9. Mega Multi Task with Siri

I'm loving the Siri application for smart phones right now.  Although I don't have Siri, nor do I own a smart phone, to have something like this would make me rush right out to buy one.  Take a look at this mobile phone application here at http://www.apple.com/iphone/features/siri-faq.html.

Siri's benefits and impact on the market is revolutionary in that it reaches the personal human needs, and allows a person to mega-multi task.  Siri acts as a travelling Google search engine, becomes your personal assistant, your companion, or even save your life with the abilities and scope that it can perform. 

I can hear it now:

• Siri is a personal assistant - Siri, remind me to take the rubbish out, or turn the bath water off in ten minutes,
• Siri is a life saver - Siri, remind me to take my medication at 830 hours, 1230 hours, 1600 hours, and 2030 hours, or remind me to take the roast out of the oven in 50 minutes, 
• Siri is a companion - Siri, convert 3 cups of sugar to tablespoons, or tell my son to tidy up after himself,
• Siri is a media player - Siri, play Willy Moon for me.......

Siri, Siri, Siri, what more could a girl ask for?


"You can ask Siri to make a call, find a business and get directions, schedule reminders and meetings, search the web, and more. You can even ask Siri “What can you do for me?” or tap the “i” in the right corner of the screen when you bring Siri up. You’ll see examples of things Siri can do, along with ways you can ask for things. Siri works with almost all your built-in apps. And it’s smart enough to figure out which apps to use to provide you with answers. It also uses Search and Location Services to help you with your requests. Here’s a list of apps and services that Siri works with worldwide:

• 
  

  Maps
• 
  

  Sports
• 
  

  Movies
• 
  

  Local Search
• 
  

  Post on Facebook
• 
  

  FaceTime
• 
  

  Phone
• 
  

  Mail

• 
  

  Web Search
• 
  

  Send a Tweet
• 
  

  App Launch
• 
  

  Find My Friends
• 
  

  Music
• 
  

  Messages
• 
  

  Calendar
• 
  

  Reminders

• 
  

  Notes
• 
  

  Contacts
• 
  

  Weather
• 
  

  Stocks
• 
  

  Wikipedia search
• 
  

  Alarms, World Clock and Timer
• 
  

  Wolfram|Alpha(English only)

Cited from http://www.apple.com/ios/siri/siri-faq/ (retrieved October 8, 2012). 


On the downside, prior to purchase, there are some risks and limitations that must be taken into account, such as:

1. Because I live in a rural area of New Zealand, every store is known to myself within a 50km radius.  Anything farther than that is not worth my time.  As Samuel L Jackson portrays in this advertisement, his search for organic mushrooms returns a response of an organic vegetable store in his immediate location http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqXGWQhowXk.  My response for an organic grocery store would be non existent for a person living in hicktown Wellsford. 
2. There are some language problems adapting Siri to New Zealand terminology. For instance, searching for the local marae in Whakatane might prove troublesome (retrieved 29 July, 2012 from http://www.iphonewzealand.co.nz/).
3. If you've talked to someone for the first time and you wish to add them to your contacts, it will not do that (retrieved October 8, 2012 from http://www.wtop.com/774/2608903/The-pros-and-cons-of-Siri). 
4. WTOP'S Greg Stebben reported (October 27, 2011) a large number of faults with Siri (retrieved October 8, 2012 from http://www.wtop.com/774/2608903/The-pros-and-cons-of-Siri).  For example,  that Siri has alot of downtime, reportedly having troubles reaching the internet.  Siri without the internet is non-existent.  Siri is an internet based application and internet downtime makes Siri futile.  
5. Stebben contends that Siri works best on the latest iPhone 4s, as it requires a very, very powerful processor.  If it is available for use on other less powerful iPhones, it will be a 'watered down version,' that is not as effective.  Additionally, Siri is geared for apple, not android. This has impacted on Siri's marketplace leaving it open for its competitors.  Android has developed a just as effective, even better version of Siri, called 'Vlingo,' which works on later model Androids.  Vlingo is more effective in the way that you can send a text message without touching the keypad, and is most useful for those who are driving, "... if you're an office worker, or driving, that's very, very powerful because you never even have to lift your hands off the keyboard or what else you're doing to accomplish a task...."  In addition, Vlingo is also compatible with the iPhone, but functionally works best with Android. 

