Crystal ball: the software of the future will be more powerful - and more useful
Article Abstract:
Innovations within the computer software industry cover a broad range of areas, and users can expect to see some promised technologies implemented during 1991, but others will not emerge until the 21st century. Handwriting recognition is available on a few portable computers, but letters and numbers must be carefully written. Future systems will be able to recognize anyone's handwriting and convert it into computer text to be stored, edited or sent across a network. The office computer of the future will employ software that integrates many different applications into one. Users will be able to access a number of programs from within an application and will be able to modify data globally. Electronic meetings will become prevalent when telecommunications hurdles are overcome. Television and computer technology will merge to produce multimedia presentations. Video messages and software agents are also discussed.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1991
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Article Abstract:
Software programs are often conceived in the spirit of innovation, but emerge as useless expenditures for consumers. Lightyear Inc's $500 Lightyear program was supposed to help workers make difficult decisions. Users input various factors of their decision and the computer produces bar graphs analyzing the user's feelings toward the decision. Launfal Software's Win-A-Lot! product was designed to help users win the California lottery with a mathematical formula. The Puma RS Computer Shoe contained a microchip that users' home computers could read after they finished jogging. Harvard psychologist Timothy Leary's Mind Mirror lets users travel through an 'interactive odyssey' and 'rock out at the Punk Rock Bar.' Softsync Inc's $30 The Computer Mechanic was designed to help auto neophytes determine the source of their auto problems. Additional software titles are discussed.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1991
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
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