Not knowing what tech will come up with next

In 1936, when the first freely programmable computer saw the light of day, the world was buzzing with ‘What’s next?’. Today with the high speed evolution of technology, we don’t even have time to ask such a question.

A quick comparison with 60 years ago, for instance, will reveal how drastic has been the change brought in by technology to our lifestyles. It is true, some inventions were first introduced early in the 20th century, but technology development during the last six decades took those inventions to new borders, making them more efficient and useful for the ever-changing needs of people.

Think of transportation, telecommunications and household gadgets and you cannot but admire how the blessings of technology have made our lives easier and more comfortable.

TVs have become real windows to the world, as with a simple receiver and dish you can watch real-time broadcast of hundreds of channels diffusing from different parts of the world. Telephones have increased interconnectivity, and fridges, cookers, air-conditioners, washing machines, dish-washers and vacuum cleaners have become must haves for the value they add to our everyday life.

Moreover, just over 20 years ago, the Internet was hardly even known nor were computers or even mobiles phones. There were no robots performing complicated medical procedures instead of surgeons or driver-less metros. Nowadays, however, a new model of a smartphone or a tablet, for instance, is launched almost every six months with more advanced options and features.

Also, MRIs and scanners can delve deep into the human body to produce images of areas that have so far been a mystery and robotic surgeries are believed to be 40 per cent more accurate. No doubt, technology has been transforming every walk of life for the better, bringing in more convenience and avoiding hassle and mess.

Technology has also changed concepts of time, distance and borders forever, transforming ways people communicate and conceive what were established facts in the old world. From that seat in your bedroom in Al Ghusais, Jumeirah or Barsha, you can access the world without passports or visas and you can easily and instantly connect with people from around the world; something just unimaginable two decades ago. The change is huge and fabulous.

Inter-planetary travel

Expect more. We’re already talking about tourist trips to other planets and prospective passengers have already booked their tickets.

Likewise, technology has revolutionised the way business is being carried out. Now, it is possible for business leaders to run their businesses on the move through mobile technologies. IT software and hardware are already capable of handling billions of transactions online and offline in a few minutes.

Non-stop flights from Dubai to the Americas are already a reality. Tablets are writing the epitaph of laptops.

Obviously, humanity is oised for more technology-driven change that no new innovation will be a surprise. The Internet might soon become obsolete technology and cars might soon have the option to fly. Verily, technology is mankind’s greatest innovation, a true reflection of the genius and beauty of this creature.

Will technology keep evolving? It seems so; and as long as it does, our life will keep evolving as well.

— The writer is the CEO of Emax.