Week 2: Future of Computer Hardware Technology

The future of Computer Hardware Technology I believe is going to be focused on the way users interact with their computer. I believe this will include advancements in both the interface and in new methods of input. Some of these advancements will include 3D displays, hologram displays, further advances in touchscreen technology, augmented displays, voice controlled computers, and other computer hardware advancements that will make using a computer feel more natural for the user. The future of computer hardware is looking to create a more intuitive experience for the user where little to no training on using the computer is needed. The goal is for the user to be able to do whatever they feel and for the computer to be able to pick up the user’s instinctive actions and interpret it as a logical input that the computer will comprehend and perform a task according to that user’s action. In addition to a more user-friendly atmosphere, the future of computer hardware technology I believe is looking to be able to cross from platform to platform and work in uniform with most other forms of technology. In essence, I agree with an article from Computerworld “Future shock: The PC of 2019” where in the near future data on a main computer at home can be transferred to a smaller, portable version of a computer (similar to a smartphone) and this device can then unlock your car, have access to personal information on the go like checking bank accounts or stock portfolios, and then this same device can be plugged into a station at work for a business meeting and display your presentation to your clients. With the increasing amount of devices that use software similar to what they call a “cloud” or online place to store information that can be accessed on the go by mobile devices, I believe that we are very close to a future where we can access any and all information on the go and control them in ways similar to floating visual touch displays that we thought we’d only see in sci-fi, secret agent type movies.

I am in agreement with my classmate M Lorena Alvarado’s post on the future of computer hardware technology where she describes how the “better” and “improved” products of the future will be smaller, lighter, and more portable to act as a commodity for the user. However, I believe that new smartphones and such to come are done being marketed as being smaller than its predecessor, but will rather focus on being more productive and efficient than ever before.

Sources:

http://www.infoworld.com/t/computer-hardware/the-future-computer-user-interfaces-178762

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/334799/Future_shock_The_PC_of_2019

http://www.phoenix.edu/colleges_divisions/technology/articles/2011/02/anticipating-the-future-when-will-all-computer-hardware-become-obsolete.html

http://kangaroojase.hubpages.com/hub/The-Future-Of-Computers-Hardware-Roadmap-To-2015

Introductory Post

Week 1
Bregande
GROUP C
Introductory Post

My Background:

                As stated in the Introductory Survey, my experience with building automation comes from the work I did during my first two Co-ops.  Working for a small energy management firm in Center City for two years taught me a broad range of energy efficiency methods and their implementations.  Although our work was more oriented in mass product upgrades, such as lighting and HVAC, in the “Big Box” setting, I had some brief hands on experience with Automated Building Systems and different controls used to monitor and provide feedback and changes in efficiency.

Course Expectations:

                Given only one class a week, I am expecting to learn about a broad range of systems and methods for improving the overall efficiency of a building.  It will then be up to my own accord to really investigate and get the most out of what is briefly introduced to me.  I find the content interesting and very relevant and for these reasons look forward to gaining any knowledge possible. 

Personal Definition of “Intelligent Buildings”:

                I define an intelligent building as one that is not only designed to function efficiently on a day to day basis but is created to be efficient from day one.  This means that the materials, location, building methods, and all aspects of design are considered.  Personally, I find the most intelligent buildings to be ones constructed underground.  These designs are cheap and take advantage of natural thermal properties in order to provide aspects that can be very costly otherwise.  The more modern and common way to describe an intelligent building would be one that is virtually monitored and ran by computer systems for maximum efficiency purposes.