Overall, I look forward to seeing these hiccups resolved in the near future as modifications, newer, faster and better applications are emerging.  Watch this space for a Vlingo update or even some other voice driven application review. 

8. Step back, then step forward, 1920's style

With reference to www.youtube.cm/watch?v=czr-o6RU&feature=player_embedded#!,98y predictions made about the year 2000, made by those in the 1920s, looked something like a Jetson’s cartoon overpopulated, and heavily ingested with traffic, overhead train tracks, tall buildings, and neon lights. This much is true, however, without the space craft.

           
Predictions of the 1960's saw tinned robots living amongst us, as the norm. These robots were capable of communicating, working, and even using weaponry - capable of human activity.

Remarkably, the accuracy of the predicted Ocean Liner at 4:12 as pictured below, was a successful prediction that overtook bulkier, clumsier designs such as the Titanic.



Some successful forecasts of AD 2000 came within the fashion industry, with some in existence before this time. These saw adaptable dresses, able to convert from day to nightwear, the see through blouse with steel coiled cones on the breasts. This was reflected and made famous in fashion when worn by Madonna and designed by Jean Paul Gaultier in 1990.



Again, this was an accurate depiction of today’s fashion trend, as well as the outrageous hairstyles. The idea that skirts would be done away with for trousers has not been supported. However, the cantilever high heeled shoe idea is accurate to fashion today.



Alternately, the electric belt that adapts the body to climatic changes is a point of interest…. With solar clothing currently hitting the streets, why not a solar powered belt that heats, or cools the body? As predicted for the year 2000, fabrics that alter to the body’s temperature needs is yet to become marketed. Imagine going out into the Sahara desert or Antarctic conditions in nothing but a long sleeved t-shirt and pants, and achieving absolute homeostasis in body temperature.
Dresses of glass or aluminium, might not appeal, however the electric headlight to help women find an honest man would be superbly popular if they ever existed. Most hilariously is the Menswear, predicted to be fitted with, "a telephone, a radio, and containers for coins, keys, and candies for cuties." (at 2:31)

7. Flying nano technology - nano quadrotors

These small flying machines, no bigger than the size of your hand, work as individuals as well as in a team performing a range of acts (retrieved July 14, 2012 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsI1lb0a1qY).  The main business drivers for these machines are solely research driven, originating from UPenn's General Robotics, Automation, Sensing, and Perception (GRASP) lab.  Robots have the ability to flip in mid-air, perform figure 8 rotations, plus other team formations, and the ability to navigate in environments with obstacles as an individual and as part of a team.  The purpose and function of their existence, other than mere fun and amusement is variable, however its main business driver is geared toward security, military and search and rescue organisations will greatly benefit with these machines.  Their abilities and range is limitless from surveillance, to carrying weaponry, to search and rescue and so forth. Lead researchers claim that: 

"Scenarios that use the flying devices are imagined in military and natural disaster settings. “Can large numbers of autonomously functioning vehicles be reliably deployed in the form of a ‘swarm’ to carry out a prescribed mission and to respond as a group to high-level management commands? Can such a group successfully function in a potentially hostile environment, without a designated leader, with limited communications between its members, and/or with different and potentially dynamically changing “roles” for its members?” These are the questions posed by the Lab. According to the SWARM project site, “Military missions will rely on large, networked groups of small vehicles and sensors operating in dynamic, resource-constrained, adversarial environments. Groups of this type will typically operate with little or no direct human supervision and will be very difficult, if not impossible, to efficiently manage or control by programming or by tele-operation. Management of such large groups will thus be extremely challenging and will require the application of new, yet-to-be-developed methods of communication, control, computation and sensing, specifically tailored to the command and control of large-scale, autonomously functioning vehicle groups”  http://phys.org/news/2012-02-airborne-robot-swarms-complex-video.html#jCp (retrieved October 5, 2012). 

Their impact on the marketplace is not only life saving, and a means of damage prevention, they are also beneficial to the construction and engineering industries. Their benefits extend further as airborne robots have been used for building construction work, "constructing a six meter high tower without any human intervention. Architects say this new technology paves the way for new methods of engineering buildings of the future. Georgina Cooper reports" (retrieved October 5, 2012 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvN9Ri1GmuY&feature=related).

