The Computer Electronics Show took place in Las Vegas recently and in addition to all the electronic gadgetry and eye candy, served to remind us just how computing power is now everywhere and how we have moved on from the days of the computer to a world where we can access the Internet and computing power from wherever we are.
There is a seemingly insatiable demand for any gadgets that will make our lives simpler and more connected and 2010 will surely see further quantum shifts in the way that we conduct our lives and business.
To prove that you can truly do anything you want to from anywhere you choose, Microsoft and HP are set to develop some heavyweight cloud computing market systems. Cloud computing, as you may know allows you to access all your applications and data over the Internet or via an intranet instead of through local service. In this way, you do not need to be linked up to bulky data storage devices or processors and can simply access the net to go to work. Microsoft and HP will be jointly spending $250 million over the next three years to develop these cloud computing systems. In due course, for those worried about controllability, Microsoft plans to develop “private clouds” in the future, so the ultimate objective is to deal with all your business without having to hive anything off to a third party.
For those who still want to maintain complete control over their stored data and access, what about the N2B1DD1? This is essentially a “mack daddy” hard drive, with over 1 TB worth of memory and the ability to store hundreds of thousands of high-quality pictures or large files. This new kind of device is called “network access storage” and can easily accommodate the entire contents of your hard drive, allowing access from any website anywhere in the world. The device plugs into a broadband modem and retails for about $400.
We are just beginning to see the start of the smartphone wars. The Google Nexus One is raising the bar in front of leader Apple and other new releases are pending, including a couple of new approaches from Palm. Smartphones have certainly taken the concept of always available, instantly accessible computing to a new level as these devices have definitely captured the public interest. While the infrastructure has not really kept up with the potential or the demand, wireless connectivity may soon reach the next generation. When 4G technologies are indeed available and we are able to interact with our smartphones at broadband speeds or better, computing power will surely know no bounds.
While people around the world are now checking their Facebook, sending a quick e-mail, re-tweeting or just looking at the next viral YouTube video whenever they stop to catch their breath, computing power is also gathering momentum in the home. Some people had all but written off the lowly television in this exhilarating epic battle, but the TV manufacturers themselves are fighting back.
Samsung has invited software developers to come up with applications for its TV, opening up a vast array of possibilities. Soon, you will be able to load your apps to its LED 9000TV and interact with them in life-size. While you are watching your favorite television show, your Twitter account could be open in a box, picture in picture-like, enabling you to engage in multi-way conversations with other tweeps about the content of the show being viewed. You will be able to watch YouTube on your television set and any number of other applications that we currently need to fiddle with our diminutive smart phones to enjoy. Samsung suggests that they are converting the television from a broadcast medium into an entertainment center. It appears that Skype, which is fast becoming a dominant Internet and video communications telephone service in its own right, will be built into televisions in the near future.
Moving out of the house and onto the road, your car will soon be fully Internet equipped, complete with WiFi cards. On a long journey, the kids can be fully engrossed with their social network and instant message chat sessions in the backseat. Presumably grandma will be able to download a nice e-book using her Kindle device as well, for those long road journeys over the holidays.
Indeed Ford has already said that they plan to introduce a function that will relay Twitter messages to the car’s passengers while on the road and you will be able to simply connect your mobile smart phone to your car pretty soon enabling you to listen to live streamed music from your favorite mobile provider. Ford maintains that this type of mobile computing enables people to be proactive during their driving time and look after their social interaction “while keeping their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel.”
Which new gadgets are you excited about?
Adam Toren
