The future is here right now, if you can read the signs

Tue, 10/23/2007 - 18:35 - NLN

IT'S the year 2040 and Ray Hammond is getting advice from his software assistant Maria. Located in an implant just behind his left ear, Maria has a direct connection with Mr Hammond's brain.

Linked with Google and other search engines, Maria is able to filter, search and speak softly to Mr Hammond, as quietly and as transparently as if she were his own thoughts.

Financial service providers, banks and retailers have made it their business to connect with Maria. As a result, she is able to provide Mr Hammond with the best deals around. And, of course, Maria is much smarter than Mr Hammond. Too smart to let him know.

Mr Hammond, a European author and futurologist, says Maria is very much a sign of things to come. The signs are already there.

Read full story in The Age