Communications of the ACM
Communication Devices 2033
Motorola's Consumer Xperience Design (CXD) teams have speculated possible evolutionary paths that communication devices may take during the next 25 years. They project that by 2033 the cell phone could be an extension of the human body and senses, where universal gestures could be the mechanism through which information is shared and communication facilitated.
The teams hypothesize greater acceptance of embedded technologies, more design variegation, and the emergence of multipurpose devices with shape-shifting capability. Engineers in Seoul have imagined a gel-type phone that sticks to the skin, with a display worn around the eye area and an interface on the arm. The devices function as a connector and sensor with engagement between the two permitting communication and expression of personal style.
The teams envision ambient, always-on communication, along with incorporation of computers and mobile devices into everyday objects. Natural, predictive, fluid device interaction is theorized, as are objects capable of accessing the computing cloud at will. U.K. engineers have conceived of a device called a MEM that saves experiences and enables the sharing of memories with others throughout life. Another U.K. design is Second Sight, a technology that uses holographic projection and gesture detection with an added virtual layer of information and avatars so that users can view the world via touch screens and holographic displays to boost the interactivity of the communications experience.
From Design World
Abstracts Copyright © 2009 Information Inc., Bethesda, Maryland, USA 
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