So, if you don’t know what Google Glass is, check out this NYT article.
If you’re too lazy for that, maybe watch this video:
Now, please don’t misunderstand me. I fully realize the video is a dramatization, and a window into what this technology will one day become (hopefully). That said, I am as giddy as a Panam district citizen at an all-you-can-eat buffet. I’m a technology nut anyway, but augmented reality is probably the most exciting terrestrial development I can think of. It’s the closest I’ll probably ever get to real cybernetics and neural enhancements. An always-present, non-invasive means of instant research and information about whatever you happen to be doing. HUD based turn-by-turn directions, instant stats on $trivia, enhanced “mental notes” with pictures attached. And these are just the trivial things.
Consider medical reference books for similar light-weight non-intrusive tech for surgeons, complete with patient data and history, quick first-person pictures for reference, the ability to teleconference with another surgeon on a particularly delicate or crucial surgery. This tech could be used in similar law-enforcement situations. It could be used be cooks, by salespeople, by attorneys. The possibilities are endless, and this is just the beginning.
Maybe I’m just a sucker, but I’ll be purchasing these despite their inevitable limitations. I want to see where it starts, where it’s going. I mean, who wouldn’t want to watch the world change?
What upcoming tech gets you excited? What can’t you wait for?
Yeah, I am pretty stoked for the possibilities of augmented reality displays. Even if they require a cell phone or the like to Bluetooth to, these could revolutionize (again, smartphones already did . . . ) the way we access and handle information.
As far as tech I am excited about: the potential uses of laser projection have me really stoked to see where that is going. Basically, it looks to be the best, most compact (and possibly even most affordable, in a few years) display technology one could hope for. It can be crammed into almost any package (like your cell phone), has the potential of turning any blank wall into a hi-def display, and can improve the resolutions of displays like Google Glass. It even stands a chance of making holograms possible in our lifetimes. A tiny chance, but a chance.
The various color e-ink type displays currently in the works are pretty cool too.
Ooh. The new e-ink stuff is pretty neat, also the super thin, flexible AMOLED displays are pretty amazing.
I’ll be interested to see what kinds of products these little displays will be packed into.