • Life Changing Technologies

  • We will be able to access healthcare remotely, from just about anywhere in the world. (again, this seems a no brainer as the speed of the Internet goes up. In Japan they are used to 100/mbs downloads and uploads - the US carriers are now finally starting to go the same route. Maybe in five years we will have the 400/mbs that has been mentioned in Gordon Synder’s blogs).
  • Our mobile phones will start to read our minds. (Ok, no clue about how it will read our mind, but, if taken figuratively, we have voice commands for phones and blue-tooth devices, maybe along the lines of this.)
  • Real time speech translation will become the norm. (Again a no brainer. This is what is happening now).
  • There will be a 3-D Internet. (I seen some 3-D computer monitors out there - just a matter of time.)
  • Technologies the size of a few atoms will address areas of environmental importance (Yes, Nanotechnologies is all the rage. Five years, ten years, it is is coming).

    • This list came from TG Daily and there is a few reasons from IBM on why they think these will come about in five years.

    What do you think? What are your ideas for emerging innvovations and life changing technologies for the next five years?

    Mark Viquesney