As many of you know, I often talk on the radio and appear on television to discuss topics relating to computers and technology. This month I was a guest on more than thirty live radio interviews. Since I’ve written several articles on the technology used in the making of the movies, many of the interviewers wanted to talk about the movie and how technology is affecting the entertainment industry. That topic always seemed to propel us to talk about the future of technology. The question that I was asked the most was, “What does technology hold for us in the future?”

So today I’d like to give you a little peek into my crystal ball of technology by telling you about some of the recent breakthroughs in technology that are sure to shape our future.

Mirror with TV and the Internet

Royal Philips Electronics has recently introduced the Mirror TV. When the mirror is turned off, it looks like a normal mirror hanging on the wall. When you click the remote control you realize that the mirror has an integrated LCD screen. This screen allows you to watch television or when hooked up to a computer will let you surf the Internet on the mirror. When you’re done, turn it off and it looks just like a mirror again. You can also just watch TV in the corner of the mirror so you can catch the latest news while you shave or apply your makeup. This has great implications for the future. In the bathroom the mirror could be hooked up to display health data such as blood pressure or weight. In the living room, you wouldn’t have to try to hide the television in a cabinet or arrange the furniture around the television. It could seamlessly integrate with any decorating scheme. This may be our first step into ubiquitous computing.

Windows That Clean Themselves

Self-cleaning glass for windows is already available. The treated glass uses the sun's ultraviolet light, which occurs naturally in daylight, to continuously attack, loosen, break down and get rid of dirt. When it rains or water is sprayed on the self-cleaning glass, water sheets down to wash away any remaining dirt particles. Don’t do windows? You may not have to with self-cleaning glass.

SPOT Watches & More

A new Microsoft initiative called Smart Personal Object Technology (SPOT) is geared toward helping keep you informed. SPOT products include household and personal objects like alarm clocks, watches, stereos, and even refrigerators. Spot products will have a built-in chipset, a radio receiver, and memory. The objects will communicate over a nationwide unused frequency FM radio network.  When SPOT is enabled, any objects will be able to display information from the Internet. Don’t get too excited about this one – there is a monthly fee.

McDonald’s Goes Wireless

I recently walked into a McDonalds in Manhattan, ordered a Big Mac and was given free wireless access to the Internet. I turned on my laptop and started surfing. Wireless technology is spreading fast with wireless service now being offered at Starbuck Coffee Shops, Borders Book Stores, hotels, airports, and even some city parks.

Intelligent Appliances

Want a microwave that reads cooking instructions right from the box? How about a coffee pot that can be programmed for your morning brew and an alarm clock that will tell you if you forgot to add the water? It’s all here from Salton, Inc. in a new Beyond™ Connected Home product line. These are networked home products designed to make life simpler, more convenient and more fun. Some seem a little far-fetched. Do you really need a television that communicates with your bread maker? Yet, it is a first step in a truly connected high-tech home.