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Introduction
e-content, e-everything, virtual reality (VR), AI, 3D/4D, robots, drones, self-drive, smart, Bluetooth, wireless mesh, smaller and more powerful, disruptive, autonomous and integrated into our personal, educational and health-promoting lives. These are some of the words and phrases that describe just some of the trends that were highlighted and displayed at the 50th anniversary of Consumer Electronics Show (CES) sponsored by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) in January. My thoughts are as follows: WOW, overwhelming, overcrowded, future focus, innovation, creativity, entrepreneurship, imagination, new ways of thinking and, for libraries, how are we going to keep up and be flexible enough to take advantage of all this? Do library hierarchies and silos keep us back, at least in academic libraries, whereas public libraries can act more quickly with greater funds for services and a culture of community engagement? How about libraries in developing countries - will they be left behind? With every new technology comes a greater and an increased digital divide. Yet, for those that dig deeper, for these countries too, there are appropriate new technologies that can be quite useful in improving their opportunities for growth (Plate 1).
Of all the technologies on display, it is clear that robotics, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are still at an early stage. However, wearables were everywhere as were drones and three-dimensional (3D) printers. Four-dimensional (4D) printers are coming and can have the ability to manipulate 3D products. Drones seemed to come out of nowhere and used by several industries as well as being a consumer product. Wi-Fi Mesh now provides options for whole-house wireless. Bluetooth Mesh provides for whole house connectivity. With prices under US$49 and falling, for some drones with HD cameras, this is becoming a major gift item.
Virtual reality and augmented reality are becoming more mature technologies quickly both in terms of free content available via apps, Facebook and YouTube and cameras where students, faculty and the public can create their own immersive experiences. You can create new art with Google's Tilt Brush. The new 3D cameras use stereoscopic lenses with more pixels and higher resolution. Even senior citizens can benefit from this technology by visiting family gatherings that they are unable to attend in person. Projects such as Google Daydream will...