The Future of Technology

This month’s National Geographic spotlights explorers and the history of exploration. There is an interesting infographic that charts major scientific discoveries over time. One of the earliest navigational devices, the astrolabe, was used for navigation for over 400 years before the magnetic compass was invented. 400 years is a long time, compare that to the relatively short 34 years between the first moon landing by Neil Armstrong in which the entire mission had access to less computing power than what is now currently available in a common smartphone.  Technology is moving at an incredible speed.

When I grew up as a kid there were no cell phones, computers, or the Internet. Today, my kids cannot imagine life without them. Today, the Internet brings instant gratification. If you want to research what an astrolabe is, you need only to enter the term into an Internet search box and within seconds, you have your answer.

Today, you need only to walk into an electronics store to see the rapid advance of technology. In addition to smart phones, we have smart tvs with internet access, smart homes you can manage from any where in world, what’s next?  I stumbled across an article on Bit Rebels discussing new technology that will allow viewers to touch virtual objects. The applications range from helping the blind see virtual objects through touch, enabling viewers to feel art objects, or shoppers to feel textures before purchasing online.

It’s truly amazing to watch how quickly technology advances compared to centuries past and the creative thinking involved in new discoveries. Remember, throughout human history, up until 120 years ago, the most exciting mode of transportation was the horse! What will the next 20 years bring? Exciting stuff and I am grateful to be working in the technology industry and being able to interact with folks like you over a medium like this.