IBM Labs Promises Five Innovations
IDG News Service (12/15/08) Weil, Nancy
IBM researchers' list of promising new technologies includes
the ability to
"talk" to the Web; information collection and retrieval
systems that cover us when we forget something; solar technology built
into asphalt, windows, and paint; genetic maps of every person's DNA;
and
personal digital shopping assistants that alert salespeople when
someone needs help and avatars to allow shoppers to see what clothing
looks good. IBM creates the list by consulting with leading innovators
at the company, says Sharon Nunes, IBM's vice president for Big Green
Innovations. The spoken Web project has been in development at IBM for
more than 30 years. Creating a spoken Web interface could enable users
to verbally respond to email and instant messages. Nunes says the
technology exists in bits and pieces, and that scaling and social
acceptance are the major hurdles to widescale use. Meanwhile, IBM
researchers say that conversations, reminders, lists, and daily
encounters will be recorded, stored, and analyzed using portable and
stationary devices, such as mobile phones with built-in microphones and
video cameras, to help users remember everything. IBM also says that
cheaper computational power will allow for widespread, inexpensive
genetic mapping, enabling healthcare professionals to consult a
patient's DNA for screening and preventative treatment.
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