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[Kinitari]

A lot of people on Neogaf are Technophilic, Transhumanist or just optimistic, so I figure a thread focused on the sort of things we can look forward to in the near future would be nice, inspiring even - so I present to you, my attempt at such a thread.

The Skin Gun
National Geographic Link
WikiLink

What?
So what is this? It's a gun that sprays out a liquid solution, made from healthy patient stem cells, that when applied on a burn can evenly and effectively regrow new and healthy skin.

Why?
Well traditional methods grow skin in labs, and apply them over the area - but this isn't very even, very effective and it takes weeks to grow. Depending on the severity of the burn, it could also create a few more complications. Basically, this is a huge step forward not only in the skin growing field, but in regenerative medicine.

When?
Currently in the human trial stages, have already been a dozen successful trials - it seems to be a success. Get reading for a Grey's Anatomy episode where someone get's their face burned off during a heart felt monologue, then gets shot in the face with this gun, it's coming.

In-Vitro Meat
WikiLink

What?
Well it's simple, it's lab grown meat. Basically using a process similar to growing a skin culture for a burn victim, they've figured out a way to grow meat.

Why?
There are still a lot of ethical dilemmas people face when they eat meat - the production of the meat on the farms is a major concern to a lot of animals rights proponents, this would essentially eliminate that problem, the middle men (the animals) would be gone.

When?
Recently, there has been a successful trial in which a slap of pork was made. It wasn't the right firmness, and it wasn't very big, and no one wanted to taste it - but it worked. Here’s hoping I eat a test-tube sausage within the decade!

Semantic Engines
WikiLink
Wolfram Alpha - Almost there
Ted Talks Link

What?
So this is simple enough in concept - it's basically breaking down the barrier pulled up because of speaking the language of software. The ability to have a real conversation with your computer, or with a website or even a search engine. "I'm looking for a nice place to vacation" "Tropical, snowy, etc? What would you like sir" "Someone place tropical, with a nice beach, and comparatively cheap if possible" "Beep Bop Boop Beep - Here you go!"

Why
The hope is, one day we will talk, or type to our computers and they will understand not just what we say, but what we mean. The distinction is important. Some say that being able to understand semantics is one of the first major steps towards true AI. Also imagine in a game, for example, where game understood what you wanted from it, instead of you having to speak it's language.

When
There is a link to the WolfRamAlpha site up a bit, and that is an example of taking the steps toward a semantic engine. I can't give you a real time frame other than, soon hopefully, within the decade.

Artificial Intelligence
WikiLink

What?

Artificial Intelligence is the study of intelligence and how to create it. The definition of "intelligence" is very ambiguous, and experts in the field often disagree about how to define it.

Why?

The replication of intelligence in artificial systems allows us to "outsource thinking". They can perform repetitive or undesirable tasks that require thinking. When they can do things better and faster than humans can, it frees up the humans to do other tasks that require their attention.

The end-state of A.I. research is the creation of "Strong A.I.", which is an intelligence that can do everything a human can do, better than a human can do it. This will inevitably transform society, with humans no-longer being required perform any tasks in particular unless they want to for some reason (or do not trust an A.I. in the role, i.e. running countries).

When?

Now! Artificial Intelligence has produced hundreds of useful applications we use in every-day life, whether we realize it or not. The most visible is search-engine technology such as Google. Other applications include automated natural language translation tools, computer opponents in video games, automated design of objects using evolutionary or genetic algorithms, inventory management tools for stores, GPS navigation, facial recognition software, voice recognition software and much more. These are seldom recognized as "Artificial Intelligence" by the general public for several reasons; the public is unfamiliar with the field, the public doesn't understand how it works, and they are never marketed as artificial intelligence. Usually, A.I. applications are just considered software when they are brought to market because there is a stigma associated with the term A.I. in business circles.

From the Stottler Henke A.I. Glossary:

The great practical benefits of AI applications and even the existence of AI in many software products go largely unnoticed by many despite the already widespread use of AI techniques in software. This is the AI effect. Many marketing people don't use the term "artificial intelligence" even when their company's products rely on some AI techniques. Why not? It may be because AI was oversold in the first giddy days of practical rule-based expert systems in the 1980s, with the peak perhaps marked by the Business Week cover of July 9, 1984 announcing, Artificial Intelligence, IT'S HERE.

