Mark and Michael,
Some would say that common use of the mouse was the prior catalist to get average folks to be able to use and enjoy computers. The interface, keyboards, mouse, software, and screen are the enablers, the funtions of PC's are the motivators for usage.
As an enabler, voice recognition could be the big step in increasing the use of computers. In order to agree with this, you have to agree that computing power / cost will continue to decrease at historical rates. Software as an enabler seems to be lagging, really not getting more user friendly, in fact maybe less so. I think you will see some interesting flat panel displays in the next couple of years that will be compelling.
Mark, I disagree with your assesment re: phone usage. In two months my cable company will offer internet access at what they say is 300X current speed (?), for less than $50. a month unlimitd usage. (we have fiber optics for both phone and cable). I believe there will be competing bandwidth infrastructure in the future. Increased bandwidth will increase communications and entertainment functions which should increase usage.
Michael, I rooted aroung the internet looking for companies on and off your list that may benefit from voice recognition usage. The leader (right now) seems to be Dragon Systems, unfortunatly closely held. I too am afraid that Microsoft or IBM might dominate this business. Read in Business Week this week Microsoft earned 3.45 Bil. the next 9 largest software companies combined earned 523 Mil. If Microsoft includes voice recognition in their next major OS upgrade, even if it inferior, it could kill most of the competition.
Should be an interesting market this week, to say the least.
John |
