What's Next?

Technology is evolving every second. Everyday new things are being discovered - whether it’s a new app for your iPhone or a new way to communicate with someone across the world. But the question still stands: what will come next? We were shown a video in class today about a man who discovered a new way of computing all sorts of information with the touch of a finger called sixth sense technology. This got me thinking. If he was able to discover this sixth sense technology over 10 years ago by using two computer mice, what can be discovered today? We have many more accessible resources available now, so why doesn’t everyone know about this sixth sense technology? Why isn’t everyone using it? It’s weird to think that we are exposed to the things that the creators choose to expose us to. There are thousands of things that have been discovered and created that we won’t hear about for another decade – some things we may never hear about. But why? Why is it all being hidden from us?

Well I’ve come up with an answer to that question. It’s a long-term money making scheme that assures that there will be never ending funds thrown in the direction of companies such as Apple. First Apple had the original iPod. This was big news because up until then we had been – for the most part – strictly listening to CD’s on our Walkman’s. Some people had mp3 players but nothing was as convenient and easy to use at this new iPod. Before they even put the next iPod on the shelves they had an idea for what they would release next. Then came the iPod mini (I believe that’s what it was called) which everyone had to had because it was the new thing. Keep in mind all of these were still in black and white. When that was released, Apple was already in the works of making an iPod that had color. Instead of waiting to release the iPod mini with color they released a half ass version knowing that it would be purchased and in turn knowing that the next iPod would be the new “must have” toy. This cycle kept repeating and still is today. We’re now in the iPod touch generation. The first iTouch was wanted by everyone. It was a facility for games, note taking, music, pictures – everything. If you had the money at the time, you had the iTouch. Everyone knew that something better would be coming out but it seemed to not matter for the majority.

Many of us recognize this never ending cycle yet it doesn’t matter to us – but why is that? When watching the video about sixth sense technology, a lot of the things that he was doing (i.e. zooming in and out of pictures by pinching or spreading your finger tips) were things that were a part of the iTouch/iPad. All of the ideas for Apple’s technology seemed to be based off of this sixth sense technology. If that is the case then it means that they have had these ideas for the past 10 years and are spacing the release of new products in ways which are most profitable for the company. So back to my original query: why aren’t we all using sixth sense technology? Because there are hundreds of product’s left to create that all stem from the idea of sixth sense technology and millions of dollars to make. So if you’re the type of person that has to have that brand new toy, wait a couple more months and save your money, because years from now when everyone is using this sixth sense technology and you have empty pockets and a house full of useless electronics, you’ll be kicking yourself in the leg.