Recently I’ve written several articles on whether Windows 7 is worth the change, what will happen to XP, how bad was Vista? There is always interest in the latest about operating systems, but mostly I write about how to fix them, how to keep them working. I’m wondering how much longer this fascination will continue. It seems to me that we are right on the cusp of some very big changes in computing.
It’s impossible to miss the signs. The most obvious would be the use of online applications or cloud computing. The switch to online software has taken off like Gaga at the VMA Awards and is spurred on by the rise in Smart phone popularity. Because smartphones have limited storage, they require online applications and this is playing a major role in how we view cloud computing.
Today you can find software to do just about anything. Come out of a blackout wondering where you are? No problem just click your Google Map and then click Current location. Are you holding a crying baby and unsure whether to jiggle, rock, or heat up the formula? Don’t worry, there’s an app. for that. Why’s your Baby Crying App.? They do everything, go everywhere and they only cost a dollar.
The next big sign is the emphasis being placed on browsers. It only stands to reason that with the Internet dominating communication and online applications dominating software, browsers would be the big player in computing. It’s not the operating system that we like to use, it’s the browser.
Nobody gets a kick out of defragging their system, do they, or trying to figure out why their videos skip? Your TV doesn’t hang or lockup so why should your PC. It’s not often that you TV tells you it couldn’t find the station, or that it’s infected with spyware. Have you ever seen “Sorry NBC needs to close”? Do you really enjoy reinstalling Windows after a virus attack or unintended click? Should we really have to spend half a day trying to get our printers working? This is why one click solutions like PC Matic are so successful.
Want to remove all of the frustration felt by inept computer users? Get rid of the operating system as we know it. All that frustration is due to the fact that we’re inputting information, and on a basic level, trying to “program” our computers. We’re putting things on a hard drive instead of letting the people in a studio, or in this case, a server, handle it.
For the past couple of years people have been watching TV from their computers and computing from their TVs. Computing from their phones and phoning from their computers. So not only is the visual interface for the user changing but the appliance itself is changing.
Ten years ago I would never have considered that books could be replaced by electronic devices, but with the release of iPad from Apple that possibility is real. The advantage of iPad is that it can use your previously purchased Kindle or Amazon ebooks and give you a broader choice of books and apps. The iPad will run all the iPhone apps as well as exclusive iPad apps. It will allow you to watch video, browse the internet, and get your email. Now, thanks to a development team from The New York Times, you can even enjoy The Times on your iPad. As you would expect, this 1.5 pound 9.7 inch Apple device will cost you. I’m hearing somewhere between $799.00 to $999.99 is the magic number.
Today’s computing is at a pivotal point. The shape of computing is not just changing, it’s blasting through all current barriers and landing in the future.
Your new Appliance will come in every size imaginable. Some will have a battery and some will not They will all do everything. One Appliance will replace, phone, TV, Radio, CD/DVD player, Computer, Game Console, camera, video recorder, you name it and it will do it. Oh, and you won’t have to install or configure anything. Your operating system will be on a server somewhere, all you’ll have is an appliance and a browser. Just turn it on and click the icon. We’re right there, right now! Enjoy the moment because you’re seeing it happen.
