Future patterns in the technology space - the next big thing is already here!

After all, don't forget TV was invented in 1935, but only really became public in 1955.

The mobile phone was around in early 70's, but it is only now that it is about to have such an effect on our lives. By 2010 I estimate some 2.6 billion mobile phones will be being used on the planet. They will have a camera, internet access, scanners, music storage, digital radio, and most importantly digital TV/broadcasting capability and data storage capability.

Mobility will be a big thing in the future. Both PC and mobile phone/PDA. There is a need for people to have the ability to access fast data downloads anytime they have 'dead ' or uninterrupted time, such as at airports, bus stops, shopping malls, coffee shops, restaurants etc. I foresee the PC and mobile phone becoming closer and more complementary. I expect the PC's to have sharper screens and broadband capability - and the mobile to be a mini version of that, able to plug into the PC for better screen, better sound, etc.

I expect to be able to investigate a choice of products, services and prices on the go; to be able to order, pay and have delivery of such services also on the go. I do of course differentiate here between low value, quick decisions - and high value, slower decisions needing more research. For example, in Japan you can now pay for a train ticket by just scanning your mobile phone at the appropriate entry point.

You can buy a can of Coke from a vending machine by SMS to the vending machine. The phone will display a coded reply to the SMS which is fed into the machine and the beverage is dispensed. Just try to imagine similar types of applications that might follow this example; any convenience purchase such as supermarkets, petrol, and many other high repeat purchases.

Technology offers us a digital plethora of information. You can code, store, retrieve, repurpose and action at fast pace depending on the size of information. Broadband and wireless technologies will facilitate Telemedicine, Micromarketing, Entertainment, Gaming, etc.,etc. with content customisation and more importantly content personalisation.

As an individual I may be interested in specific health issues, such as diabetes ; news in China ; sports, say, Chelsea matches and results ; new books or activities for children ; specific travel opportunities into certain areas, say, Australia, France, etc. I will have the opportunity to capture these interest areas and any content broadcast on TV and radio and have this content purpose prepared and stored for me. I may choose to store it for future reference and review it anytime on my mobile/PDA/PC.

Technology will also cut across medicine. More and more routine tasks will be performed over the networks, on mobile or broadband. Tasks such as blood pressure readings and diagnostics reporting will be automated. This will enable more frequent and accurate readings, more effective comparisons and more timely remedial action. Such practices will also have an impact on prevention and possible early cure.

Technology is also about to reshape the way we live in the home. A completely wired home will deliver music, internet, entertainment and information intelligence everywhere. We may have the fridge, AC or central heating controls depending on where you live, alarm/security cameras, TV and music stations all wired to the internet.

You will be able to check the security of your home from anywhere, even abroad. Your fridge will be able to alert your local supermarket of the items you need and delivery can be arranged so that you need never find yourself out of stock.

As you enter your local supermarket it will download the latest offers likely to be of interest to you and while you stop for a cup of coffee you can decide what to buy. You can even forward this news to other family members to check their interest. Finally, you can SMS your order and the store will prepare, package and charge you. They will deliver or you can pick up; either way you avoiding queueing and wasting time searching yourself for the items on the shelf.

In the constant urge to work and live smarter, to achieve better and higher efficiencies in life, the most successful of us will manage this change without becoming slaves to either the technology or the time it requires. In fact, the biggest differentiator in society in the future will be time. The affluent today have assets; the affluent tomorrow will have additional time.
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There will be increased interactivity potential between mobile phones and TV stations. There are gaming, polling, voting etc. opportunities and I expect the media to be more involved in this space.

The ability to have information moved around with ease using Bluetooth technology on the phone, wireless broadband on the PC, and the internet, means that you will be able to create and save or download data on your mobile, PDA or PC and will be able to 'flash it' to a plasma screen and share it with ease.

Economies of scale mean that the cost of this technology need not be prohibitive and a small business in Africa theoretically will be able to use the same technology as a major corporate in the USA. The barriers to entry will change with technology.

But areas to manage will still be security over the internet and other media, and the protection of any data on the private individual. And the need for accurate information will become even more important.