Predictions for the Future Hey everyone. I was just wondering if any of you have any predictions for the future. This includes all technological, global, environmental, war-related, social, political, religious and cultural stuff that might change sometime in the future. I'm curious to see the replies that people here may come up with. To get you all started, here's mine... 2026 Computer processing power exceeds 800GHz. Hard drives reach 20TB in capacity. Ultra-large TFT monitors are finally affordable, almost totally replacing the aging CRT format. MP3 players, including the Apple iPod increase tremendously in capacity and have finally been made affordable enough for the average person to buy. Video games are almost photo-realistic. Mobile phones and their networks are constantly being updated with newer features. Most computer modems reach higher speeds than 56KB/PS, many venturing into the pre-1MB/PS territory. Only a small minority of Internet users rely on dial-up technology. Newer, more efficient file formats are developed. Sony launches the PlayStation 6, with Microsoft and Nintendo following closely behind. Better utilization of hybrid technologies such as the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight cause the hybrid market to triple it's share on the automotive market. Advanced features and options, only seen on today's high-end luxury cars become commonplace in even the most cheapest Korean cars. Extensive research and product improvement trials create more effective airbags, seats that absorb more shock during impact, and stronger, safer automobile frames in the case of a collision. Mechanical systems, such as drivetrains and suspension systems become more complex and efficient in almost all automobiles. Most other fields of science and technology have remained virtually unchanged. Many scientists gain a greater understanding of genetic technology, although no serious work is done. Nothing major has happened in the fields of astronomy, chemistry, or physics. The Hubble Space Telescope is either replaced by an even stronger telescope or modified for enhanced magnification and clarity. Modern art, furniture design, homes, buildings, architectural qualities, and infrastructure technologies have also not changed. In most third-world countries and in many developing countries, malnutrition, poverty, drought, and premature death still continue. Due to disease's constantly changing nature, epidemics and pandemics are still commonplace in most poor countries. Heart disease and cancer rates have also unchanged. Countries and continents remain the same as before. Many countries are affected by small increases in their economy, with China gaining the greatest inflation. Population however, remains similar to today. As more trees are cut down and industry continues to develop, the government will attempt to control pollution and environmental decline by enforcing new rules and regulations that manufacturers and companies must comply with. Most aspects of clothing have also remained unchanged. To the casual observer, recognizing clothing from 2026 and 2006 will be very difficult, if not impossible. Like most areas of technology, the government would also remain virtually unchanged. Although the current American president, for whom I shall not name due to privacy reasons, will be replaced. With most other countries following suit. Apart from protesting atheistic communities, religion remains roughly the same, somewhat unaffected by science. As the parent's culture and traditions are passed down onto their children, many aspects of culture and tradition will also remain unchanged. Some cultural activities may lean towards a slow decline, although fluctuating at barely unrecognizable rates. And finally, a 21 TFT computer monitor would only cost you $50.00!
