Often we’re asked to imagine futuristic scenarios for possible products and projects. Often the first ideas are stuck to already available technology. So I also often remember a great article on the Whole Earth Review 25th anniversary edition (1993).

The article in question was titled Unthinkable Futures. The authors, Kevin Kelly (Wired magazine editor) and Brian Eno (musician), show how to open our minds beyond what’s technologically predictable.

One of my favorite quotes:

News is understood to be a creation of our attention and interests (rather than “the truth”) and news shows are redesigned “thinktanks”, where four interesting minds from different disciplines are asked the question, “So what do YOU think happened today?”

The Wall Street Journal looks 10 years ahead and imagines how technology will change the way we shop, learn, entertain ourselves, get news, protect our privacy and connect with friends. The long article is structured in seven sections, each written by a different WSJ staff writer:

• How we shop
• How we play games
• How we watch movies and TV
• How we make and keep friends
• How we search online
• How we get news
• How we protect our privacy

Full article:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120119369144313747.html?mod=hpp_us_inside_today

this is an idea for a possible YDreams tshirt. would you wear one?


�

As if there weren’t already plenty of gadgets and gizmos out there for us to choose from, check out this article on Top 10 technology wonders that don’t exist yet.

A quick glance at one or two:

B–Membrane Computer: personally it reminds me of a kitchen appliance gone askew, but this oddly shaped contraption will dispense with monitors and beam images onto any surface via a built in projector. Cool, huh?

Timeflex Stick on Watch: at first glance wearable tattoo came to mind but no, apparently it’s a real bonafide watch you can stick anywhere on your skin. Kids are bound to love this one!