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IBM's five tech predictions for next five years
By siliconindia
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Friday, 24 December 2010, 20:34 IST
San Francisco: IBM as part of its "Next Five in Five" predicted the technology advancements that will happen in the course of next five years. So be prepared for 3D interfaces and batteries to last 10 times longer than now.
IBM predictions are an annual event wherein the company goes to 3,000 researchers to trace the five technology ideas that will shape in five years' time.Out with its latest edition, IBM says that tech innovations happening in the next five years will change people's lives.
Topping the list is the holographic camera that researchers feel will make its way into cellphones. This means mobile users can see each other in 3D images when they make a call. Advances in battery and transistor technology will allow devices to last ten times longer than they do today. Scientists are mulling over the option of replacing lithium-ion batteries with batteries using air.
IBM plans to have 'citizen scientists' who can track environmental issues with the help of sensor implanted devices. Seismic activities can be traced by laptops, which when connected with a network of computers can also help in detecting aftermath of an earthquake in no time.
Mathematical models and predictive analytics technologies will be used to help commuters. This can be done by analyzing and combining multiple scenarios with these tools. Lastly, computer processors could be used for providing hot water at houses and offices. Large data centers can be used for building heating and cooling needs. This will be possible by recycling the heat generated by the products.
Paul Saffo, Managing Director of Foresight at the investment-advisory firm Discern says, "These are all stretch goals, and that's good. In an era when pessimism is the new black, a little dose of technological optimism is not a bad thing."
