Our Nanotech Future
August 12, 2013
A must-read article at the Public Intelligence Blog examines the state of future tech in, “Stephen E. Arnold: Google Glass: Are Weaponized Nanodevices and Ultra-Miniaturization Coming?” Yes, the author is our own beloved Stephen E. Arnold, but I assure you—the article is truly interesting. It is a good example of Arnold’s talent for pulling together his keen observations in order to anticipate trends.
The article begins with an examination of Google‘s ad-revenue stream, which currently seems to be losing momentum. Arnold suggests this could be one reason Google has been pushing its Glass project. He wraps in some observations from a nanotechnology textbook, and projects a future where our devices literally become part of us. No, this is not a new idea, but Arnold backs up his conclusions with real-world logic, not science fiction. (Though he refers to that, too.) I cannot give his reasoning justice here—you’ll just have to check out the write-up.
Arnold concludes:
“The goal is not glasses. The goal may be to put a computer in an eyeball. The military and intelligence applications are easy to identify: covert surveillance, weaponized medical devices which can render a person of interest harmless, and elimination of bulky battery packs for operational personnel, among others.
“I must admit that these implementations are likely to be years, maybe decades in the future. I think I will skip the smartphone watch and smartphone contact lens. A nano-device sounds just right to me. The interesting thought is that for many young people, a nano-device will be the obvious choice. Only old people carry a smartphone, wear a watch, or insert a contact lens.
“Nano-devices are likely to be hotter than the latest Nike sneaker worn by a special ops team.”
Given the trajectory of our technology and our collective imagination, these predictions seem right on point. I look forward to sporting my nanotech while visiting great-grandkids on the moon.
Cynthia Murrell, August 12, 2013
Sponsored by ArnoldIT.com, developer of Augmentext
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