James Hogan in his book, Mind Matters, has his own explanation of the AI Effect:

"AI researchers talk about a peculiar phenomenon known as the "AI effect." At the outset of a project, the goal is to entice a performance from machines in some designated area that everyone agrees would require "intelligence" if done by a human. If the project fails, it becomes a target of derision to be pointed at by the skeptics as an example of the absurdity of the idea that AI could be possible. If it succeeds, with the process demystified and its inner workings laid bare as lines of prosaic computer code, the subject is dismissed as "not really all that intelligent after all." Perhaps ... the real threat that we resist is the further demystification of ourselves...It seems to happen repeatedly that a line of AI work ... finds itself being diverted in such a direction that ... the measures that were supposed to mark its attainment are demonstrated brilliantly. Then, the resulting new knowledge typically stimulates demands for application of it and a burgeoning industry, market, and additional facet to our way of life comes into being, which within a decade we take for granted; but by then, of course, it isn't AI."

A.I. software is already better than humans at performing many specific tasks, the game of chess for example. It will however be a long time before we realize Strong A.I. or anything approaching it, perhaps 30 years or more. Optimistic estimates based on Moore's law and naive analysis argue for Strong A.I. to appear in the 2020's, although this is a questionable date.

3D Printing
WikiLink
TED Talk on Organ Printing

What?
So, this is fascinating. Right now, in it's infancy, we can make simple doodas and gadgets, but soon, who knows? Essentially what this does is, similar to printing a 2D image on a piece of paper, you print a 3d image without a paper base, but just by building layer upon layer. If you remember that scene from the 5th element where Lelu get's rebuilt, that's a good example.

Why?
One day something like this could drastically change our entire manufacturing process. And let's not forget the prospects this has in the medical field, there is research in 3D printing things like teeth and bone - Yeah, awesome right?

When?
We currently have simple 3D printers that make pretty useless objects, but it is projected that within 10 years we'll have, for example, 3D printers that can be used in the medical field to grow teeth. The technology is here right now, so there is no 'magic date' - instead, what uses you will see for these devices will increase over the years.

Fusion
WikiLink

What?
The holy grail of energy. Nothing can beat this, nothing can surpass this. This is the sun.
Fusion is the process that happens inside the sun, it's what gives it power. Here is an explanation better than I can give from the wiki:

The fusion of two nuclei with lower masses than iron (which, along with nickel, has the largest binding energy per nucleon) generally releases energy while the fusion of nuclei heavier than iron absorbs energy. The opposite is true for the reverse process, nuclear fission.
In the simplest case of hydrogen fusion, two protons have to be brought close enough for the weak nuclear force to convert either of the identical protons into a neutron forming the hydrogen isotope deuterium. In more complex cases of heavy ion fusion involving two or more nucleons, the reaction mechanism is different, but the same result occurs–one of combining smaller nuclei into larger nuclei.

Why?
This would be the cleanest, most effective and abundant source of power available if created.

When?
One day, maybe within our lifetimes (hopefully) Energy consumption as we know it will change, everything we use for energy now pales in comparison to this concept. There are many different groups working to make this a reality, and if it happens, I am sure it will look really really cool.

Military Robots
WikiLink

What?
There are a lot of different designs, implementations and future concepts for military robots. We already have drones target bombing locations, and we have simple recon robots running around. There are, however, a lot of other more interesting robots in the works. Some for navigating tough terrain while carrying the packs of soldiers, some for doing the work of a scout, sniper and foot soldier all in one.

Why?
I'm not really much of a fan of war, or fighting, or hitting things, but I can't deny the progress made in robotics pushed forward by the war machine. Hopefully, these breakthroughs will find there way back to society in less violent niche's. I would love a little robot MetalGearDog following me around, carrying my groceries. Maybe one day.

But in terms of practical military use - it would be reduced casualties, more possibilities, and one day, even fighting a war by proxy.

When?
It's happening right now.

Robotic Prosthetics
WikiLink

What?
Some amazing stuff here. Doctors/Scientists have found ways to link robotic prosthetic limbs with the nervous system, muscles and brain - the results are limbs that are responsive, can 'feel' and are slowly even beginning to look realistic.

