For the most part, over the past 4-5 years, there hasn’t really been a technological advancement that has got me genuinely excited.
All of Apple’s beautifully designed products have been visually and functionally (SIRI!) appealing, but nothing that gives me that ‘glimpse into the future’ feel. Over the last few months, I have had a chance to really examine the technological sphere again and I have to say, things are once-again getting exciting!
For those even further behind the curve then me, here’s a small sample of technological advancements that should make you say “wow” once more:
Google Glasses & The Myo
Watch this video:
And check out the Verge’s hands on review of Google’s brand new technology: http://www.theverge.com/2013/2/22/4013406/i-used-google-glass-its-the-future-with-monthly-updates
Seeing this kind of virtual display for day-to-day reality increases my beliefs that we are only a few years away from alternate realities and digital, internet connected worlds that we ‘wake up’ into rather then ‘log-in’ into.
I’ve been dipping my toe in Sci-Fi books recently, and can highly recommend Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson for an insightful look into how corporations and franchises will become the new law-makers of society, as well as some mind-boggling theories about the spreading of languages and wisdom as a form of virus. In Snow Crash, Neal Stephenson presents an internet-like technology called the metaverse, that users ‘goggle’ in to and can walk around, communicate and connect with in some very cool ways. AR technology has been around for some time now, but this glasses technology is the first mass produced concept that will bring these sci-fi fantasies closer to reality.
Jon Myers, my new secret mancrush, put me on to the Myo device, a gesture control armband that tracks the movement of your arm muscles to do some pretty awesome things, imagine the possibilities of combining this with the Glasses:
The Myo, built by Canadian startup firm Thalmic Labs, based in Kitchener, Ontario, aims to bring gestural interfaces right into the mainstream. Electrodes embedded in the band read electrical activity in a user’s muscles as they contract or relax to make gestures with their hand and arm, and transmit it wirelessly to software that interprets the movements into commands.
The Automobile Industry
Everything Tesla motors is doing is mind-blowing to me, hybrid cars are now pretty mainstream but Tesla have really turned electric cars into the undeniable future of the car industry. Check out the details (and pretty good looks) of the Tesla Model S, their first range of luxury sedans. Petrol and diesel are a few years away from being irrelevant fuel methods:
http://www.teslamotors.com/goelectric
Google’s advancements in the self-driving car space are pretty breath-taking too:
There’s a huge array of other advancements in spaces ranging from health (23andme at-home DNA testing kits and DIY BioPunk health hackers making tremendous medical advancements in their basements) to space travel – enough to make anyone excited what the future holds!