IBM Reveals 5 Innovations It Says Will Change Our Lives Within 5 Years

Posted on December 19, 2011

IBM has shared its 2011 5 in 5 forecast, where it reveals five innovations it says will change our lives within the next five years. Here is a brief description of these five innovations:

People Power Will Come To Life: Anything that moves or produces heat has the potential to create energy that can be captured. IBM says, "Imagine attaching small devices to the spokes on your bicycle wheels that recharge batteries as you pedal along."
You Will Never Need a Password Again: Your biological makeup will become your identity. IBM says "biometric data – facial definitions, retinal scans and voice files – will be composited through software to build your DNA unique online password." A downside here is thieves might decide to take your eyes or face if they want your data.
Mind Reading is No Longer Science Fiction: IBM says, "IBM scientists are among those researching how to link your brain to your devices, such as a computer or a smartphone. If you just need to think about calling someone, it happens. Or you can control the cursor on a computer screen just by thinking about where you want to move it. "
The Digital Divide Will Cease to Exist: IBM sees more and more of the world's population owning smartphones. IBM says, "There are 7 billion people inhabiting the world today. In five years there will be 5.6 billion mobile devices sold – which means 80% of the current global population would each have a mobile device."
Junk Mail Will Become Priority Mail: IBM sees the end of spam and the increase of super-targeted incredibly relevant ads (yes, technically still spam). IBM says, "In five years, unsolicited advertisements may feel so personalized and relevant it may seem spam is dead. At the same time, spam filters will be so precise you'll never be bothered by unwanted sales pitches again."

Take a look:

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