The Future As Seen By Me In 2010

Well looky here, things one has scanned in eh.

(ignore the photo, that's some guy that made some accounting software, not sure what became of him ;)

MIKE RIVERSDALE is fuming. The expensive headphones he bought in Sydney three weeks ago have just died. His first reaction is not to randomly spill expletives into his coffee, but to use his iPhone to vent his frustration to his Twitter con- tacts, under the moniker Miramar Mike.

"I will also put, 'What should I do?' It's a conversation. I'm reaching out to the people following me."

The council predicts hand-held digital devices such as smartphones will rule the world in 2040.

They already rule the life of Mr Riversdale, whose company WaveAdept helps businesses adapt - their computing sys- tems to allow staff to work from anywhere - and with anyone.

In order of fre- equency, he uses his iPhone to tweet (1136 followers; 8363 tweets since joining), e-mail, make phone calls and use online services, such as checking buses or what's on at the movies.

But even for an IT geek it's im- possible to imagine what wizardry might be available in 30 years. At present, major developments happen every six months. But progress is expected to accelerate.

When he comes into Mojo cafe in 2040, Mr Riversdale expects to have his flat white waiting for him. Smart tracking means they already know he's coming, and what he had last time. And they know he's with me. As soon as the beans are ground, there's an automatic order to the suppliers for a top-up.

And when he heads home, he'll get an unsolicited message from Go Wellington to say his usual bus is running late. But it will still be raining, he'll still have left his brolly at home, and it will be the same cranky old bus that eventually rolls up.