Yesterday, I released my annual predictions for 2014, and a few weeks ago I shared with you 10 Game-Changing Technological Trends That Will Transform Tomorrow. In the sprit that more is better, and a different perspective is always welcome, I’d like to share with you IBM’s annual “5 in 5” series–5 predictions for the next…

Jeff Bezoes gave an insightful interview on 60 Minutes last evening. One of the more interesting technologies he unveiled was “PrimeAir”–an innovative unmanned aerial vehicle delivery system. (See the video below). The technology has the potential to play out in a way similar to the video but I believe a more likely scenario is that…

Late last year, I released my annual list of predictions for the coming year. In my first prediction, I said facial recognition technology will “be used to change in-store advertising based on the age, gender, racial make-up or mood of the consumer in closest proximity to the display.” The Wall Street Journal is now reporting…

As computers become ever more powerful, it’s difficult for some people to comprehend what will soon be possible. For example, after IBM’s Watson supercomputer defeated Jeopardy’s top two human champions, it might not have been obvious how the same technology would soon be helping doctors make better, faster, more affordable and more accurate cancer diagnosis….

With most of America now roasting through a horrendous heat wave, many people are undoubtedly coming up with innovative ways to stay cool. Few, however, are as innovative as the Ministry of Supply’s new self-cooling shirts. Take a look at the company’s introductory video and I think you’ll catch a glimpse of the future of…

As I wrote in an earlier post, Google is only 13 years old; Facebook is a mere 8 years old; and the iPhone just turned five. Each has impacted the world in some surprising and unexpected ways. From my perspective as a futurist, Google’s “Project Glass” (which offers enhanced augmented reality as well as the…

The accelerating pace of change is often difficult for the average person to comprehend. As a futurist, business forecaster and frequent conference speaker, I have often use recent history to remind people of how much we’ve lived through in the past few years. For example, Google is only 13 years-old–a mere teenager. Facebook is just…

(Editor’s note: The following is an excerpt from my forthcoming book, 20/20 Foresight: A Futurist Looks Ahead to the Ten Trends That Will Shape the World of 2020, that I am writing with the able assistance of fellow futurist Simon Anderson. This chapter takes a look at the future of retail.) In the summer of 2011, Tesco,…

This past December in my annual list of predictions for 2012, I forecast that a major retailer would establish a virtual grocery stores. (See prediction #7) Much as I predicted, commuters in Philadelphia will soon be able to shop while waiting for the next subway car. P.S. If you’re interested in the future of retail,…