Researchers at IBM pinpointed five technologies Tuesday they believe could transform the way people work, play and live in the next five years.
The bold prediction came in the company’s third-annual “Next Five in Five” list of innovations underway inside IBM labs and designed to capitalize on current social trends. Here they are:
Solar cells, smart storage and voice recognition make the list
*Solar cells built into driveways, sidewalks, paint, rooftops and windows, and carried around in cell phones, notebook computers, clothing, even cars. The high cost of manufacturing solar cells will drop with the continued development of thin-film cells that are 100 times thinner than silicon wafer cells and cheaper. They can be “printed” on a flexible backing;
*Low-cost genetic maps will give people crystal balls for their health. Genetic maps of human DNA will become available for less than $200, allowing doctors to gauge the health risks facing their patients and enable drug companies to develop products tailored to individuals. Patients will quickly be able to assess the benefits of lifestyle changes;
*Speech recognition technology for computers will allow people to talk to the Internet. Technology is already available today for the development of “VoiceSites” designed to let people surf Web sites, post documents, respond to e-mail and send instant messages without typing.;
*Digital shopping assistants will be installed in fitting rooms to give consumers the ability to select clothing and accessories or replace items that don’t fit. Sales associates will gather the items and deliver them. Shoppers also will snap photos of garments and send them to friends and relatives for approval;
*Storage and location technologies will help people combat forgetfulness. Conversations and everyday details will be recorded, analyzed and recalled on demand. People can refer to conversations they had on the phone with relatives or doctors. They can be reminded to pick up groceries or prescriptions when they pass by stores. Digital information will be much easier to assess.
This was really a great article. It is both exciting and scary to think that anyone (especially our health insurance companies) will be able to get their hands on information about what diseases we might be prone to develop. I wonder how many will be excluded as “pre-existing conditions!” Solar panels at a highly affordable price would be great though!
Your idea is a breath of fresh air compared to the usual rubbish I learn on solar energy. There’s a lot of frauds on the market. Thank you for helping me out.