6. Never get wet!!

Staying dry – never wet spray not only keeps items dry, but clean too. Take a look at this presentation:

Created by Ross Nanotechnology LLC Corporation http://www.neverwet.com/about-us.php, you just spray it on clothing, shoes or whatever you wish to keep clean and dry. It repels water, moisture, oils, dirt, and almost anything.  It comes in a spray and liquid paint to cover all surfaces.

How will it impact on the market and its competitors, you ask?  Well, so far Rubbermaid have taken to this technology creating a clean and dry plunger (retrieved October 5, 2012 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nYNOB3K_wg).   A plunger of all things? Yes, a plunger - not really life changing, but how long before someone sprays it on their cars, or even clothing (gone will be the days of the washing machine).  While these might be the immediate benefits, there are risks involved.  What would the implications be if someone bathes in it? I'd hate to think what people would do to themselves with this product, as threads on youtube so descriptively highlight below:

"You can spray this on a knife or gun... I think you know the rest.

Lupinberg 11 hours ago.

If i spray it on myself will i never need a bath again?

Unrealkillcamz 3 days ago 3 

They have given in to the corporate realm, and instead of being a product that the individual consumer can purchase to use at your own will, they are allowing big companies to start manufacturing with their product, and not letting us have it. Rubbermaid has already announced their new plunger that has a neverwet coating. We were promised this product in early 2012, now it appears we may never get our hands on it. :/

NorthwestBrendan 5 days ago

Or better yet, lube your rectum with it so your crap shoots off your ass as soon as it's formed.

pomponi0 in reply to allstarzmonkey (Show the comment) 4 weeks ago"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7is6r6zXFDc (retrieved October 5, 2012).

Keep an eye out for upcoming competitors (other than Rubbermaid), and who will quickly whip this product  up and converge with their own products.  The important point to note, as NorthwestBrendan mentioned above, will this product be for consumer use, or will it be a product that only companies, and the manufacturing industry will be allowed to use.  In addition, keep an eye out for the costs.

Most importantly, just wait for it to arrive. 

5. A more interactive mobile phone

Nokia human form nanotechnology new look in mobile phones. Tell me your ideas or views on this piece of technology.....

Phone Features
· A flexible, transparent sheet of plastic type material that lights up when turned on, and displays features required.  
· It is more than just an iPhone where instead of pressing buttons you just bend, shake, or physically manipulate it instead.
Nokia has brought the product under the name of "Nokia kinetic display." The screen can be bent or twisted at the middle or edges.  Read more at http://global.christianpost.com/news/nokia-humanform-is-unlike-the-n9-concept-smartphone-bends-and-twists-video-61488/#LlMqDihiUmqlMrdv.99 (retrieved October 4, 2012). 


Yet to reach the market, its stance in the context of the current world economic and business drivers is also yet to be established or decided.

Its impact amongst its competitors sees Nokia leading with this original design in flexible display, and technology in mobile phone-ware, "The project is a key step towards bringing significant user experience benefits to the market, enabled by nanotechnology," the statement continues. "Nokia HumanForm is a visionary solution for a dynamically flexible device for uses beyond touch screen and voice communication where technology is invisible and intuition takes over. Natural interactions are enabled with a kinetic user interface" (retrieved October 4, 2012 from http://global.christianpost.com/news/nokia-humanform-is-unlike-the-n9-concept-smartphone-bends-and-twists-video-61488/).

What benefits do you see that this tool has to offer? Its flexibility allows it to fit in your back pocket, or awkward places and mould to the shape of your body, or even the ability of answering your phone while wearing boxing gloves at the gym.  But what are some other benefits? Is it merely another toy? Is it a life changing necessity to own one of these? Will the existing culture of mobile phone users rush out and buy one?

4. Home help robotic style, anybody?

Fascination comes from that which is non-human. Specifically, the wonderment of mechanical technology that performs human duties, or super human acts that a person daren't achieve.