Why?
Well, regular prosthetics are mostly plastic objects, that do little in the way of practical implementation. Ideally, a robotic prosthetic would be as good as a brand new arm, maybe even better - depending on the ethical quandaries that arise from it, we might see prosthetics that augment someone's ability.

When?
Soon. Right now there have been plenty of prototypes that can move and feel. Some have even been sold commercially. It's projected that within 20 years, they'll be cheap enough to be used as a go-to prosthetic.

PRT(Personal Rapid Transit/Transport)
WikiLink

What?
Essentially, imagine a mix between taxi's and subways - except unmanned. You go to a designated stop, get in your transport device, and you're off. No need to go to 'stops', no need to obey the laws of traffic, you just go from A to B.

Why?
Well, this would be an extremely quicker method than what we have available for public transportation. It might cut down on cars on the road, reduce emissions and change the way we 'move' in other ways too.

When?
There are a lot of interesting implementations in the works, and some basic concepts already out there - personally this is the way I hope public transportation goes.

Self-Driving Cars
WikiLink
Amazing Ted Talks video

What?
See now this is just cool. The idea is, by modifying cars with the proper sensory devices and an on board computer, you'll remove the need for a driver. And if that isn't a perk enough, it is suggested that the computer would remove much of the human error that leads to accidents. The computer can navigate most any obstacle, and do it quicker than a human could.

Why?
Considering there are something like 300k vehicular deaths in the United states per year, that is a big issue. The end goal for some is a system in which cars not only can navigate obstacles by themselves, but where multiple self driving cars communicate amongst themselves, and road side computers to drive in the most efficient way possible. That means quicker trips, less traffic and less energy consumption. Win Win Win.

When?
It won't be soon. We'll see more and more prototypes, and we'll see more examples, but I doubt we'll have a commercial implantation within the decade. I think one of the biggest hurdles is public fear - a self driving car is too terminatory for some.

Graphene
WikiLink
Little descriptive video
Interesting concept video

What?
Amazing material. Stronger than steel, ridiculously thin, can be flexible and can conduct electricity extremely well. All and all, sometimes referred to as our generations 'plastic'.

Why?
This removes so many of our constraints with production. Strength in something thin and transparent, something flexible, something that conducts electricity - some even say it will replace silicon, extending the lifecycle of Moore's Law.

When?
Now, we'll start seeing more and more Graphene in the next few years, but it's a thing, now we just need to figure out what we can do with it.

If this thread becomes kind of popular, I might expand on it, and add more things to the OP . For now, discuss if ya want.


EDIT: Going to slowly pad the OP - there's a lot of room for detail.
Thanks to some posters, particularly ThoseDeafMutes for some material

 

[MetalAlien]

I want the walls of my house to look like that fusion reactor.

 

[Pollux]

thank you so much for making this thread.

 

[TacticalFox88]

If we ever solve the problem with gravity, I'd love for them to make a Space Station, above Earth's atmopshere

 

[McLovin]

Kind of funny that a lot of the things we have today are sort of based on things we see in movies. I was watching Demolition Man the other day and those self driving cars reminded me of that self driving google tech. Also near the beginning of the movie one of the guys in the jail was using what looked like a thick ass iPad.

 

[MetalAlien]

If we ever solve the problem with gravity, I'd love for them to make a Space Station, above Earth's atmopshere

I want a space station inside the earths atmosphere just to be contrary.

 

[Averon]

Kind of funny that a lot of the things we have today are sort of based on things we see in movies. I was watching Demolition Man the other day and those self driving cars reminded me of that self driving google tech. Also near the beginning of the movie one of the guys in the jail was using what looked like a thick ass iPad.

SciFi = Science + time

 

[Gilby]

I think people underestimate the importance communications tech is having/will have on our society. Think about how much harder it is becoming for politicians and corporations to be corrupt now that it's possible to track most of their communications. Just look at Wikileaks. Hopefully this is the way society grows moving forward, sort of a reverse 1984; instead of the government being able to watch you closely, everyone has access to government info. The more people who have easy access to information of all kinds, the faster humanity can move forward.

 

[Warm Machine]

I can see many homes in the future collecting and storing their own power via solar tech and home batteries. Combined with the drop in power requirements for nearly every piece of tech gear a house should be completely sustainable and clean energy wise.

