Singularity, Go!

Brain-Computer Interfaces

2008-11-07T19:46:00.000-08:00

CBS points out that there are already people routinely using brain-computer interfaces, wearing sensors on their heads and controlling computers with their brains.

It's good to see that technology like this isn't just being used in labs but is already out helping people who need it.

Speculation

2008-11-07T18:41:00.000-08:00

The singularity is speculation. People look at current trends and estimate when it should become a reality based on them. That is what The Singularity Is Near is all about.

I want to pay attention to the consumer side of things. Super-human artificial intelligence in a lab somewhere does not help me much. However, microscopic robots that provide me mental access to the knowledge of the world, correct my vision, and extend my life expectancy perhaps indefinitely are something that I can get behind.

That is why I think it is interesting to look at where people are already inviting technology into their homes and where the promises of the singularity are already coming true.

I see a number of big players right now. Wikipedia is busy amassing the world's knowledge. Google provides an extremely accessible portal into a vastly overwhelming amount of disorganized information. The Microsoft Xbox 360, Sony Playstation 3, and Nintendo Wii all routinely provide virtual reality environments to people across the globe. Cell phones are smaller than ever and more powerful than ever. Over ten million people subscribe to World of Warcraft where they immerse themselves in its virtual environment where they can interact with each other in a completely different context than real life.

It wasn't many years ago that it would have been preposterous to consider talking with someone across the country and then checking the weather and news from a wireless device the size of an iPhone. Where will we be a few years from now?

Did the singularity happen, yet?

2008-11-07T18:09:00.000-08:00

Wikipedia says this about the technological singularity:

The technological singularity is a theoretical future point of unprecedented technological progress, caused in part by the ability of machines to improve themselves using artificial intelligence.

It is the topic of a great deal of writing and speculation as well as the ultimate crossing of science fiction and reality.

My basic intent is to document our progress and identify signs of change.

As I lost my chance at my first choice of blog name, I am reassured I am not alone in my fascination.