Ten Technologies that Can Revolutionize PCs  |  October 1, 2008  

My road trip has finally come to an end and I was at least able to catch up on my reading (if not my blogging).  I saw an article about "Ten Technologies that can Revolutionize PCs". There have been posts about almost all of these at one time or another in this blog. They were:

1 - "Hundreds of cores" - The articles perspective on hundreds of cores differed a bit from what I've discussed before by including the use of graphic processors (GPU) into mainstream applications just like they've been included in mainstream gaming.

2 - "Mind-machine interfaces" - This is something we've talked about before. The applications aren't here yet, but the devices are on their way.

3 - "Ultrafast broadband" - This section was focused on fiber to the home. I was a bit surprised they didn't focus more on WiMax, but maybe that is not getting a toehold in the UK yet.

4 - "Optical computing" - This is one I've never focused on; since by the time it becomes realistic I believe there will not be a PC (as we know it).

5 - "New user interfaces" - This are is one of my predictions for big changes in 2008. Multi-touch is within site. Voice has been dancing on the edge of usefulness for quite a while.  Gesture based interfaces for specialized applications have been around for a while as well. Collaboration techniques may fit in here as well.

6 - "Ubiquitous computing" - This will likely change the enterprise more than it will change the PC, although there are a hand full of devices I have today that sync with my computer (e.g., Zune, ipod, SunSPOT), and who can count how many interesting devices will plug into the USB slot.

7 - "Real-time ray tracing" - Not sure why this made the list. I guess the 3D Internet is what their thinking, but that seems to be less about the PC than the other items on the list.

8 - "Cloud Computing" - We've blogged up a storm on cloud computing. This technology would be a move away from the personal nature of PCs to more of a terminal interface with a decentralized computing backbone. What's old is new again. I think there is little doubt that we'll see more of this in the near future. I'd have included more of a Software as a Service perspective though.

9 - "Laptops powered by fuel cells" - What's funny about this technology is that when were moving cars to running on electricity (e.g., batteries), we're trying to move PCs to run on a more liquid fuel? It would be great to have this, but why would it work better for PCs than for cars?? Just a thought...

10 - "Virtual Reality / 3D displays" - 3D displays have been demonstrated for quite a while. I know I'd love to see them come about (I'd have probably lumped them into the "New User Interfaces" category. Assuming there is software to drive the device, it would be nice to have. I'd lump 3D printing in here too.

This list of top 10 technologies is fairly extensive. I am sure you readers can think of a different perspective on a few that you could add.

Charlie Bess
EDS' Next Big Thing Blog