Water collection and waste management are the next issues that modern tech has already overcome but yet has to be implemented in new home constructed.

And this...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Cf7IL_eZ38&feature=youtube_gdata_player

 

[MacGurcules]

As time goes on, I find myself less and less optimistic regarding any awesome technological advancements that don't have a clear path to profitability.

I think we need to fast track a space elevator and get moving on interplanetary colonization. Do something awesome and tremendous just because it's awesome and tremendous. That's the attitude that got us to the moon, but there's no way that kind of thing would fly these days.

 

[GamerSoul]

Wow, there was so much I wasn't aware of, just wow. I'm definitely liking this thread. My friend a few weeks ago told me that they were also working on finding a protein that could store memory.

 

[teh_pwn]

As time goes on, I find myself less and less optimistic regarding any awesome technological advancements that don't have a clear path to profitability.

I think we need to fast track a space elevator and get moving on interplanetary colonization. Do something awesome and tremendous just because it's awesome and tremendous. That's the attitude that got us to the moon, but there's no way that kind of thing would fly these days.

I think you're being too ambitious. Besides, the space elevator is the sort of thing that will likely be unnecessary due to other innovations and be looked back at as some obscure vision of the future, like 1800s scifi stuff.

To add to the OP, stuff that probably will happen in this century:
1. Life extension.
2. Stem cell organ replacement.
3. Some sort of irrigation/water purification innovation. World hunger + glacier water reserves drying up + developing African/ME countries, makes me think something will be developed to utilize deserts.
4. Neural/computer interface. I've seen some really crude demonstrations and articles with neural speech detection, motor control, and eye replacement. The way tech goes, this stuff will be refined by 2030-2040.

 

[Scrow]

quantum processing and fusion energy are the two major things that will transform civilisation drastically in a small space of 5-15 years.

 

[Kinitari]

I think people underestimate the importance communications tech is having/will have on our society. Think about how much harder it is becoming for politicians and corporations to be corrupt now that it's possible to track most of their communications. Just look at Wikileaks. Hopefully this is the way society grows moving forward, sort of a reverse 1984; instead of the government being able to watch you closely, everyone has access to government info. The more people who have easy access to information of all kinds, the faster humanity can move forward.

Yeah I was trying to think of some other interesting upcoming technology to do with communication, but I really and truly feel semantics engines are going to be an amazing leap when perfected. I can see it working hand in hand with creating a true AI.

What I might add to the OP is Retinal displays. Those are awesome.

 

[RevoDS]

I would be extremely suspicious and afraid to get into a self-driving car which I can't control. I love technological progress, but there is a huge difference between using technology as a tool to improve my life, and putting my whole life between its hands. Especially since every single piece of software ever made has contained bugs, I'm not sure a computer would do a better job than a human. If the driver's skills aren't the issue, then the programmer's skills will be. Hardware dysfunction, software issue...at the end of the day, a manual override would still be needed in case the system fails.

 

[sans_pants]

http://www.kurzweilai.net/respirocytes

 

[sans_pants]

As time goes on, I find myself less and less optimistic regarding any awesome technological advancements that don't have a clear path to profitability.

I think we need to fast track a space elevator and get moving on interplanetary colonization. Do something awesome and tremendous just because it's awesome and tremendous. That's the attitude that got us to the moon, but there's no way that kind of thing would fly these days.

and then we destroy the planet

 

[Meatfist]

sexbots or bust!

 

[Kinitari]

I would be extremely suspicious and afraid to get into a self-driving car which I can't control. I love technological progress, but there is a huge difference between using technology as a tool to improve my life, and putting my whole life between its hands. Especially since every single piece of software ever made has contained bugs, I'm not sure a computer would do a better job than a human. If the driver's skills aren't the issue, then the programmer's skills will be. Hardware dysfunction, software issue...at the end of the day, a manual override would still be needed in case the system fails.

I think there are very real concerns when it comes to self-driving cars and possible repercussions for malfunctions - but a 'manual override' concept is in all the designs I've seen so far. But more importantly, I would honestly trust a machine over human when it comes to something like driving. Humans are wonderful, amazing creatures, but we won't be able to match the accuracy, quick thinking and efficiency of a machine.

