Talking Web, memory assistants and solar-powered cell phones headed mainstream, IBM says

NetworkWorld - November 26, 2008, by Jon Brodkin

IBM's 'Next Five in Five' predicts innovations that will change our lives

A talking Web, solar technology embedded in windows and cell phones, and the end of forgetting will all come in the next five years, IBM predicts in its third annual Next Five in Five list, detailing innovations that could change our lives in the next half-decade.

The other predictions: We will all have digital shopping assistants and, separately, "crystal balls" to predict our future health.
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"The Next Five in Five is based on market and societal trends expected to transform our lives, as well as emerging technologies from IBM's Labs around the world that can make these innovations possible," IBM says.

Here's a look at IBM's five predictions announced this week:

1. Solar power  will be built into asphalt sidewalks, driveways, siding, paint, rooftops and windows. New thin-film solar cells  will be cost-effective and incredibly thin, allowing them to be applied just about anywhere.

"Until now, the materials and the process of producing solar cells to convert into solar energy have been too costly for widespread adoption," IBM says. "These new thin-film solar cells can be 'printed' and arranged on a flexible backing, suitable for not only the tops but also the sides of buildings, tinted windows, cell phones, notebook computers, cars and even clothing."

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