3 Questions. 3 Hints. 3 Answers. Every Tuesday.
1. Look at your computer screen (in 5 years). What do you see?
Hint:
Answer: meet your doppelgänger. John Smart, futurist and founder of the Acceleration Studies Foundation, predicts that we will soon be able to have a carbon copy our very selves in digital form. Our “twins” will require our authority to access and “pull” volumes of our data in order to truly evolve into the computer version of ourselves. Things that still need to be perfected: conversational interfaces and semantic maps. To be most effective, this technology will require us to give the online world full access to our digital selves. Concerned about data privacy? Smart says, don’t be: “[t]he future of personal control, isn’t control of data. The future that we care about is control of an algorithmic interface of your identity.” In other words, command over the technology, first — command over data, second. Read the details here.
2. What in-the-works technology will hopefully result in more attentive drivers – and saved lives?
Hint:
Answer: similar to a radar gun, a new device that can pick up the particular radio signals produced during text messaging is under development. Kinks to be ironed out: distinguishing driver from passenger texting, “legislative approval and a commitment from law enforcement” and, presumably, laws prohibiting texting and driving. Read more here.
3. What recent ruling could have you rethinking having a Facebook account?
Hint:
Answer: you’ve been served! Via Facebook and it’s kosher. In New York City at least. For now. Read the story here and watch out who you “friend” from now on.