[LINK] The Next Ten Years

[Ivan Trundle]

On 08/08/2007, at 8:52 AM, George Bray wrote:

>> Again, Tom was on the money.
>
> High praise Tom.  But what's going to happen in the *next* ten years?
>
> Will we still have belligerent monopolist limiting our IT progress?

Of course - that's the way that our society works.
>
> Will we all have wristwatch iPhones?

If so, it'll be the reincarnation of wristwatches - something that is  
rapidly zooming out of fashion with young 'uns (and some oldies,  
too). However, the wrist is about the best place to dangle things,  
though the ear might be better for listening and talking (and no-one  
wants to walk/ride/drive with one hand against an ear).
>
> How far will the national WiMax network reach?

In ten years, there might be a handful of oldies using this  
technology. But the aforementioned monopolists will get in the way.  
One thing is for sure - it won't be ubiquitous, if previous history  
is anything to go by.
>
> Will web standards ever evolve to the point where we Linkers have
> nothing to complain about?

Having read that the top-ten most popular blogs in the world don't  
conform to web standards, I see no change here. We'll still have  
something to whinge about.

>
> Will a national microband network evolve on the old copper network to
> distribute 12v services to all Australians?

Old tech again. We'll all have photo-voltaics (sliver cell  
technology, or similar) on our roof, and will be self-sufficient in  
the 12v department, at least - possibly even pumping power back into  
the grid, if aforementioned monopolists don't get in the way.

>
> Will we watch live TV, or just download the shows that interest us?

Do people *still* watch TV? I'm amazed.

iT