The creation of Maillardet's Automaton in the 1800's stirred human interest, mystery, and awe as it offered a glimpse of the future http://www.fi.edu/pieces/knox/automaton/home.htm. It is important to note that technology at this time focussed primarily on transportation, and Humphry Davy’s light bulb invention. To observe, let alone own, a wind-up doll that can draw and write poetry was truly a marvellous experience, and pure genius as this paved the way for further successes. But such toys were only for the rich, or mechanically minded.

Today, modern robots such as Aldebaran Robitic's Nao humanoid (retrieved July 17, 2012 from http://www.robotshop.com/ProductInfo.aspx?pc=RB-Ald-01) measuring at 57cm high can walk, talk, dance, and play music. They can even interact with other. Not equipped to do the dishes yet, but yes, you too can own one of these for a mere $15999.00 USD ($20,047.55 NZD comparison).

Competing technologies, such as Honda's Asimo robot (retrieved July 17, 2012 from http://asimo.honda.com/asimotv/) looks like a man in a spacesuit. Approximately 4-5 feet in size, it can run, dance, kick a ball, carry items to you, and perform small scale tasks. It's functions, manoeuvrabilities, interactions, calisthenics, and house duties are outstanding. This is one technology that is perhaps the closest fit to the Bicentennial Man status and top of the line for its field.

The Robot Mimic (retrieved July 17, 2012 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oUQfz0RD2U&feature=player_embedded) closely resembles human facial and skin, qualities, however reminds me of the dancing and singing Santa Claus that marks the entrance of my local supermarket every Christmas. Nothing but a moving toy with a recorded voice over. Its purpose is merely entertainment, however the aesthetic quality or I should say prosthetic attributes bring robotics a step closer to looking more human like.



Robotic Animals
As an ex army service person, my personal favourite is the Big Dog (retrieved July 17, 2012 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BigDog) created in 2005 by Foster Miller from NASA. This large four legged monstrosity is capable of carrying an army section's pack, webbing and rifle (not that any soldier would want to be without webbing and rifle), over sand, snow, water, and all terrains. It moves like a spider, but crouches like a dog. Not the most attractive or graceful of robotics, it can however run 6.4 km/hr, carry 150 kg, and climb 35 degree inclines.

How about the Robot Goldfish? What is the relevance or purpose of a mechanical fish? Can you eat it? Can it dance? Can it read for you? Does it stop and look at you? Can you watch it grow and feed it? Really, what makes such technologies so successful, or fall flat?




What is important to note is that each of these technologies has a different purpose, therefore comparing them altogether, their impacts on the market as a whole would be unjust for this reason.  For example, the Maillardet's Automaton purpose or benefits to society were designed to amuse and entertain; the  Aldebaran Robitic's Nao humanoid's  purpose or benefits to society are to provide, "... a versatile platform used to explore a wide variety of research topics in robotics as well as computer science, human-machine interaction, and the social sciences," specifically working with children with Aspergers also in educational settings (retrieved September 29, 2012 from http://www.active-robots.com/aldebaran-robotics-nao-h25-humanoid-robot-academic-edition.html).  Honda's Asimo robot was designed to"...perform tasks to assist people who are lacking in full mobility. It is hoped ASIMO will serve as another set of eyes, ears, hands and legs for people in need, and will provide them with a new sense of independence in their everyday lives" (Retrieved October 4, 2012 from http://corporate.honda.com/innovation/asimo.aspx).

Although each of these technologies impact on the market is not economically viable for the average household yet, and their popularity hasn't exactly taken off in New Zealand yet either, the market appears to be mainly research and university based at this stage.  Future intentions of the technology becoming household must have items are yet to be attained as costs be lowered significantly first.

For further reading:

• For an interesting read of robotic technologies and comparisons visit http://robotzeitgeist.com/tag/humanoid-robot 

3. The Sinclair C5, Golden Eagle Skyrunner, and the Segway i2 & X2

Why do some technologies fail where others, as absurd as they may be, soar in sales and popularity?  Let's examine the successes and downfalls of the Sinclair C5, Golden Eagle Skyrunner, and the Segway i2 & X2 as an example.

