Digital Utopia is an idea that the world as we know it today will continue to make advances in technology to a point where everything around us is digitally linked. As a technology fan I embrace this idea. I believe the possibilities of technology are near endless and a world were technology is ingrained in everything is closer than we think.
To see some examples of this development we don’t need to look much further than the Web Summit which took place in Dublin at the start of November. This event showcased both the power and potential of technology and gives us an idea of what is going on in the technology world today.
With over 22 thousand people visiting Dublin for the event it was an opportunity for start-ups, established companies and investors to come together. I was lucky enough to attend the student summit night and hear from some great speakers including the CEO of Dropbox Drew Houston. Each speaker on the night emphasized how technology is rapidly developing and will change how we live our lives. In essence this is what digital utopia is about.
The Internet of Things (IOT):
A hot topic at the Web Summit was IOT. It is an area of massive growth and ultimately a key player in a world of digital utopia. We are currently on the verge of an internet revolution. The first revolution was the development of the internet and connectivity to computers. Now we face a second revolution where an ever increasing amount of devices will connect to the internet. Ranging from home appliances, cars, security systems, clothes, surfaces, and even places. This is the internet of things. Philip Moynagh is the VP of the Internet of Things Group at Intel and he explains what the Internet of Things in this short video:
Currently we can see the emerging market for smart devices like smart watches, glasses, phones and fridges. But there are thousands of smart products being developed. An article published by Tomsguide recently highlights the Best Smart Home Gadgets of 2014. This list includes a number of products which at first look very normal. But when you look at the improvements and alterations made by the addition of a computer chip this transforms them from ordinary products to smart products that can effect and aid our lives without users having to command the product to action every single time. Technology will continue to advance to a point where all the devices around us learn what we need and when we need it. This in essence is what digital utopia is all about, devices communicating with eachother to complete tasks for our benefit.
Services & Devices:
The Internet of Things isn’t just about everything connecting to the internet. But the seamless interaction between things, the internet and the user. Imagine a world so smart that many routine chores are completed for you. Companies like Airbnb and Uber are good examples of companies who have offered services through smart use of technology. Soon 3D printers will become common places and many things you need could be printed in your home saving time and money. At the Young Scientist exhibition earlier this year I saw a 3D printer in action. I held a pair of sunglasses that had been created using the printer and it was clear to me that when this technology is developed further and made affordable for consumers it will be an industry changer and a big factor in digital utopia. The following video created by Mashable really emphasizes the potential of 3D printing:
Moore’s Law:
“The number of transistors incorporated in a chip will approximately double every 24 months.” –Gordon Moore
It wouldn’t be fair to discuss digital utopia without mentioning Moore’s Law. Gordon Moore one of the founders of Intel and he developed this famous law. The law basically means that processor speeds will double every two years due to more transistors fitting on a chip. I believe this law is important to highlight that it is likely computing speed and power is only going to increase as we move into the future. This will have a big impact on digital utopia and is one of the reasons this utopia is possible.
Embrace Digital Utopia:
There are many advantages to be gained from a digitally connected world. Whilst some people may fear a world like this it is likely to develop over time regardless. As younger generations grow up more will be expected from technology. To my generation smart phones and gadgets have become a companion we didn’t always have. Younger generations will grow up surrounded by technology and they will expect more from new technology products. Coding classes and the use of tablets in primary and secondary education are hot topics at the moment. This is just one of many signs to come of digital utopia.
Chris Devaney Blog 