Many people have predicted the end of the world precisely on 21st day of December, 2012. Well, in my personal opinion if the world has to end the way it is now, it would be better for all of us. However, I am not here to talk about that. I am here to talk about the future of internet. I have been reading a lot about the future these days. Every internet pundit worth his or her salt is busy talking about the size and shape the internet will take in days to come. Neither am I smart, nor am I intelligent enough to talk about the future of internet or technology the way they do; but I just want to share my thoughts about what it might look like in next few years.

According to data available on WARC India is having just 0.24% share of population with a broadband access. Well, I consider myself lucky to be part of this minority. However, close to 42% of the people on internet have managed some or the other social media site. Now, that’s encouraging. It shows that India is fast adopting to the global trends. You may watch a complete slideshow here.  We are yet to adopt to few of the already existing internet innovations in the western markets like location based services etc.  We will catch up soon. I am sure about it.

Somebody known said that there will be no more innovation on the internet and world will stay at social media. Well, he may be right but I have a different point of view. Why do we have to think of an internet just another tool to exchange information and socialise? The point is that now the innovations would come in the areas of user experience. How can we use internet to create better user experience. One such research is currently underway at Institute of Interactive Research. I am sure there are many such projects are being executed across the globe in some laboratories or in some grandma’s garage.

What I see as a future of Internet is all about making our lives simple. Advanced networks following us using wireless sensors and making us so damn savvy that even with a blink of an eye our camera inside the glares would click a picture of  a pretty girl sitting on a next table. I am sure everybody will feel like James Bond! The internet technology would drive our cars, mange our homes and will ultimately allows you to  dominate your world.

My little crystal ball tells me that future is equally dangerous. Cyber terrorism would not be limited to hacking websites or stealing credit card data to make millions but it would expand its scope beyond our imagination. Imagine a virus disturbing a satellite traffic navigation system, which controls all your self driven cars, or a virus affecting your body sensor network to malfunction so your clothes will fall off during the most important board meting you are attending! Am I kidding? This looks straight out of a science fiction movie but I am sure such things can and will happen. Whether I will be alive to see all these or not, only time will tell.

See you next time. Till then take care!

love.