– What is plausible, what is implausible about the future that Jesse Schnell describes?

Although at first it may seem far fetched the idea of everything becoming a game or a Coca-Cola can connecting to the internet, this future may be coming, and faster than we anticipate. One thing that is for certain about the future he described is the idea of cheap electronics, trow away technology. In order for this future to happen there needs to be an abundance of sensors and micro computers, these electronics need to be very cheap. We are getting to the point where people are replacing their phones every year. Consumers are already prepared for trow away technology. This phenomena is occurring because these electronics are increasingly getting cheaper. Just like the furby, which had more technology than apollo 11, our phones have more computational power than supercomputers of the 80’s, and we get new ones every year or so. Looking at this trend it seems very plausible that the technology in our smart phones will in our lifetime be embedded in a can of cola.

There are two things to keep in mind though, one being people’s acceptance of the technology, the other is of the damage this causes to the environment and the general population. Google glass is a good example of how people do not feel very comfortable either wearing the device, or being around people that wear it. In one case a woman was assaulted for wearing the device. There also seems to be a backlash against Google glass in which some business are banning the use of glass in their establishments for fear of being constantly recorded. What is interesting to see is that companies are really pushing wearable technology and it seem right now that consumers might not be ready for it, but advertising might change that. Another issue to think about is about high tech trash, or as is often referred to e-waste. Every year we trow away an unbelievable amount of computers, phones, tablets, TVs, etc. As we continue with this trend of disposable technology, this problem will only get worse. This problem of e-waste might not make this future very plausible. 

– How do you think current city screens (such as animated billboards) and future ones (as described in Living Skins) will factor into a future where we continue to be constant contributors of data? 

This is a very interesting question and one that I have talked about with my friends before. We came to the conclusion that as companies like Google and Amazon gather more data about the individual, ads get smarter about targeting the consumer. For example right now Amazon recommends the Futurama box set, the new  Beck album, a box of LEDs, and a printer. What is interesting is that I actually do need a new printer… creepy. There is a famous example in which Target knew a teenage girl was pregnant before her father did. Target collects data on what you buy and based on trends is able to decipher what you will most likely buy next. In this case Target knew that there was a high probability that the teenager was pregnant based on previous bought items, so coupons for baby clothes, and other baby related items was sent to her house. While these examples do not deal with screens, the idea can be used in the future for advertising and unfortunately I see the same happening for these new type of screens, because lets be honest, the person/company with the most money will be the one that decides what to show on these screens, further making people a commodity. I really hope I am wrong because there are a lot of other uses for this new technology that can help communities and engage others around. 

– How might gaming factor into this?

I think this is already happening. Various stores have some sort of rewards system or loyalty program where the more you shop at a certain place, the more points you get, and who doesn’t love points. Restaurants for years have had some sort of punch card where if you eat 10 sandwiches you get the next one free. I see a point game type of system to be the next logical step in consumer advertising. Already we have apps that can track how much you run or walk, it doesn’t seem so far fetched that you might be able to get a couple dollars off your next pair of running shoes because you ran 20 miles in a week.