As Web 3.0 promises to be one of the most immersive interactive experiences known to mankind, no longer are many of the fantastic ideas being touted by tech companies merely stuff of science fiction. Google, for example, has several experimental products that promise to lead the way for web-based technology this decade, such as augmented reality headsets and the driverless car. Others hope that new universal operating systems might help usher those of us with little to no internet or social media experience into the Web 3.0 era. Below is a list of several existing and upcoming examples of Web 3.0 technology to keep your eyes on in the months ahead.
5 New Web 3.0 Technologies That Will Blow Your Mind
- Google Driverless Car: Not since the days of Knight Rider on network television has there been this much excitement surrounding the prospect of owning a car that drives itself. For several years now, Google has been developing a product that utilizes GPS and Web 3.0 technology (such as Google Maps) to get you to your destination without placing so much as a hand on the steering wheel. The great news is that the project is coming closer and closer to fruition. Licenses for the driverless car were approved by the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles in March 2012 and at least 300,000 miles have since been driven by Google's Driverless Car without a single at-fault accident.
- Windows 8: Microsoft's newest iteration of its classic PC operating system has definitely faced its fair share of criticism since its release in late 2012. One of the more interesting (and controversial) changes heralded in the release of Windows 8 is the revamped Start page, which acts as a centralized hub for a user's social networks and apps. Less popular among seasoned techies, the new Windows Start page is a welcome addition for less tech-savvy users who merely want to access their computer or mobile device for monitoring their social networks, playing games and/or listening to music. Despite much of the noise one hears about Windows 8, one must applaud Microsoft for quickly jumping onto the Web 3.0 bandwagon by offering a robust operating system that can be used effectively across several disparate mobile and desktop-based devices.
- Siri: Moving forward, using your fingers to communicate via a tiny keyboard on your mobile device promises to be a thing of the past. Instead, voice recognition software is quickly rising to become one of the key components of future Web 3.0 technology. Since Apple integrated the much talked about Siri into its 5th generation of iOS on the iPhone 4S in 2011, tech companies have been scrambling to catch up to perfect their own similar product. Not only can Siri be used to effectively to vocally send text messages while on-the-go, but she can also answer questions, provide directions and information on local events, all without lifting a finger.
- Project Glass: In 2012, Google cofounder Sergey Brin captivated internet users everywhere with a first-person view of a skydive using the company's much talked about augmented reality head-mounted display (HMD). At first look, Project Glass (also, Google Glass) looks like something taken directly from the science fiction genre, and may become one of the most groundbreaking Web 3.0 gadgets of this decade. By seeing how user-friendly (and stylish!) Google's innovative eyewear can be, one can now easily imagine an entire city intersection filled with people wearing tech-infused glasses that can record video, play sound, and even overlay useful information about the objects, buildings and people that surround you.
- Facebook and Google+: There has been much debate lately about whether or not these two social media giants can survive the coming decade of Web 3.0. Not only will they survive, but social networking hubs such as these will serve as the base infrastructure for the internet of tomorrow. Even today, it is all but required for most of us to have a way to socially network with others via the internet and/or mobile technology. Seeing the opportunity of the lifetime, Facebook and Google have been actively inviting people from all over the world to bring their identities onboard and create the brand new pioneer societies of the Web 3.0 era.
As the above technologies clearly show, Web 3.0 is no longer the stuff of science fiction. From driverless cars and augmented reality to voice recognition AI and virtual societies, the next decade is looking to be a fantastic one in the realm of internet and mobile technology. Tech sites such as The Verge and The Next Web are both fascinating and reputable resources for learning more about the latest developments in Web 3.0 technology. Don't let another technological epoch pass you by again—staying up-to-date on the latest Web 3.0 news and events ensures that you'll be ready to take on the future of web-based technology.