Where're We Going?
It kinda numbing where technology is headed. And equally numbing is where we're following it. I'd called a friend out for a coffee break at office. He obliged and he decided to call another friend as well. Instead of going over to him (his friend was only ten feet away), this guy started typing away using MSN Messenger.
Needless to say, I waited, watched the whole episode and then asked him about it over coffee. He said that using instant messaging was easier, besides going over to him involved a lot of work. A lot of work? Walking ten feet is a lot of work? This friend of mine is a tech freak, which doesnt surprise me why he chose instant messaging over his vocal chords.
Technology sure has changed the way we live and interact today. Its changed our perspective and the way we think of solutions to a problem. When was the last time you read out a number to a friend, instead of setting up a Bluetooth connection, pairing your devices and then sending the number over? I have friends who do that. And they do it coz they've got Bluetooth on their phones. 'Its there to be used', they tell me.
My argument here is not about the way technology works or how its used. What I'm saying here is that it may just not be the fastest way to communicate and more traditional methods work better. For example, Sony, Asus and Samsung released their UMPCs over the last few months. And the handwriting recognition on these devices work pretty well; call it a Godsend for journalists taking down notes.
But I'd say the fastest and the best hand recognition device is the good old pen and paper. No, seriously, think of it. The paper doesnt run out of juice at any critical moment plus its 'truly' pocket-sized. Its light and can be carried around anywhere. It can be viewed under any lighting condition save for pitch darkness. Besdies, it doesnt crash and unspeakable things dont happen when you accidentally drop it on the ground.
Of course, there're things that a pen and paper cant do, but I'm referring to the most appropriate tool for the job.
I'm sure that, over the years, the pen and paper will slowly disappear and handwriting recognition will evolve to better variants. Till then, where're we going?
It kinda numbing where technology is headed. And equally numbing is where we're following it. I'd called a friend out for a coffee break at office. He obliged and he decided to call another friend as well. Instead of going over to him (his friend was only ten feet away), this guy started typing away using MSN Messenger.
Needless to say, I waited, watched the whole episode and then asked him about it over coffee. He said that using instant messaging was easier, besides going over to him involved a lot of work. A lot of work? Walking ten feet is a lot of work? This friend of mine is a tech freak, which doesnt surprise me why he chose instant messaging over his vocal chords.
Technology sure has changed the way we live and interact today. Its changed our perspective and the way we think of solutions to a problem. When was the last time you read out a number to a friend, instead of setting up a Bluetooth connection, pairing your devices and then sending the number over? I have friends who do that. And they do it coz they've got Bluetooth on their phones. 'Its there to be used', they tell me.
My argument here is not about the way technology works or how its used. What I'm saying here is that it may just not be the fastest way to communicate and more traditional methods work better. For example, Sony, Asus and Samsung released their UMPCs over the last few months. And the handwriting recognition on these devices work pretty well; call it a Godsend for journalists taking down notes.
But I'd say the fastest and the best hand recognition device is the good old pen and paper. No, seriously, think of it. The paper doesnt run out of juice at any critical moment plus its 'truly' pocket-sized. Its light and can be carried around anywhere. It can be viewed under any lighting condition save for pitch darkness. Besdies, it doesnt crash and unspeakable things dont happen when you accidentally drop it on the ground.
Of course, there're things that a pen and paper cant do, but I'm referring to the most appropriate tool for the job.
I'm sure that, over the years, the pen and paper will slowly disappear and handwriting recognition will evolve to better variants. Till then, where're we going?
posted by Jens Joseph at
9:11 AM
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