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Microsoft Researches The Future On Video
Microsoft recently released a cool little video to get people interested in computer science as a career. It incorporates several interesting science-fictional ideas I think I've seen before.
(Microsoft sees the future! video)
The video shows a sort of flying personal computer that accompanies its user. It uses a digital camera to take pictures of its user as he rides his skateboard.
(Flying personal PDA)
Readers might be reminded of the bee cams from Karen Travis' 2004 novel City of Pearl.
Another item I noted from the video was the sleeve control that enabled the user to control different aspects of the "flying PDA."
(Sleeve controls)
Readers may be reminded of the controls for the sleeve communicator from Murray Leinster's 1945 story First Contact.
Finally, there is an interesting real-world device that is similar to the idea of a floating personal computer device; see these stories on the SPHERES device:
-
- SPHERES - Mini Satellites Fly In Formation
- Personal Satellite Assistant: Servant Of Astronauts And Jedi
- Astronauts Test Star Wars Remote On Space Station
Scroll down for more stories in the same category. (Story submitted 3/15/2007)
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Technovelgy (that's tech-novel-gee!) is devoted to the creative science inventions and ideas of sf authors. Look for the Invention Category that interests you, the Glossary, the Invention Timeline, or see what's New.
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