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Everytime these predictions are made, the outcome seems to be the exact opposite. That said, in 2030 I predict: - After toying with 3D printers for a while, th

Everytime these predictions are made, the outcome seems to be the exact opposite. That said, in 2030 I predict: - After toying with 3D printers for a while, they will go back to vat-grown organs - With widespread Internet access, remote work being a reality and local energy generation, people will leave the big cities seeking better life quality in smaller, country-side cities - There won't be brain chips

batgaijin 14y ago
I think predictions overdo the 'physical' improvements like hover cars. I mean, it's almost 2013 and a majority of the population has general computers connected to the internet in their pockets, through which we can watch almost any movie or listen to any song. Try explaining that to someone from the early 80's. Too bad the head of wired is a pessimist when it comes to the singularity; I think he's just as deluded as everyone else when it comes to accepting what exponential means.
- pi18n 14y ago
  When the singularity happens, some douche will already have a patent on it and ruin it for everyone.
cygx 14y ago
There won't be brain chips Sure about that? http://www.extremetech.com/extreme/142797-brain-pacemaker-helps-treat-alzheimers-disease http://www.extremetech.com/extreme/142797-brain-pacemaker-he...
- jlgreco 14y ago
  Hell, cochlear implants are pretty damn close already, and we are making progress on the optical equivalent. These technologies, plus 20 years of improvements to them, are really only a mere application away from giving the user augmented reality. I think the only real question is will the economics of the implants permit "casual" usage.
TDL 14y ago
Interesting, the second point flies right in the face of the entire arc of written history. Humanity has been increasingly migrating to urban areas. I doubt that changes with the pervasiveness of the internet.
- hcarvalhoalves 14y ago
  The problem is that those predictions are about taking the current trend line and extrapolating it ad infinitum, while nature and history shows us that most patterns are cyclical. Just in the past 100 years, my country (Brazil) has seen people move from rural to urban to rural again.
- purplelobster 14y ago
  I wouldn't be so sure. If it becomes feasible to work remotely all the time, I would love to live in a smaller city or the countryside, and I'd be more free to live close to my family and friends. Right now, we move cross country and away from any friends or family we have, just for a new job. Rinse and repeat after 10 years. It can lead to a lonely existence, but for a highly specialized work force it's very necessary today.
reefoctopus 14y ago
People are already seeking better life quality in smaller, country-side cities. I recently bought a place in a mountain resort 2 hours outside of DC. Housing there costs 30% what it would cost in Montgomery County or Fairfax, it is insanely beautiful, and they have more reliable power/internet. I was told by my realtor, the home inspector, and a local bartender that there seems to be an influx of programmers moving to the area.
pavel_lishin 14y ago
> people will leave the big cities seeking better life quality in smaller, country-side cities "quality of life" is subjective. I've lived in the countryside, and while it's nice to sit on your porch and sip wine and watch the sunset, it's also nice to have a wide selection of nightlife.

batgaijin 14y ago

I think predictions overdo the 'physical' improvements like hover cars. I mean, it's almost 2013 and a majority of the population has general computers connected to the internet in their pockets, through which we can watch almost any movie or listen to any song. Try explaining that to someone from the early 80's. Too bad the head of wired is a pessimist when it comes to the singularity; I think he's just as deluded as everyone else when it comes to accepting what exponential means.

pi18n 14y ago
When the singularity happens, some douche will already have a patent on it and ruin it for everyone.

cygx 14y ago

There won't be brain chips Sure about that? http://www.extremetech.com/extreme/142797-brain-pacemaker-helps-treat-alzheimers-disease http://www.extremetech.com/extreme/142797-brain-pacemaker-he...

jlgreco 14y ago
Hell, cochlear implants are pretty damn close already, and we are making progress on the optical equivalent. These technologies, plus 20 years of improvements to them, are really only a mere application away from giving the user augmented reality. I think the only real question is will the economics of the implants permit "casual" usage.

TDL 14y ago

Interesting, the second point flies right in the face of the entire arc of written history. Humanity has been increasingly migrating to urban areas. I doubt that changes with the pervasiveness of the internet.

hcarvalhoalves 14y ago
The problem is that those predictions are about taking the current trend line and extrapolating it ad infinitum, while nature and history shows us that most patterns are cyclical. Just in the past 100 years, my country (Brazil) has seen people move from rural to urban to rural again.
purplelobster 14y ago
I wouldn't be so sure. If it becomes feasible to work remotely all the time, I would love to live in a smaller city or the countryside, and I'd be more free to live close to my family and friends. Right now, we move cross country and away from any friends or family we have, just for a new job. Rinse and repeat after 10 years. It can lead to a lonely existence, but for a highly specialized work force it's very necessary today.

reefoctopus 14y ago

People are already seeking better life quality in smaller, country-side cities. I recently bought a place in a mountain resort 2 hours outside of DC. Housing there costs 30% what it would cost in Montgomery County or Fairfax, it is insanely beautiful, and they have more reliable power/internet. I was told by my realtor, the home inspector, and a local bartender that there seems to be an influx of programmers moving to the area.

pavel_lishin 14y ago

> people will leave the big cities seeking better life quality in smaller, country-side cities "quality of life" is subjective. I've lived in the countryside, and while it's nice to sit on your porch and sip wine and watch the sunset, it's also nice to have a wide selection of nightlife.