Microsoft’s 2019 Future Vision Montage

May 2, 2009 by Michael Marlatt · Leave a Comment 

Have you ever wondered what the world might look like over the next 5 to 10 years?

Technology is developing at such a rapid rate that it is often difficult to keep up with the latest trends, let alone imagine the possibilities. The good news is that there are many leading-edge organizations (e.g., Perceptive Pixel, Oblong Industries, and MIT’s Media Lab) that are not only exploring the future of technology but also pushing boundaries of what is possible. In addition to what we are seeing from these organizations, Microsoft has even released a series of videos conceptualizing their vision of the future.

The video below is Microsoft’s conceptualization how we may all someday live, work, and play. What do you think?







Want more? Visit the Microsoft Office Labs website to learn more.

Filed under: Blog Posts, Emerging Trends, On the Radar, Video, Virtual Work
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MIT’s SixthSense: The ultimate cloud device at your fingertips?

March 27, 2009 by Michael Marlatt · Leave a Comment 

If you follow my blog, you have likely noticed my earlier posts covering Oblong’s G-Speak, Jeff Han’s Perceptive Pixel, and even mention of Microsoft’s Surface Computer.  While each company has developed their unique versions of dynamic touch technology, MIT’s Media Lab has taken the concept to the next level.

At a recent Technology, Entertainment and Design (TED) conference, MIT’s Dr. Pattie Maes unveiled project SixthSense and the Wear Ur World device. Created by Pranav Mistry, ex-Microsoft UX Researcher, the SixthSense prototype is a wearable gestural interface that enables users to interact between the real world and the world of data.

Here are five interesting features of the SixthSense prototype:

1. NewsPaper showing live video news
2. Sixthsense: Taking pictures using framing gesture
3. Using the palm for dialing phone numbers.
4. Reviewing book covers showing Amazon ratings
5. View cloud tags of friends during face-to-face encounters

Unlike other similar touch-technology offered by Apple, Microsoft, G-Speak, Perceptive Pixel, etc., the SixthSense prototype is 100% portable and can be used on a variety of surfaces. So, could this MIT’s newest prototype be the ultimate “cloud” device? While only time will tell, if the buzz across the web offers any indication then there’s a definitely a bright future ahead. For now, consider this quote…

Step aside, Apple and Microsoft. If MIT’s little Sixth Sense gadget sees the commercial light of day, we can toss our multitouch devices out the window. Who needs a Surface or an iPhone when the very idea of being able to access information by turning any flat surface into a touch-screen display sounds far more appealing? No surface available? Simply project a screen onto your hand, and voila. Shades of Minority Report?

-Juniper Foo from CNET

If you missed the unveiling of the MIT’s SixthSense project at TED, you can catch it below or watch it in wide screen mode…



Filed under: Blog Posts, Cloud Computing, Emerging Trends, Mobile Trends, On the Radar, Video, Virtual Work
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Stop. Rewind. Jeff Han, introduces multi-touch technology back in 2006

December 30, 2008 by Michael Marlatt · Leave a Comment 

Jeff Han, Founder of Perceptive Pixel, introduced multi-touch technology for the first time to hundreds of attendees at TED 2006 in Monterey, California. If you own an Apple iPhone, or have watched a demo of Microsoft’s Surface Computer, it is easy to understand how multi-touch technology is altering the way we work and play. Companies such as Oblong Industries and Perceptive Pixel, are both experimenting with innovative ways in which to optimize this technology. Regardless of who prevails, one thing is certain: the future of multi-touch technology seems to hold a lot of promise.

Given the growing popularity towards multi-touch devices, it’s worth taking a trip back in time and revisiting Jeff’s initial introduction to this amazing technology:


This second video shows Jeff Han demonstrating multi-touch in a lab at Perceptive Pixel:



Filed under: Blog Posts, Cloud Computing, Emerging Trends, On the Radar, Video, Virtual Work
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Search On-the-Go: Don’t Type It. Speak it.

November 24, 2008 by Michael Marlatt · 1 Comment 

As we become increasingly mobile, and untether from our desktops, having immediate access to the right information is no longer just a preference but a necessity. Outside of SMS, mobile search has become one of the most popular ways in which we can leverage our mobile devices.

Consider this scenario…

It’s been a tough day. You are running late for your first lunch meeting with that new (key) client. Earlier, you were careful to write down the address and directions. The problem? You left the notes of your meeting location on your office desk, you’re now running behind because of traffic, and you do not have GPS.

I guess now is a good time to panic? Well, rather than dialing 411, you could try free voice-driven search services offered by either Tellme, or Google’s Mobile App.

Tellme.com

“Tellme’s vision is, ‘Say what you want and get it, on any device.” From ‘vision’ to reality, Tellme has already delivered over 2 billion voice searches results for millions of mobile subscribers. See the following video made courtesy of Pocketnowvideo:






Google Mobile App

“Faster search results with fewer keystrokes.” The video below provides an overview of the new Google Mobile App for the iPhone. The App allows mobile users to speak versus typing their search queries.



As a Recruiter, how can voice-driven search help you?

Let’s assume you are out of the office, waiting on an appointment and have a little time to spare. You are sourcing for potential prospects with .NET architecture and SharePoint experience who live in the New York region.

» Step 1: Grab your mobile device and get started. Using either the Tellme or Google’s Mobile App, try speaking your search query as follows: “Resumes, NET Architects, SharePoint, New York.”

» Step 2: Filter the “noise.” Your search results will vary and likely not be exactly what you were seeking the first time you try it. The results may even contain job posts or other unwanted noise. You may need to retry your search query using additional keywords to narrow down what you are seeking. Be specific as possible with your voice-search. Also, speaking clearly, and in some cases - speaking slowly, is often important to ensure the mobile app has successfully captured your exact search query.


Remember, voice-driven search is pretty “hip” technology but it’s still far from perfect. As with all new technology, it will take time for it to evolve and get better. So get comfortable now and think of the possibilities. Mobile is the future…

Filed under: Cloud Computing, Emerging Trends, Mobile 2.0, Virtual Work
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Cloud Control

November 10, 2008 by Admin · Leave a Comment 

Microsoft wants more of the software market and is gearing up to outflank Amazon and Google.

Three years into the job as Microsoft’s chief software architect, Raymond Ozzie is on a path to overhaul how the company designs and sells the software that makes its monster profits.

Cloud Control - Forbes.com.

Filed under: Asides, Cloud Computing, On the Radar
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