How the New World of Information Will Change Our Lives
For two decades, technological oracle, entrepreneur and consultant Michael Dertouzos has led cutting-edge research on information technologies and has advised policymakers and CEOs on the future course and impact of these technologies. In 1980 Dertouzos predicted today's world of information with stunning accuracy. Now, he charts a unique and richly detailed map of the ways information technology will alter every facet of our public and private lives.
Keyboards, windows and menus will be superseded by speech-understanding programs. Your "bodynet" will let you make telephone calls, check your e-mail, watch TV and pay your bills as you walk down the street. You will be healthier and spend less money on doctors as computer programs monitor your wellbeing and doctors care for you on-line. Your clothes, entertainment, house, even your car, will be custom-made for you - and will cost less than they do today.
An Information Revolution will transform our society and economy as thoroughly as the Agricultural and Industrial Revolutions did in the past. Left to their own devices, new technologies will widen the gap between the rich and poor people and countries. Non-lethal weapons will make warfare less deadly while on-line terrorism will grow more dangerous. Employees at every level will have more decision-making power but will have to work smarter - and harder - to keep their jobs.
