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Topic: Technology Management

Reference: Edwards, Cliff. “Soon TVs and PCs May work Like the Wii.”BusinessWeek: April 13, 2009. P52

Convergence is a hot topic within the technology world. New paradigms are breaking out in every aspect of product development, design, and interoperability. From virtualization to security everyone is looking for new value.  New value is being derived from new screen technology, netbooks, and smartphones. One area that is starting to gain a lot of interest is in the area of touch free applications. Instead of keyboards or key pads people are looking for ways to manage interaction remotely, with hand motions and gestures.

Topic: Technology Management

Reference: Edwards, Cliff. “Soon TVs and PCs May work Like the Wii.”BusinessWeek: April 13, 2009. P52

Convergence is a hot topic within the technology world. New paradigms are breaking out in every aspect of product development, design, and interoperability. From virtualization to security everyone is looking for new value.  New value is being derived from new screen technology, netbooks, and smartphones. One area that is starting to gain a lot of interest is in the area of touch free applications. Instead of keyboards or key pads people are looking for ways to manage interaction remotely, with hand motions and gestures. Surprisingly, it is the Wii game console that is driving the confidence in these applications. In the referenced article the commentator indicates that large players such as Microsoft and HP are adapting the Wii like technology for new product offerings.  “The market for screens capable of sensing touch is expected to expand fivefold by 2013, to $500 million…” The commentator indicates that soon TVs, PCs, and other device s will deploy with gesture technology as early as 2010. As costs drop, gesture based systems are expected to proliferate. This technology upgrade may usher in a new era of technology investment as people overcome product fear and demand similar feature functionality that is in use on the iPhone.  For private companies this may mean further technology investment will be necessary, that products that take advantage of this level of functionality will be greatly favored, and that employees will want more cool stuff.  With these offerings there will be new challenges in training, security, and restraint.  I can imagine a number of new applications for presentations, videos, information exchange, and collaboration that will benefit from the expansion of this technology into new mediums. This is an exciting development and one that merits further attention and future investment. Let me know how you are addressing future technology in your planning cycles.