That is the reason behind “Manual”
Now, if you allow me, we will generally explore the implications of other emerging technologies and their domestication process in our context. And if Anna, the editor of Wired en Español, continues to give me the opportunity, we will go deeper in future editions of Manual.
Emerging Technologies: A Look at Their Domestication
Emerging technologies are rapidly developing innovations with the potential to significantly impact society, industry and daily life. Despite being novel and growing rapidly, their adoption is usually limited to certain countries due to high costs and lack of research. Furthermore, its evolution is marked by uncertainty, which gives rise to speculation.
The concept of “domestication” is key here. The first time I heard this term applied to technology was in a PhD thesis by British designer James Auger (who is my PhD advisor), where he argues that technology evolves in a similar way to domestic animals: it goes through artificial selection. to integrate into our daily lives. The wolf transformed into a dog, and technology moves from the laboratory to our homes.
So what emerging technologies exist and how will they be domesticated?
Mixed Reality (MR)
Mixed Reality (MR) merges elements of the real and virtual world to create interactive environments. It has great potential in areas such as education, manufacturing and healthcare, improving the user experience and opening up new ways to interact with the digital and physical worlds. However, as it is a technology that depends on specific hardware such as viewers or lenses, its implementation is more complicated, since it requires greater investments compared to AI, which does not need a new infrastructure to be used.
From a design perspective, developing a device that is comfortable, especially to wear on the face, remains a challenge. The Apple Vision Pro, for example, has been criticized for its weight and the discomfort of prolonged use. In the Mexican context, the miniaturization of technology will be key to making it less intrusive and more accessible. In the short term, virtual reality will likely continue to serve a high-end entertainment market and large corporations looking to increase the productivity of their employees. It would not be surprising to see, in the near future, assembly workers in the Bajío using something similar to Meta AR glasses.
Web 3.0
Web 3.0, known as the next generation of the Internet, represents a significant evolution compared to its predecessors. It is characterized by decentralization, greater security and intelligent data processing, supported by technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence and the semantic web. Unlike mixed reality, its adoption does not require a complex infrastructure for users. Among its most common applications are cryptocurrencies and NFTs, which revolutionized the art world a few years ago. In Mexico, we already see specific applications, such as Visor Urbano, a platform that digitizes government management in cities, allowing transparent access to information on land use and licenses. Another relevant application is financial inclusion for those who do not have access to banking services, such as Mexipay.
Although it would be ideal for the Mexican government to adopt these technologies to improve citizen interaction and facilitate payments, the reality is that digitalization is not an immediate priority. This adoption will most likely come as an urgent response to global trends, rather than a carefully designed plan to address our needs.
The Metaverse
The Metaverse promises to change the way we interact with technology, offering immersive experiences and new opportunities for innovation. However, it also faces significant challenges, such as privacy, security, mental health, and the potential for addiction.
WIRED’s spiritual advice columnist talks about the appeal of augmented reality and what may be left behind here on Earth.
I believe that, due to its deeply immersive nature, the Metaverse will have a strong connection with the entertainment industry and, little by little, it will be seen in other productive segments. In Mexico, with its vibrant video game industry, adaptations of our reality to these platforms are already being observed. A clear example is the communities of gamers and streamers that use video games like American Truck Simulator to emulate urban routes in Mexico with their tuned touches.
Machine Learning
Although I promised not to talk about AI, *machine learning* deserves a mention. This field focuses on developing algorithms that allow computers to learn and make predictions from data. Its applications range from health to finance. While *machine learning* improves decision-making and automation, it also presents challenges, such as its complexity and dependence on quality data.
Quantum Computing
Quantum computing uses principles of quantum mechanics to perform calculations much more advanced than those of traditional computers. Although it promises to transform many industries, it also faces challenges such as scalability, bug fixes, and cybersecurity. Despite advances, the technology remains in an early stage. In Mexico, research in quantum computing is in the hands of universities, especially in the area of cybersecurity. It is important to be attentive to its development to understand its potential impact in our context.
This concludes this edition of the Manual. I hope that this tour, although general, has offered you an overview of emerging technologies that go beyond artificial intelligence. See you in the next installment to continue exploring this fascinating technological world in Mexico and Latin America.
#chole #emerging #technologies #worry
