This seems worth posting around now… As I’ve previously observed, futuristic visions are produced as entertainment, sold today and consumed today. A TV station interviewing an economic or diplomatic pundit doesn’t bother to show what that pundit predicted three years ago and how the predictions turned out. Why would they? Futurism Isn’t About Prediction.
But someone on the ImmInst forum actually went and compiled a list of Ray Kurzweil’s predictions in 1999 for the years 2000-2009. We’re not out of 2009 yet, but right now it’s not looking good…
· Individuals primarily use portable computers
· Portable computers have dramatically become lighter and thinner
· Personal computers are available in a wide range of sizes and shapes, and are commonly embedded in clothing and jewelry, like wrist watches, rings, earrings and other body ornaments
· Computers with a high-resolution visual interface range from rings and pins and credit cards up to the size of a thin book. People typically have at least a dozen computers on and around their bodies, which are networked, using body LANS (local area networks)
· These computers monitor body functions, provide automated identity to conduct financial transactions and allow entry into secure areas. They also provide directions for navigation, and a variety of other services.
· Most portable computers do not have keyboards
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