The new OS looks and works more like the interface for the Xbox 360 than it does the current Windows 7 interface. It's optimized for a tablet touchscreen and will eventually integrate well with Microsoft's Kinect UI. The OS will put a common face to Microsoft's PC, Tablet and (Nokia partnered) Smart Phone platforms.
So, are we a generation away from having the computer UI from Minority Reports?
This time will be upon us soon. I came across this link highlighting the use of Kinect in homeland security applications. Towards the end of the video, they hint at using Kinect in a Minority Report style to switch between multiple video feeds in a security setting.
ReplyDeleteWindows 8 reminds me a lot of Windows Media Center. Tons of eye candy, but I question its usefulness in the corporate world. That being said, I haven't tried the beta.
mms://msnvidweb.wmod.msecnd.net/a10026/e1/ds/6fd7e1d3-be2a-45d1-93ed-360f1fe75d87.wmv
I'll h ave to dig around a bit, but I know MIT is working on a direct imitation of the Minority Reports UI, using Kinect as its underlying mechanism.
ReplyDeleteThe interesting thing is that, in minority reports, Tom Cruise has to use light gloves to make the multi-touch functionality work. Kinect already moves us past that point.
It's always interesting when science fiction semi-accurately predicts the future. Between that UI and the face-recognition targeted advertising (already under work at Intel, Google it), Minority Reports did a nice job of predicting our very near future (only from a tech usage standpoint, of course).
More and more our electronics that are used in everyday life are starting to resemble what we see in futuristic-type movies. Things are very similar when you watch futuristic movies from say 10 years ago. I am very fascinated with technology, although I do sometimes struggle with learning to use it. Modern technology is great, but the thing is people have to really stay on top of new development or they will be left behind. For instance when Windows 8 starts to be in use, people that were being stubborn and refusing to learn the last couple of OS that were out will really have a problem if they purchase a computer with this OS installed.
ReplyDeleteBasically new electronics and other technology is something that is going to be never-ending. So it's best to keep up and we now will be learning alot from our children because it almost seems that they are born with the knowledge of using the software and other systems that come out.