The Sinclair C5
Immediately, the idea of having the handlebars underneath the driver's seat appears awkward to access for operational use, and appears unnatural also.  Here are some simple reasons why the Sinclair C5 failed according to http://www.ourhometools.com/why-the-sinclair-c5-failed:

• Zero climate protection - In very cold British conditions, not many people were rushing out to purchase one of these tricycles. The conditions sucked all the energy away from the battery life too.
• Safety - The tricycle is so small, the risk of other vehicles not seeing you is relatively high.
• Size - Because it is so small, not everyone can fit into one of these machines.
• Power - Flat surfaces, and down hill runs pose no problems, however uphill rides may see users having to push the vehicle or searching for a tow to get to the top of the hill.
• Poor promotion - Unfortunately Sir Clive launched the vehicle on 10th January 1985.  This was the day that the Viennese zither player, Anton Karas, died. In Britain, a zither is much more powerful than the launch of a Sinclair C5. 

Golden Eagle Skyrunner

Imagine spring loaded pogo sticks strapped onto your legs that enable you to leap tall buildings, and run faster than a Sinclair C5.   Well not exactly leap tall buildings but maybe run faster than a Sinclair C5.  As appealing, fun, and exciting these may appear, amateurs must kit up with safety gear, and so to speak, 'tread lightly.'  While it looks an attractive sport, allowing users to feel like super hero's and all, its induction into the sport is difficult, and dangerous.  Basic rules apply:
1. Practice first on a grassed area.
2. Ensure you have safety gear on at all times. 
3. Never ever stand still.
4. Remember the speed, velocity and height in which you are travelling.  
5. Technical issues lie in the weight of the user and that they are wearing the correct skyrunner to suit. 

The last point, highlights the main reason why the skyrunner hasn't quite taken off in some countries.  

• The risk of putting the end of the skyrunner into a crevice, crack in the road, or snagging them on something is highly likely, resulting in major damage.  
• It is amazing that the product hasn't been banned due to the high risks involved; people actually believe and behave that they are superhuman in them, and perform unbelievable feats while wearing them.  
• The construction and durability of them is much pertinent to the weight of the user.

Take a look at the following videos to give you an idea of how difficult it is to become skilled in the sport, and how easy it is to fail:

Segway

Like the Sinclair C5, the Segway was unpopular at first. However, this was due to different reasons.

1. Its inventor Dean Kamen claimed his new invention was amazing, and would change the world.  It had received blessings from moguls like Steve Jobs, John Dooer, and Steve Bezzos, but noone knew what it actually was. 
2. The Segway proved too costly for the average household. 
3. People looked 'dorky' riding these machines.....  (retrieved July 15, 2012 from http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20090730/1958335722.shtml

Since its first inception, the Segway has become more popular featuring cross terrain versions capable of semi-extreme sports activities. 

Clearly, promotion, timing, and hype determine the success of a technology, but also practical functions must also be considered. For instance, the cool look factor influences popularity. No one wants to look like a 'dork' standing upright on a riding machine, no one wants to look like a hippopotamus squashed up in a tricycle either. Safety issues are vital to survival, and travelling in a speed machine unprotected from the conditions, or environment is a factor that ascertains technological success. What are your perspectives?

2. Solar power technological innovations

The history of solar cells dates back to 1839 when a young 19 year old man, Alexandre Edmond Becquerel, investigated the photovoltaic effect via an electrode in a conductive solution exposed to light. Some would argue that it extends back even further than this, confirming that the simple magnifying glass in the 7th century B.C, brought rise to solar energy creating fire. From here the first solid state photovoltaic cell was designed by Charles Fritts in 1883, “who coated the semiconductor selenium with an extremely thin layer of gold to form the junctions. The device was only around 1% efficient” (Retrieved July 14, 2012 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_cell#History_of_solar_cells). 

Major leaps and jumps saw technologies progress toward modern day tools. Some examples of solar technologies ranging from the early solar powered calculator, to solar panels used to energise an entire house, to solar powered vehicles, to solar powered bags, solar bikinis, and even solar powered jet boats…… the list goes on. 

I remember using solar powered calculators in high-school. While they were invented in 1978, it wasn’t until 1988 that my parents could actually afford one then. Solar powered toys came at a cost, but on the positive, gone was the need to ever buy batteries for your calculator again. No more flat calculators in the middle of your exams again.

