Not that it’s hard to believe in today’s world, but technology has seemed to out due itself once again. Creators in Microsoft are describing prototypes of the average student greeted by desk assistants that are interactive virtual people, not an actual person. However, this virtual desk assistant reacts to every hand wave and head nod, interacting with every gesture and voice command. This example of new and improved technology is proving that consumers are favoring “natural” interaction with electronics, rather than behind keyboards and controllers.
Nevertheless, as extremely close technology companies such as Microsoft are to making this virtual reality actually happen, an interactive computer generated desk assistant is not exactly in our near future. However, the popular, modern video game Wii seems to be the inspiration for “motion-sensing” technology, such as the iPhone, that is prevalent in our current culture. The first on the interactive technology process is Japanese television company, Hitachi, aiming to create a TV that responds to gestures and voice commands.
The closet to achieving the highest form of technology is the improved camera that detects how far objects are, improving accuracy by interpreting movement. Luckily, prices are predicted to drop low enough to be sold to the mass population. It is also predicted that this device will allow TVs to be controlled simply by waving your hand to raise the volume or change the channel. You are even able to wave your arm from across the room. The entire production of such hands-on or motion-sensing technology is expected to expand to $500 million by 2013.
Companies such as Hewlett-Packard are saying they have “high hopes for a gesture-based” future. They have also been stated claiming that, “the ability to use gestures significantly removes the overall intimidation factor of people using the product.” Furthermore, with the improvement in lowering prices, such technology will begin to emerge slowly but surely. Such technology is highly supported with claim that cameras equipped with such devices could “help caregivers determine if elderly patients have fallen or whether they can respond to questions with a wave or a nod.” They also claim to help keep students interested with such technology involved in the classroom.
Despite the major problem of creating this technology while appeasing all cultures and languages with appropriate gestures and responses for each, companies involved and determined to produce such innovative technology are working together in order to make this fantasy a reality in the near future.
Personally, I feel that although the usage of such innovative technology can be used for beneficial reasons, such as improving education or assisting doctors, it seems likely that this will simultaneously hinder any hopes of creating a more active society. It isn’t enough that we no long have to walk up stairs, get up to change the channel, or even wind down our own paper towels in public restrooms, but we will not even have to move except for an effortless head nod or voice command. I do support the many aspects of technological advances to create a more streamlined society, but it is a bit scary to think about just how far technology can go. I believe that the bounds of technology are limitless and while it can be advantageous to the everyday consumer, it can also be a potential problem. One of these problems presents itself with the raising obesity and depression rates. Technology has the potential to do wondrous things and I fully support the advances that are taking place, but on the opposite side of this coin technology can make people even more lazy and indolent.
