Just ten years ago, the internet was a revolutionary thing: changing the way that people do-business, communicate, and even conduct their lives. The increasing inter-connectivity of society has shrunk borders, and we are exposed to a world far beyond our own by the web. In actual fact, the situation presented to us by the age of the internet is quite similar to that following the invention of the telephone or radio. Technology is constantly changing, and it is my personal opinion that the measure of man is the machines that he builds. If we hold that principle to be true, then we may get an idea of just where it is we are heading.
Smartphones and Tablets:
Smartphone technology has, in one form or another, been around for a good few years now. However, the concept has survived the test of time, evolving constantly to suit the changing needs of our society. Similarly, Tablet technology was unveiled in the late 90s, but has recently surged in popularity, as it combines the usability of a laptop or desktop computer with the practicality of a small, handheld device. Whereas once, these platforms were extremely varied, depending upon the intended purpose, they have now been consolodated into a smaller number of highly reputable brands, with a broad range of functions to appeal to a larger market. If this trend were to continue, then we would be left with just one or two such machines, to which brand is irrelevant, as they would simply serve as a ground-platform on which to build a personally-catering system via apps and plugins.
Hands-Free Technology and Social Media:
Google recently unveiled its much-anticipated ‘Project Glass’ – a set of lenses with a built-in camera and track-pad, which displays information and images translucently overlaid in the wearer’s vision, allowing for genuine mobile computing. The technology is still in-development, and appears somewhat cumbersome, but if the idea takes-off, then there are a number of potential applications. Firstly, in a practical manner, individuals involved in Military, Law-Enforcement or Journalistic endeavors could use them to stream live footage to superiors, or to capture images for later use, whilst leaving their hands free. Secondly, given the market for social media on-the-go (such as via app for iPhone or Android), regular citizens could use the technology to capture and share images and video for their friends, or simply to interact with them virtually, whilst out-and-about.
The Internet and Wireless Technology:
London has held the title of WiFi capital of the world for a good few years now. However, under plans from the Capital’s Mayor, the city will soon see free, wireless blanket-coverage. Similar plans have been unveilled in cities around the world, and within 10 years, it is unlikely that any major Western City will not have free, on-the-go web access. Stop and visualise that for a moment: no matter where you are, you have, at your fingertips, the ability to access any information or communicate with any person, almost anywhere in the world. Imagine the potential for businesses, for banking, for creative endeavors. This is an especially attractive premise for Search Engine Optimisation companies, as people will no-doubt use search-engines to find solutions to problems on-the-go, or simply for maps, directions and information, adding vast amounts of traffic to websites like Google and Bing.
So there we have it: a huge increase in inter-connectivity, with people able to access information and one-another at any time. It boggles the mind, and it also goes to show that the number one machine in-use by man, Imagination, is also its most powerful.