 

[sans_pants]

sexbots or bust!

eventually we wont need bots, well have full immersion vr

 

[threenote]

 

[SiteSeer]

i have hopes for a future of thorium reactors.

 

[sans_pants]

I would be extremely suspicious and afraid to get into a self-driving car which I can't control. I love technological progress, but there is a huge difference between using technology as a tool to improve my life, and putting my whole life between its hands. Especially since every single piece of software ever made has contained bugs, I'm not sure a computer would do a better job than a human. If the driver's skills aren't the issue, then the programmer's skills will be. Hardware dysfunction, software issue...at the end of the day, a manual override would still be needed in case the system fails.

computer error would be way less worrisome than the errors of all the other drivers on the road

 

[Vanillalite]

http://www.kurzweilai.net/respirocytes

Speaking of Mr. Kurzweil he has some good newerish videos on this closer to truth website. It's a series of videos you can find HERE!

 

[Pau]

Great thread. Only thing I have to add is that I'm terrified of dying before getting to see some of the awesome stuff we're going to invent.

 

[The Technomancer]

I can't wait to see the intersection between cloud computing, mobile devices, and robotics. Now that is going to be insane.

I would be extremely suspicious and afraid to get into a self-driving car which I can't control. I love technological progress, but there is a huge difference between using technology as a tool to improve my life, and putting my whole life between its hands. Especially since every single piece of software ever made has contained bugs, I'm not sure a computer would do a better job than a human. If the driver's skills aren't the issue, then the programmer's skills will be. Hardware dysfunction, software issue...at the end of the day, a manual override would still be needed in case the system fails.

I absolutly guarantee you that before automatic cars went onto the mass market they would be tested and proven to be more reliable then human drivers.
Manual override might actually be a problem, if a human passenger doesn't understand the current motion, panics, seizes control and ruins an orchestrated movement pattern, causing a crash.

 

[sans_pants]

Great thread. Only thing I have to add is that I'm terrified of dying before getting to see some of the awesome stuff we're going to invent.

how old are you? if you aren't already in your 50s theres a chance you will be able to live indefinitely

 

[duk]

conversely how about deaths of technologies? how will that affect us

 

[Ether_Snake]

It will be possible to know what is being sold in any shop in any area. Looking for pork chops? Type it on your phone and all prices appear around you in the shops that sell them. Looking for a particular brand of beer? Same thing.

Your toilet will give you dietary and medical suggestions and based on urine and fecal matter analysis.

Your phone will be the size of a pencil, and the flexible-rigid display will unroll from it like a scroll with the press of a button. Displays are therefore much bigger than current ones.

TVs screens are the size of a book, which can then unfold like a folded sheet of paper, multiple times, to give you different-sized screens based on how many times the display has unfolded. The TV can be used as the equivalent of a PC display which communicates perfectly with your phone, or any other device.

Cars will self-drive, and so will segway-like vehicles, used mainly by delivery people. Garbage and recycling bags will be picked up by automated vehicles.

Machine-dogs will be deployed in Afghanistan after receiving information from mini disposable UAVs on the location of a target. The dogs roam the plains and are armed with sniper riffles. When they run low on energy, fuel cells are dropped from the sky and the dogs can replace their fuel-cells using a tentacle-like appendage. They eventually make it to their target and shoot him dead from a mile away.

The pictures of your family on your walls will be paper thin displays with images that turn into videos when touched.

 

[RyanardoDaVinci]

And this...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Cf7IL_eZ38&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Dat glass.

 

[Kinitari]

I also love future concept videos.

Microsofts

 

[Pollux]

eventually we wont need bots, well have full immersion vr

I don't need this for sex I want this for shit like Elder Scrolls....so how long until we get VR people?

 

[coldvein]

when it comes to meat, i'll do my best to stick to the old ways.

 

[Laurentius]

Awesome thread, thanks! Everytime I see a self driving car or an amazing robot or a prosthetic limb..I get really excited.

 

[Warm Machine]

Dat glass.

In the future everything will be a display... The darkening windows is the coolest thing to me really.

