[Imagination Club] Challenge: where is the Internet going?

[Jeffrey Baumgartner]

Some excellent posts on where the Internet is going over 
the next ten years. In fact, this issue will be the theme 
of an article in Report 105 (http://www.jpb.com/report105/) 
a new e-newsletter on creative visions that we'll launch 
next week. I may borrow a few ideas from you - but if I do, 
I will be sure to ask first and give you credit.

Without going into great detail here, I will tell you what 
will happen to the Internet ;o) 

Over the next decade or two, human-computer integration 
will become the norm. Already, scientists have had some 
considerable  success connecting computers directly to the 
brains of severely disabled people. Thus allowing them to 
move a cursor on a computer screen.

The US Army is also interested in this kind of thing as 
mind-computer communication would allow jet pilots to react 
faster when zipping around a battle field at 2000++ KPH.

Moreover, indications are it is easier for a computer to 
interpret brain-waves than speech.

So, soon, devices worn on our heads - or possibly implants -
 will connect us directly to a computer (probably a mobile 
phone) which will connect to the Internet. Virtual reality 
will become that much more real. And you will be able to do 
many things, from send e-mails to request information, by 
thinking about it. 

On the downside, privacy as we know it will cease to exist. 

At the same time, a lot of processes will become invisible. 
And a lot of drudgery will be dealt with by "intelligent 
agents" or progammes running on your household/office 
network. Intelligent agents will manage bills, regularly 
negotiate with suppliers such as utilities for best prices 
and change suppliers frequently. 

Finally, by the end of the decade, Chinese will be the 
predominant language on-line.

Jeffrey Baumgartner
Your fearless moderator
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Helping businesses innovate better
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