Future Tech v1.0

Here is a short list of some emerging and future technology:

1) 3D printing opens up a whole host of possibilities. From printing food to life forms. (Covered in detail in a previous blog post)

2) Drones will replace fighter pilots.... Sorry Maverick & Goose! Drones will be limited by technology, tolerate higher g-forces & if solar powered - won't need to land.... Amazon are already trialing parcel delivery by drone (previous post)

3) Virtual Reality - I think this tech will change the world. Facebook purchased Oculus and Sony is developing Morpheus, it is only a matter of time.....neo ;p (gadget show post)

4) Robots - hopefully more Johnny 5 than Terminator.... Amazon already sell Robot hoovers and lawn mowers! But what happens when robots can do your job...

5) Holograms and tablets that can be folded into your pocket like a piece of paper

6) Wireless charging - replacing the need to constantly charge your phone/tablet

7) Driverless cars - hopefully affordable & improving road safety - expected in the U.K as early as 2015 

8) Human upgrades - implants and robotics are already being developed to restore the senses such as hearing & sight. Robotics and 3D printing are also helping rebuild humans. Quite amazing & the best type of technology in my opinion, technology that helps people. But what if you could upgrade your memory, vision, intelligence etc ... 

9) The Internet of Things - on its way & fast. This is essentially every day items, but networked. A fridge that re-orders an item the moment it is finished, or an app that let's you control and monitor your central heating and home security systems. 

10) AI - Artificial Intelligence. You may have seen the film Her? A man falls in love with his operating system, lol! Or the Big Bang Theory, when Raj falls in love with Siri....

Joking aside, it's going to happen the world over. Computers, smart phones and possibly Androids with a personality, sense of humour and memory. 

I have a lot more to say on these topics, but will gauge interest first. What do you think? What are you looking forward to, or perhaps not looking forward to? 

-theitguy

3D Printing

In 2012 I supported a science challenge at Sheffield City College, where I spotted a stand on 3D printing.

Since then I have been intrigued by 3D printing and have been keeping an eye on the topic. Friends and colleagues have looked at me in disbelief when I have talked about this topic. I think it's fair to say that the technology is gaining momentum, but few people are aware of it. So here are a few points that may surprise you:

What is 3D printing?
Using an electronic file, but instead of printing to paper a 3D printer can produce an item in 3D from a variety of materials.