One day I'll lead a hermit lifestyle with something like this as my shack as long as I can get satellite Internet and goods delivered to my door...

http://zerohouse.net/wordpress/

 

[sans_pants]

when it comes to meat, i'll do my best to stick to the old ways.

i doubt well have much of a choice

 

[ThoseDeafMutes]

OP was much smaller than I thought it would be. Practically no detail on any of the topics.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------




Artificial Intelligence:

What?

Artificial Intelligence is the study of intelligence and how to create it. The definition of "intelligence" is very ambiguous, and experts in the field often disagree about how to define it.

Why?

The replication of intelligence in artificial systems allows us to "outsource thinking". They can perform repetitive or undesirable tasks that require thinking. When they can do things better and faster than humans can, it frees up the humans to do other tasks that require their attention.

The end-state of A.I. research is the creation of "Strong A.I.", which is an intelligence that can do everything a human can do, better than a human can do it. This will inevitably transform society, with humans no-longer being required perform any tasks in particular unless they want to for some reason (or do not trust an A.I. in the role, i.e. running countries).

When?

Now! Artificial Intelligence has produced hundreds of useful applications we use in every-day life, whether we realize it or not. The most visible is search-engine technology such as Google. Other applications include automated natural language translation tools, computer opponents in video games, automated design of objects using evolutionary or genetic algorithms, inventory management tools for stores, GPS navigation, facial recognition software, voice recognition software and much more. These are seldom recognized as "Artificial Intelligence" by the general public for several reasons; the public is unfamiliar with the field, the public doesn't understand how it works, and they are never marketed as artificial intelligence. Usually, A.I. applications are just considered software when they are brought to market because there is a stigma associated with the term A.I. in business circles.

From the Stottler Henke A.I. Glossary:

The great practical benefits of AI applications and even the existence of AI in many software products go largely unnoticed by many despite the already widespread use of AI techniques in software. This is the AI effect. Many marketing people don't use the term "artificial intelligence" even when their company's products rely on some AI techniques. Why not? It may be because AI was oversold in the first giddy days of practical rule-based expert systems in the 1980s, with the peak perhaps marked by the Business Week cover of July 9, 1984 announcing, Artificial Intelligence, IT'S HERE.

James Hogan in his book, Mind Matters, has his own explanation of the AI Effect:

"AI researchers talk about a peculiar phenomenon known as the "AI effect." At the outset of a project, the goal is to entice a performance from machines in some designated area that everyone agrees would require "intelligence" if done by a human. If the project fails, it becomes a target of derision to be pointed at by the skeptics as an example of the absurdity of the idea that AI could be possible. If it succeeds, with the process demystified and its inner workings laid bare as lines of prosaic computer code, the subject is dismissed as "not really all that intelligent after all." Perhaps ... the real threat that we resist is the further demystification of ourselves...It seems to happen repeatedly that a line of AI work ... finds itself being diverted in such a direction that ... the measures that were supposed to mark its attainment are demonstrated brilliantly. Then, the resulting new knowledge typically stimulates demands for application of it and a burgeoning industry, market, and additional facet to our way of life comes into being, which within a decade we take for granted; but by then, of course, it isn't AI."

A.I. software is already better than humans at performing many specific tasks, the game of chess for example. It will however be a long time before we realize Strong A.I. or anything approaching it, perhaps 30 years or more. Optimistic estimates based on Moore's law and naive analysis argue for Strong A.I. to appear in the 2020's, although this is a questionable date.

 

[Zaptruder]

I can see many homes in the future collecting and storing their own power via solar tech and home batteries. Combined with the drop in power requirements for nearly every piece of tech gear a house should be completely sustainable and clean energy wise.

Water collection and waste management are the next issues that modern tech has already overcome but yet has to be implemented in new home constructed.

And this...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Cf7IL_eZ38&feature=youtube_gdata_player

A beautifully white washed visualization of the future.

Clean, beautiful consumerism, where externalities are not an issue.

As an interior designer for high end houses; that's the kind of stuff we don't do for clients who spend 4-10 million USD on their houses, even if the technology is available (some of it is - the dimming glass panels for example).

Plus I've harped on it before... but why would you have a bunch of surface display computers when you can have just a single wearable display? It can do all the stuff shown, and still be more versatile, practical, economical, and provide better economies of scale for software developers, for which most of this functionality is actually reliant.

In 20 years time, we'll look back on this vision of the future and smirk and the redundancies shown.

