In the next 20 to 30 years technology will reach a level of personalization that will enhance every moment of our lives. The technology industry never ceases to amaze. Let’s take a look at a couple new technology trends that just may change the world.
Personal 3D printing
3D printing is currently reserved for those with extremely large bank accounts or an equally large understanding about 3D printing. However, in years to come, printing in three dimensions (essentially personal manufacturing) will become a common practice in most schools and in some households.
Tablets take over
A 2012 report by Forrester research estimated that tablets will become the “preferred primary device” for most consumers by 2016 and predicted that by 2016, 375 million tablets will be purchased globally each year. According to Techpedia.com, “Many industry insiders have even predicted that many tablets may go for less than $100 within the next few years. The reason for this is not so much consumer sentiment as it is market economics: As the supply for tablets increases exponentially, the demand – and the price – of more expensive tablets will decrease over time.”
Google Glass
Google is taking their time to design a revolutionary device that might change the way we interact with reality, with information, with people. According to Futuretimeline.net, “Google Glass is an augmented reality head-mounted display, allowing hands-free access to the web. The product resembles normal eyeglasses where the lens is replaced by a small electronic screen. It provides interaction via natural language voice commands, as well as eye-tracking technology. A miniature gyroscope can tell the user’s position and orientation at all times. On the side frame is audio output, and a touch control pad, while on top is a button for recording photos and videos with a built-in camera.” You know how much we chafe about Google’s (no) privacy policy but these glasses many be a game-changer. They are available now to developers and will be available to the general public by 2014.
Learning Thermostat
According to an article in The Guardian/ The Observer[TR5] , a Learning Thermostat designed by two former Apple employees has already been described as the “iPhone of thermostats” by Wired. Via Wi-Fi, it will connect with your smartphone, allowing you to control your heating whether you’re at home or not. Over time it will learn your schedule and design a heating or air-conditioning program around it. It will be able to detect when you’re not at home. And it looks pretty: it glows orange for heating, blue for cooling. Ready to purchase one? They’re already available in the US for $250 – the manufacturer claims you will reclaim the cost in utility bill savings in two years!
This is just a small list of the technologies that are currently available, but stay tuned, since there will be more to come in the months ahead!