Solar powered houses are pricey to setup, however the ramifications far outweigh this. New Zealand had its first recorded solar powered house in 1994. Inverters, heavy duty deep cycle golf cart batteries, LPG gas, and water flow are minimum requirements for establishment. Aucklander, Simon Cope discusses the complexity of its development as seen on YouTube, ‘First Residential Solar Powered House in New Zealand’ (Retrieved July 14, 2012 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qplUjKTkT9c).



One invention that sparks interest is the solar powered bikini. Donned in flexible PV strips and conductive thread, the bikini highlights a 5 Volt USB port by where your cell phone, mp3 player, camera can be charged. While there is enough solar energy that falls on a 100 square mile area of the South Western United States to power the entire nation (Retrieved July 14, 2012 from http://greenliving.nationalgeographic.com/positive-negative-effects-solar-energy-2684.html), the skimpiness of the bikini powers just enough to charge an ipod, iphone, or similar small device. It's coverage is definitely not enough to power your house - yet. Designer Andrew Schneider creates them at a minimum cost of $500. Just don’t forget to disconnect your devices before diving into the water.

Interactions in the context of the current world economic and business drivers are significant in Europe where photovoltaic industrial growth appears uncertain.  German company ‘Q-cells,’ who were the world leading solar cell manufacturers declared bankruptcy on April 3^rd, 2012.  Approximately 80% of global installed solar power capacity is situated in Europe.  This is due to assistance from their government until 2008. Technological innovation has seen solar panel costs decline in the last few year, where households are able to reap the benefits, “Moreover, the “Europe 2020” agenda strongly relies on the photovoltaic sector to create jobs and reach “grid parity” (that is when the cost of production of 1 kWh of photovoltaic electricity equals the price of 1kWh of conventional electricity); besides, price and production costs of solar electricity are expected to come closer and closer until they are equal, by 2017 or 2020.”

Major impacts on the market place and amongst competitors

Four major European companies have gone bankrupt. The two major reasons for their decline point to:

1. The financial slump led to the end of government assistance supporting households wanting to change over to solar panels. Even France suspended public assistance to their households in 2010.
2. The Chinese dumping on the market slowed down production in Europe:

 “In July 2012, twenty-five European companies of the solar power sector filed an unfair competition complaint  to the European Commission, which initiated an investigation on September 6^th. The US had already filed a similar complaint in the spring of 2012, accusing Chinese manufacturers of benefitting from an illegal 30 billion-dollar subsidy from state-run Chinese banks. Therefore, Washington imposed 250% custom duties on Chinese solar industry” (retrieved October 7, 2012 from http://www.electrical-efficiency.com/2012/09/future-solar-power-europe/).

·         More specifically, solar power benefits and risks/negatives are:

• Climate change – beneficial effects can only be seen with minimal if non-existent effects on greenhouse gas emissions. Wearing solar powered garments may be a long term cause risk for individuals in this situation.
• Water – on the positive most solar photovoltaic systems do not require water, and those that do may use recycled water. While this is a plus, it may be a cause for concern in dry countries with lack of water.
• Land – solar panels require a large amount of space. On the positive, all is fine when placed on a structure such as a rooftop however on the negative, it is not so practical for some constructions, and smaller houses. 
• Hazardous wastage risks - when damaged, these cells produce hazardous materials like oils and molten salts.
• Visual – on the negative, some people are opposed to the sight of large structured panels populating a meadow, while others may welcome its existence.
• Installation costs - On the downside, these are high to begin with, yet on the positive, pay for themselves over time. Alternately, fossil fuels are rising in costs, while solar energy is lowering in price. In the long run, a home owner running a fully solar powered home not only makes back what they initially paid for in set up costs, but also benefits in net.

The progression of solar energy opens new avenues and business opportunities paving way for new and innovative toys, appliances, tools, and machinery. Its growth brings about minimal disruptions but only celebration for businesses as revenue and production moves from electrical to solar. Solar powered cars, boats, and medical equipment are only some changes here already. In the business world, you dream it, and we'll bring it!!

1. Welcome!

Welcome all to my blog about Future Trends and Emerging Technologies.  Here you will find my thoughts and recordings of various research that make well assumed predictions of emerging technologies.  Join me, and feel free to comment on any further developments related to the topics, or just your own perspective to the situation.  I do hope to hear from you, and look forward to our journey together.

All the best - Corlene Greenwood