The internet has already revolutionized our world beyond what we thought possible at its inception. A decade ago dial-up got everyone excited about not being able to receive phone calls while being on the internet. Now we carry the internet around in our bags and pockets, and we expect to spend a sizable amount of our day connected. How will this trend continue in the coming years?
By 2020, I predict what we expect to see:
Entertainment will be immerse and interactive. The terms “audience” and “viewer” will no longer exist. Entertainment will be enjoyed by “users.” Everyone will be able to interact with movies by making decisions for the characters, either collectively in a cinema, or individually on their tablet, or smartphone. Stories will no longer be a passive experience, but immerse, putting the user at the center of the action.
Modern spaces will keep their links to the past through the use of scalable codes that access the space as it was in a bygone era. Entire worlds will exist online through audio, video and still images, and be downloadable to smart phones. For example, a train station will no longer be just a busy commuter hub; it will also be a virtual museum. The annals of history will be available to all. QR codes are already being used by local authorities interested in preserving their heritage, but expect an evolution in this technology.
Education will become more collaborative. Children will learn foreign languages together online. After mastering the basics, they will be encouraged to use communication portals to exchange vocabulary and local knowledge. This will also be used to promote cross-cultural understanding and good international relations for future generations.
Televisions will have an integrated interface showing weather reports, travel information, sports results, etc, all accessible in real time. Movies will be downloadable on demand directly to our TV screens, allowing us to enjoy a film when we want.
Instant messaging will also be available through the TV’s online interface. If it’s an interactive movie you’re downloading, users can connect with others wanting to enjoy the same movie, agreeing a start time on the IM service.That’s how I see the broadband influencing our lives in 2020. What are your predictions?
By 2020, I predict what we expect to see:
Removing The Commute
The work-life balance will be emphasized in the way the working day is structured. Working from home will be the norm. Most meetings will take place virtually through stable voice and video-calling platforms that evolve out of current platforms such as Skype. Content management systems will exist for both public and private projects, allowing commerce to drastically minimize its impact on the environment; printing will be an occasional occurrence. The daily commute will be a thing of the past, although workers will continue to migrate to their favorite cafes for both online and face-to-face meetings. This will reduce stress and keep the local economy alive.Choosing Your Own Adventure
Entertainment will be immerse and interactive. The terms “audience” and “viewer” will no longer exist. Entertainment will be enjoyed by “users.” Everyone will be able to interact with movies by making decisions for the characters, either collectively in a cinema, or individually on their tablet, or smartphone. Stories will no longer be a passive experience, but immerse, putting the user at the center of the action.
Living Heritage
Modern spaces will keep their links to the past through the use of scalable codes that access the space as it was in a bygone era. Entire worlds will exist online through audio, video and still images, and be downloadable to smart phones. For example, a train station will no longer be just a busy commuter hub; it will also be a virtual museum. The annals of history will be available to all. QR codes are already being used by local authorities interested in preserving their heritage, but expect an evolution in this technology.
Educating Across Boarders
Education will become more collaborative. Children will learn foreign languages together online. After mastering the basics, they will be encouraged to use communication portals to exchange vocabulary and local knowledge. This will also be used to promote cross-cultural understanding and good international relations for future generations.
Total Connectivity
Household appliances will be connected to the internet. The fridge will know when we are running out of essential items and add them to our virtual shopping list. When the list reaches a threshold, an order will be placed and the goods will be delivered to your doorstep.Televisions will have an integrated interface showing weather reports, travel information, sports results, etc, all accessible in real time. Movies will be downloadable on demand directly to our TV screens, allowing us to enjoy a film when we want.
Instant messaging will also be available through the TV’s online interface. If it’s an interactive movie you’re downloading, users can connect with others wanting to enjoy the same movie, agreeing a start time on the IM service.That’s how I see the broadband influencing our lives in 2020. What are your predictions?
