Here are 10 predictions for what I think (or hope) is to come over the next few years;
1). Wireless Power
Many network devices in businesses currently draw power using POE (Power Over Ethernet). This still means that device has to be connected by a cable. However, the time has to come when devices can renew their charge over a WI-FI connection. Smart phones and tablets all currently have to be connected to the mains to recharge. There will come a time when this seemed like a ridiculous inconvenience - mark my words!
2). Touchscreen Televisions
The fact that my two year old Son can use an iPhone and iPad instinctively, yet seems confused that he cannot touch the television tells me that this simply has to happen at some point.
3). Internet Televisions
Smart TVs are starting to appear, most notably by that ever present thorn in Apples side - Samsung. In addition to this, devices such as Apple TV, ROKU, and various games consoles are already turning TVs into internet devices. However, this will run and run until there is nothing you can do on a tablet that you also cannot do on your TV.
4). Public WI-FI network to replace 3G
Home WI-FI routers make your tablets, and smartphones so fast on the Internet. When you are out and about though it can be so frustrating when you are limited by 3G, or even worse GPRS connections. Cloud WI-FI services are starting to emerge in many public places. Access to services such as these will surely only get better and better over time.
5). Kinect style TV remotes
Xbox has shown that it is possible for people to take the place of gaming remote controls. The same technology will surely become a standard for turning TV's on and off and selecting a variety of functions such as volume control and changing channels.
6). Voice Control as standard
Imagine controlling your TV, tablet, or smartphone with voice commands. Siri on the iPhone 4S has introduced this as basic, but very real technology. This will only get better and better and will no doubt work in close conjunction with the Kinect style TV remotes mentioned in point 5.
7). Smartphones as payment devices
NFC (Near Field Communication) is coming. iOS and Android are both preparing for this sort of technology. Within 5 years you will be paying for everything using your phone, and chip and pin will be a thing of the past.
8). Evolution of Video Communication
FaceTime and Skype have made video calling a reality. More and more people will start to use this and the technology will evolve to be used on larger screens such as Televisions.
9). TV/Movie industry revolution
Piracy is a problem purely because people demand entertainment on their terms. The music industry had to adapt and so will Hollywood. People want to watch films and shows when they want, how they want, in the format they want, and on the device they want. On the whole, people are honest and are willing to pay for quality entertainment. However, it's no longer always convenient or value for money to go to the cinema. If I want to pay to watch a brand new movie in the comfort of my own home - why should I not be able to?
10). SmartHomes
Simple functions in your home will be controlled using Information Technology. Unlocking your home with voice commands. Turning on your lights, controlling the temperature. "The Internet of things" will evolve so that your house itself becomes a "connected device". This simply has to happen, and the first step in making this a reality will be a migration from IP v4 to IP v6, as currently there are simply not enough IP addresses available to make this work. I don't doubt for a second this will happen though.
So lots to look forward to. If only they could find a device to do the ironing, hoovering and dusting though. I'm not sure we will ever find a solution to these problems. However, it's 2015 in 3 short years, and if Back to the Future Part 2 is correct - the hoverboard will soon become a reality. I for one am excited about this possibility!
Only time will tell I guess.
Peter
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