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How Google Is Becoming an Extension of Your Mind

An anonymous reader writes "An article at CNET discusses Google's ever-expanding role in search, and where it's heading over the next several years. The author argues it's becoming less of a discrete tool and more an integrated extension of our own minds. He rattles off a list of pie-in-the-sky functions Google could perform, which would have sounded ridiculous a decade ago. But in 2012.. not so much. Quoting: 'Think of Google diagnosing your daughter's illness early based on where she's been, how alert she is, and her skin's temperature, then driving your car to school to bring her home while you're at work. Or Google translating an incomprehensible emergency announcement while you're riding a train in foreign country. Or Google steering your investment portfolio away from a Ponzi scheme. Google, in essence, becomes a part of you. Imagine Google playing a customized audio commentary based on what you look at while on a tourist trip and then sharing photo highlights with your friends as you go. Or Google taking over your car when it concludes based on your steering response time and blink rate that you're no longer fit to drive. Or your Google glasses automatically beaming audio and video to the police when you say a phrase that indicates you're being mugged.'"

3 of 154 comments (clear)

  1. Be afraid. Be very, very afraid. by Sqreater · · Score: 5, Interesting

    In time, we will come to love Colossus. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colossus_(novel)

    --
    E Proelio Veritas.
  2. Tons of augmented reality uses for stuff like this by thesandtiger · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Augmented reality HUD glasses combined with a few other devices for analyzing the environment around you and then connected to any massive and fast database would yield some interesting things.

    The least of which would be facial recognition and connections to people's public information - a nightmare for privacy/anonymity.

    On the less evil side, analytical tools for first responders - air sniffer that scans for various substances and then can issue warnings tend alerts, echo-location type devices that will help map out a disaster site and pinpoint where human type noises are coming from. Real-time traffic re-routing to get people out of the way, etc. and so on.

    The next 25 years are going to be fascinating in the evolution of gadgetry.

    --
    Since I can't tell them apart, I treat all ACs as the same person.
  3. One step away.. by Chrisq · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Or your Google glasses automatically beaming audio and video to the police when you say a phrase that indicates you're being mugged.

    Or to the secret service when you are criticising the government. Or to the RIAA when you make an open invitation to come and watch a video at your house (an unlicensed public performance).