Experts believe future entertainment systems will satisfy much more of our recreational needs. I agree with is statement and interestingly, I see the role of interaction and immersion within simulated environments as one of the major changes we will see in the near future, as techniques from gaming, 3D worlds and military simulators take on a greater influence in TV program making, whether it is in reality shows, sports, documentaries or feature films. The ability to be an avatar, or interact with an avatar or simulated environment will significantly change our sensory involvement and appreciation of programs. When couple with sensory and cognitive enhancement technologies, this immersion will be even further augmented.
In his web article, “Views of the Future,” my friend and colleague, British Telecom futurist Ian Pearson predicts by:
2015 – TV, computer, and phone converge into a wall-size, interactive, 3D screen, delivering entertainment and information tailored to our wishes. When idle, it displays beach, forest, or other scenes so real, we think we are there.
2020 – Nano-size electronics inside “active contact lenses” receives TV, video games, Internet, and phone calls; and displays images directly onto the retina. Tune program with pocket keyboard initially; later with thought control. Watch TV; browse the web, or video-phone a friend; all with eyes open or closed.
2030 – Microscope-size nanobots communicate with the brain creating simulated realities indistinguishable from the real world. Download a program like “Star Trek Holodeck” and dive into the action. Any scene your mind imagines becomes real for you.Re-live when you first met your mate, or create a reunion with family members. Your imagination becomes reality. Change and end program with voice control.
2040 – Author Raymond Kurzweil believes human and machine intelligence will meld. We can “re-create the world” and enter environments as amazing as in “The Matrix” movie.
Simulated reality describes an environment impossible to tell from “real” reality. But immense computing power is required to create and download these huge programs to your brain.
Will this future happen? Experts say yes. Hewlett-Packard, Nantero, and others are rushing to develop vast memory systems required for simulated reality, and the Allen Brain program promises faster understanding of how technology interacts with neurons.
Philosopher Nick Bostrom poses an even deeper thought. He suggests our world may not be real at all – we could actually be living in a simulation. “Given sufficient technology,” he says, “it is possible to simulate entire inhabited planets, including everyone on them.”