Editorial: Promises, Promises
Jan 1, 2004 12:00 PM,
By Mark Johnson
This past November, Newsweek had an issue with Bill Gates on the cover. The issue focus was about technology, and the headline proclaimed, “Bill’s Next Big Thing!” The issue had an interview with Gates, supporting articles about the future of technology (or as some were predicting, lack of a future), and for an ironic twist, a photo essay about a resting place for old PCs.
In one of the supporting articles about Microsoft’s development of its next operating system, Gates was quoted as saying, “It’s all about the power of using advanced software to bring computers into your world, rather than forcing you into theirs.” Okay, so call me a cynic, but wasn’t that the promise made initially about computers way back when?
Now, as I was growing up, every glimpse into the future from television and magazine and newspaper articles that I remember was about some time-saving or helpful device that would make all of our lives easier. Indeed things are different, but let’s take a quick survey. Those of you who are spending less time at work or on work-related things as the result of technological innovations than your parents or grandparents did, raise your hands.
In the same issue of Newsweek is an article about Wi-Fi, and there is a mention of WiMax (802.16), which should be available next year. According to the article, WiMax has a range of about 30 miles and can be used in vehicles traveling at speeds up to 155 miles per hour. So then for commuters who ride-share or take the train, as the article says, “We’ll be able to work on our way to work.” Oh boy, I can’t wait.
Certainly, part of the onus is on us as individuals to compute responsibly, but the environment that surrounds us all, driven by technology, helps to perpetuate the fiercely competitive atmosphere we’re in these days.
It’s time that the technology and creativity that exists be applied to products that work for us, that truly save us time, and that are not necessarily just a different way of doing things, given what they promised us way back when.
That said, Sound & Video Contractor has its own set of promises for 2004, but we guarantee that you’ll see those sooner rather than later! We hope you’ve noticed the changes we’ve made so far; we’re also making changes to our Web site (www.svconline.com) and our e-newsletter, Sound & Video Contractor Extra (you can subscribe to it on our Web site). We would also like to welcome Trevor Boyer to the staff as associate editor. He comes to us from Video Systems, and he’ll be pulling double duty on both magazines. We’re glad to have him with us, and he’s already making a difference. Look to Sound & Video Contractor to continue to be your source for applications, tools, and technology for systems integration. Keep your eyes peeled. There’s a lot in store for 2004!
