24 Feb 2008 12:33:15 | Jim Edwards
© Jim Edwards - All Rights reserved
http://www.thenetreporter.com
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Most people making predictions about the future never face
accountability for their erroneous or vague forecasts.
"Experts" predict future developments, especially online, and
only follow up if they happen to hit correctly.
I, however, will gladly hold myself accountable for the
following forecast of exciting developments that will
revolutionize use of the Internet for all of us within the next
twelve to thirty six months.
Entertainment
Download movies through your computer? YES.
With more than 50% of all online access in the U.S. now at
broadband speed, the infrastructure for downloading movies
exists. Combine that with the availability of cheap CD- burners,
TiVo, and portable players like the new Sony PSP, and all the
ingredients now exist for movies on-demand over the Internet.
Live performances by famous and unknown artists? YES.
Emerging talents will get "discovered" by the popular culture
through live broadcasts, "Podcasting" and other "events" over
the Internet.
"Podcasting" in particular will drive the social network effect
of people passing along new music and content to friends.
Business True freedom and mobility through video conferencing?
NO.
About 3 years ago, I predicted that individuals providing
personal services such as bookkeeping, accounting, writing,
computer programming or other consulting functions would use
inexpensive and highly portable video conferencing access and
equipment to provide face-to-face personal interaction.
I was wrong. People have discovered that, with some things, it's
just plain easier to pick up the phone and talk to someone.
I now doubt that more traditional functions like this will adopt
video conferencing.
The "little guy" will get completely swallowed up by big
business? NO.
Enhancements in technology will allow creative and innovative
companies to compete on a scale with enormous companies.
New ideas, innovations and the ability to bring them to market
quickly through powerful online channels will dictate the
initial success or failure in business.
However, once the business gets established, the "little guy"
will always lose to the "business" that operates like a
business.
Companies large and small learned how to market online correctly
in the last few years, so now long-term success directly relates
to the ability to operate like a business, not a "lone gun"
operating from an Internet connection in a spare room.
Social An increasing feeling of loneliness and isolation for
people who work online? YES.
It rates much easier for people to retreat into a "virtual"
world, filled with virtual friends and relationships, than to
face reality in the offline world.
I think this trend of psychic disconnect will continue until
people realize they need a balance of offline friends and
interests too. Three general developments will drive this next
wave of technological innovation: faster, cheaper computer
processors; increased access to broadband Internet; and cheap
data storage devices with huge capacity.
I also think one of the most important developments to watch in
the next year involves any portable device that allows the user
to take digital media with them.
In particular, portable MP3 players and portable digital video
players, present the most exciting and explosive possibilities
for growth.
About Author :
Jim Edwards is a syndicated newspaper columnist and the
co-author of an amazing new ebook that will teach you how to use
fr^e articles to quickly drive thousands of targeted visitors to
your website or affiliate links... 
