Snyder discusses the practical usage of embedded sensors (p. 47) and Wireless Sensor Networks (p. 170) galvanizing machine-to-machine (M2M) communications. He gives an example: the system of networked rat traps in Wembley Stadium. But there are sensors everywhere – where I work, motion detectors cut lights on and off, dispense liquid soap and fill coffee pots with fresh water.
Even my new cell phone seems to have ideas of its own – some of them annoying. Snyder observes: “Cell phones have truly become [or will soon become] the 'remote control for your life' though a combination of distributed sensors and applications that can manage key metrics such as energy and water usage, carbon emissions, security, and care of the elderly, children, and pets.” (p. 44) This is especially true for Generation Z, those born since around the time of the Gulf War. (My question: can someone add a Mute function to shut people up when they're loudly babbling in public spaces?)
Many people I know speak as if they’re anti-technology Luddites, but even they are using technology in new ways – or in old ways more flexibly.
A few other other things I’ll mention here, brought up in The New Age of Wireless. One is how 4G wireless will tend to disrupt and transform the traditionally more rigid hierarchical status quo, creating “flatter” working groups. “Flat organizations allow individuals to easily connect to many networks (enterprise, supplier, customer, professional, personal).”* Google is one prime example of a flatter organization.
Snyder also advocates for the expansion of Mobile ad hoc Mesh networks (MANETS) otherwise known as mesh or peer-to-peer networks. These have mobile devices using other mobile devices as signal transmitters or relays, rather than one having to rely exclusively on cell towers and satellites and other expensive bits of hardware. In real time, this would be useful in traffic, for instance, helping prevent snarls by alerting drivers in advance of problems ahead on the road. Interactive GPS devices, etc. A secondary benefit would be increasing fuel efficiency.
I’m glad to see some consideration given to where we are headed as a global population. Snyder seeks to rise above the Sturm und Drang of daily life long enough to think beyond the headlines a little. Somebody’s got to do it, or else we might as well be muddling through dark alleys near the edge of a cliff or flying through an ash cloud spewed from a distant volcano. . .
Today's Rune: Partnership. *(p. 87)
4 comments:
I have still not made the leap to a "smart phone." Part of it is financial-- between my wife's stint with unemployment and me being in school, it's hard to justify the extra cost. I must admit, too, I'm annoyed with people constantly messaging and surfing on their smart phones, including my wife on her iphone.
I seem to have given up on keeping up with technology at an interesting time. I sometimes feel odd, being a certified network admin (aka; computer "guru,") who couldn't make a cell phone go for the life of me...
Erik, it's my peeve to be in Kroger or Luiggi's or wherever and hear a loud, one-sided conversation. I want to ask them to put on the speaker so at least I am privvy to the other person. Gross!
My cell phone makes and receives calls. No screen for photos no "keyboard" to text with. If it is the remote of my life I still have to dial someone and tell them what I want. And oddly enough I like it that way.
When the girls and I get together there are three people at the table but ten people involved in five conversations via text messaging.
No thanks.
Post a Comment