http://www.ted.com/talks/pattie_maes_demos_the_sixth_sense.html
Instead of following this link, You could watch it right here!
Hope you watched it; if not, do watch it before reading further.
I must say, This is a brilliant work! That guy really deserves a standing ovation, for his hard work and the amount of innovation which is behind this cool device. I am sure you agree with me.
This device works mainly on the data that is currently available on the web, which is accessible to the whole world. Its a smart way of integrating this vast information with a small device to get various benefits to us.
While appreciating this video, the following thoughts run in my mind:
Firstly, The information it relies on, is from the web. This means, there is NO authenticity on most of this information. Taking an example of "knowing a person", which was an use case showcased in the video; the camera captures the picture of the person to find his details on the internet. Based on the information gathered, it will display the person's hobbies, interests, etc. Here we are totally relying on the data entered by the person himself! It might be correct; or incorrect. There may be case where a person creates a very 'different' image of his own, online. So, the bottom line is that we are still NOT having the real sixth sense to justify the correctness of the information.
The worst thing I can think of is, we might end up judging a bad person as good. Based on the online information made available by that person.
Secondly, Lets consider an example, "recommendation of products in a supermarket". Again the result we get is completely dependent on the opinions of numerous consumers worldwide. We cannot blindly believe that all the opinions are genuine. There could a marketing strategy by a product company to spam and change these opinions too!
This sixth sense technology is cool. But, its not reliable. I would feel uncomfortable to judge people and take various decisions using this 'Sixth Sense' device.
Well, Is there no way for us to reach the absolute truth? I mean, to get our so called 'sixth sense' working? Can we judge things by ourselves?, WITHOUT relying on the data available on the internet? It definitely sounds weird right?
These days, We have been used to the internet so much; For any question/problems or any damn thing, 'Google' is the first thing that flashes in our mind. I am not saying that its bad; just an observation. Can you imagine, there are about trillions of searches happening on Google every day! I really wonder, whom these questions were directed to, before Google?
Now, Just imagine a day where,
- You can see and understand complete information of a person in your mind, as soon as you meet. Without any device, without any prior information of that person in your brain; but with real "sixth sense".
- You have to choose a best product at a supermarket and its as easy as ever. Just pass by the products and you will know by yourself, which is best among all. And, you will never be wrong!
- You get an alert on your health issues, without consulting a doctor.
- You can always take correct decisions in life; no matter how complicated the situation is.
- And, many more such things...
Wow! I would call that a real sixth sense.
Wouldn't that be wonderful, if we can see all these happening one fine day with us!
I wish...