 

[CF_Fighter]

In 20 years time, we'll look back on this vision of the future and smirk and the redundancies shown.

The kitchen one is what gets me. Displays and such on something like a counter or a fridge just seems so useless. Sure it looks cool and "sci-fi". But really, like you said, a single device is far better.

The one that seems cool is the display in a mirror in the bathroom to pipe in news and such as you get ready. But I don't think people want to be answering work email while they are getting ready. I don't know what other do, but I think it would really mess with what I consider my morning "ritual".

Plus what happens when all this shit breaks down? How much will that cost and how much time will it take to get it replaced?

 

[XMonkey]

quantum processing and fusion energy are the two major things that will transform civilisation drastically in a small space of 5-15 years.

Absolutely agree. I also don't expect fusion for a long time.

 

[RJT]

Great thread!

I just started a blog about the future (I basically post news written in the future with a link to today's events), so I'm very interested in this subject.

Already wrote about the self driving cars and 48fps cinema. Organ printing (there's a great TED Talk about this to which you should link on the 3D Printing theme) and Watson's real life applications are on my list of things to write about. Keep the subjects coming!

EDIT: The video about kidney printing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RMx31GnNXY

 

[Crow]

The one that seems cool is the display in a mirror in the bathroom to pipe in news and such as you get ready. But I don't think people want to be answering work email while they are getting ready. I don't know what other do, but I think it would really mess with what I consider my morning "ritual".

I know what you're saying but:

Landline Phones: "I don't want people ringing me at any time of the day"
Mobile Phones: "I don't want people ringing me while I'm out of the home"
Internet: "I don't need to connected. The paper, mail and phone is enough"
Smart Phones: "I don't need to be connected everywhere I go. A phone should just be a phone"

Mirror displays are cool and would have a useful application. I think the 'I don't need it' attitude would change for anything that is cool and useful, no matter how intrusive to routine it may at first seem.

 

[scar tissue]

oooooh i love this topic
if the past is anything to go by, our vision of the future is probably wrong
what we can count on is that the rate of growth is growing exponentially, which is pretty fucking cool if you think about it

i'm only 20, but i've already seen enormous progress
merely 10 years ago, cell phones still had black and white displays and TVs had 480i resolution

 

[UrbanRats]

Ok, i'm subscribing to this thread, and i'm expecting it to grow, don't disappoint me, Gaf.

 

[Wichu]

I'm surprised that quantum computing isn't listed in the OP. Also, I can't see lab-grown meat approaching the quality of real meat for a couple of decades yet.

 

[madara]

when it comes to meat, i'll do my best to stick to the old ways.

Nah there will soon become a time where cloned meat will be healthier and taste better then our current methods.

 

[teruterubozu]

Nah there will soon become a time where cloned meat will be healthier and taste better then our current methods.

We can't even make diet coke taste good yet.

 

[scar tissue]

how old are you? if you aren't already in your 50s theres a chance you will be able to live indefinitely

this is the best part
i'm currently reading "the singularity is near" by ray kurzweil and i can't believe i might actually get to be immortal
...a god
...my own legacy
*evil laugh*

 

[Zaptruder]

oooooh i love this topic
if the past is anything to go by, our vision of the future is probably wrong
what we can count on is that the rate of growth is growing exponentially, which is pretty fucking cool if you think about it

i'm only 20, but i've already seen enormous progress
merely 10 years ago, cell phones still had black and white displays and TVs had 480i resolution

The popularized vision of the future is frequently wrong, simply because the popularized version of the future doesn't do an indepth analysis of the issues that surround us and work from there; but rather provides something that has emotional impact in the context of the people then.

Flying jetpacks, robot servants, time travel, flying cars, etc. Those were never ideas where the feasibility and likelihood was covered.

Just as in the above posted video where they're surface computers covering everything. They're gimmicks for marketing or TV shows, or selling books.

That said, of couse we can't be completely accurately in predicting the future. There are always many ifs and buts. But we can certainly do a better job of it than the past (at least the popular past) has indicated.

 

[RJT]

Nah there will soon become a time where cloned meat will be healthier and taste better then our current methods.

And actually affordable.

Really people, food prices are gonna increase a lot in the next decade. Real food will be a thing for rich people.