Technology is a funny thing. It is developed in part to respond to the needs of human users. In turn, new technology develops new needs in its users. Consider, for example, the first computers. These room sized mammoths were developed to meet the needs of researchers. They were slow, cumbersome and above all, large. That being said, the technology itself developed a need within its user base for faster, more useful and smaller computers. Eventually came the dawn of the desktop and the laptop. Today’s computers, in the form of netbooks, tablets and smart phones are literally hand held.
This concept, which is not unlike the age old chicken/egg debate, can be seen in the life cycle of many different pieces of technology. Televisions, phones, office equipment, even books have answered the call of the technology siren. The latest developments in technology and gadgets almost always are in response to a need created by technology itself.
One thing is certain as we look at the future of technology and gadgets. As a whole we have created a need to make smaller and more powerful devices. This need is never ending. We are insatiable in our need for the latest advancements in phone technology, the fastest computer, the smallest MP3 player. This desire for power packaged in as small a box as possible will be the driving force behind technology that is yet to be created.
It isn’t hard to imagine a world where technology is embedded into our lives. It will be interesting to watch the development of new gadgets and software over the next decade. It is likely that our lives will become so entwined with technology that it will be difficult to imagine a life without it. Who knows, perhaps even our clothing will be computerized in some way.