I felt a bit concerned after writing last week's column. I was, once again, quite negative about the state of the PC business in terms of the advancement of new technology. If you are a techie junkie, as I am, you need to have your addiction catered to, your needs fulfilled. In order to feel better, I decided to make this column reflect some of the things that I would like to see offered. Being both an electrical engineer and a long-term programmer, I don't believe that any of these things is beyond our technology today - well, maybe a little!
The first thing I would like to see would be for Internet access to become a public utility, I believe that Cary took steps towards this a few years ago; when it came time for Cary to renew their contract with the cable company they looked at owning the cable distribution network themselves. The utility would own the wires and the distribution, and various services that use that wire (cable TV, Internet, whatever) would buy "space" on that distribution system. I would like to see a universal distribution system and services such as TV, FAX, Internet, phone, whatever, using it. But you would have a choice among a number of competing vendors.
Some of you are now probably throwing up your hands in the horror of another monopolistic public utility. But I think it is important to level the playing field, and give all service providers an equal chance and an equal platform.
I believe that part of that network should be wireless - universal access for the Internet should be as available and ubiquitous as cell phones are today.
I would like to see a fully functional PC the size of a paperback book. The screen would be a foldout or roll-up screen that would be quite large when unfolded, but fold or roll back into the case when not in use. A handheld or 5-button device would replace the traditional QWERTY keyboard, or mature handwriting recognition will be available.
I would like to see the development of true three-dimensional display technology - "true" meaning not using some apparatus such as special glasses. Your computer screen would be 3D and you would be able to change the point-of-view when looking at your 3D movies.
I would like to see total home automation via voice control. By just speaking a command, you would be able to control any device in your house, or to interrogate its status. Your home PC would wake you up in the morning with the list of email that came in overnight, brew your coffee when you ask for it, and go over your daily schedule with you. It would remind you of pending events, and take care of things for you. I don't see why my PC shouldn't be able to realize that my car registration renewal is due, and automatically contact DMV to do it. But, hey, I'm not lazy - I would be willing to put the sticker on the license plate!
I would like to see the programming inside digital cameras be opened to the public. Most people don't realize that there is a lot of programming inside digital cameras today, to control the buttons, manipulate and store the photo, and run the options screens. I guarantee you that there are programmers out there who could do a better job than what is available now. I had a Kodak camera years ago that actually did have an external programming interface to allow users to customize their own screens, but it wasn't very popular because it was considered too difficult to use. If you have a Canon Digital Rebel camera, there are patches available now to improve some of the camera functions. Programming should be free enterprise.
Finally, I would like to see the darned marl picked up on the Oak Island beaches. Maybe we could get those who put it there in the first place to pick it up - eh?
Bob Seidel is a local computer consultant in the Southport - Oak Island area. You can visit his Website at www.bobseidel.com or e-mail questions or column ideas to him at bsc@bobseidel.com. For specific inquiries, please call Bob Seidel Consulting, LLC at 278-1007.