BBC has an interesting interview with Bill Gates. In the article, Gates claims that the way people will interact with computers is going to change dramatically in the next five years. Specifically, he predicts the keyboard and mouse will gradually give way to more intuitive and natural technologies. I agree and I have written extensively about how multi-touch computers, electronic paper, and voice recognition technologies will all facilitate this transistion.
There is, however, an even more interesting article on Physorg.org discussing the progress researchers are making in using carbon-nanotubes to manufacture high-speed thin-film transistors. The important aspect of this development is the “high-speed” aspect. What the development suggests is that these transistors will both dramatically lower the cost of electronics and imbue them with new capabilities in the near future. This could lead to some real breakthroughs in the production of high-performance, low-cost electronic paper and RFID chips; which, in turn, will create new ways for people to interact with future electronics.
And when this happens, the field of education will be transformed because flexible computers will allow students to interact with information in more intuitive and meaningful ways. For example, they will be able to experience subjects such as biology and physics in new, different and richer ways (such as manipulating virtual models of molecules) or they will be able to visit the virtual reality locations of historical settings.
The technology will, of course, also transform media and advertising. Infosys has already developed a ”Magic Mirror” which displays information and advertisements on the mirrors in store dressing rooms, but with interactive technology people will be able to browse the mirror for complimentary goods or even interact with the advertisements to get more information about those products they are interested in. People will even be able to instantly visit their friends online and show them their new clothing to see what they think of it before they actually buy it.
As always, the trick with any new technology such as flexible transistors or intuitive computers is not to think of what these new capabilities will add to today’s existing products but , rather, “jump the curve” and consider how these new technologies can be used in new ways that will improve people’s lives tomorrow.
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Jack Uldrich is a writer, futurist, public speaker and host of jumpthecurve.net. He is the author of seven books, including Jump the Curve and The Next Big Thing is Really Small: How Nanotechnology Will Change the Future of Your Business. He is also a frequent speaker on future technology and future trends, nanotechnology, innovation, change management and executive leadership to a variety of businesses, industries and non-profit organizations and trade associations.
