Computing corduroy, memory muslin, and solar silk might be the literal fabric of tomorrow’s digital dress. Instead of carrying your laptop, wear it … The important point is to recognize that the future of digital devices can include some very different shapes and sized from those that might naturally leap to mind … Computer retailing of equipment and supplies may not be limited to Radio Shack and Staples, but include the like of Saks and stores that sell produces from Nike, Levi’s, and Banana Republic. In the further future, computer displays may be sold by the gallon and painted on, CD-ROMs may be edible, and parallel processors may be applied like suntan lotion. Alternately, we might be living in our computers.
Predictor: Negroponte, Nicholas
Prediction, in context:In his 1995 book “Being Digital,” Nicholas Negroponte writes:”All ‘things’ can be digitally active. For example, every teacup, article of clothing, and (yes) book in your house can stay where it is. In the future, the concept of being lost will be as unlikely as being ‘out of print.’ Active labels are an important part of the future, because they bring into the digital fold small members of the inanimate world that are not electrical: teddy bears, allen wrenches, and fruit bowls. In the more immediate future, active labels will be (and are being) used as badges worn by people and animals. What better Christmas present than an active dog or cat collar, so the household pet can never be lost (or, more precisely, it can get lost, but you’ll know where it is) … Computing corduroy, memory muslin, and solar silk might be the literal fabric of tomorrow’s digital dress. Instead of carrying your laptop, wear it … The important point is to recognize that the future of digital devices can include some very different shapes and sized from those that might naturally leap to mind … Computer retailing of equipment and supplies may not be limited to Radio Shack and Staples, but include the like of Saks and stores that sell produces from Nike, Levi’s, and Banana Republic. In the further future, computer displays may be sold by the gallon and painted on, CD-ROMs may be edible, and parallel processors may be applied like suntan lotion. Alternately, we might be living in our computers.”
Biography:Nicholas Negroponte, a co-founder of MIT’s Media Lab and a popular speaker and writer about technologies of the future, wrote one of the 1990s’ best-selling books about the new future of communications, “Being Digital.” (Pioneer/Originator.)
Date of prediction: February 1, 1995
Topic of prediction: Getting, Sharing Information
Subtopic: General
Name of publication: Being Digital (book)
Title, headline, chapter name: Chapter 17: Digital Fables and Foibles
Quote Type: Direct quote
Page number or URL of document at time of study:
Page 209-211
This data was logged into the Elon/Pew Predictions Database by: Guarino, Jennifer Anne