An example of what a flexible display could look like

There has been more talk lately regarding research and possible uses of flexible displays, and while watching a recent episode of A Certain Scientific Railgun S, one of the characters pulled out such a display from the side of her rather small cell phone.

Could we even use a HUD with Cybernetic Eyes?

[Image from Continuum]

It is a familiar sight that we have all seen in movies, television shows, and in games.  Seeing the point of view of a character who has cybernetic (or otherwise enhanced eyes) complete with a Heads Up Display showing vital information overlaid on the image.

Especially in gaming, such information is essential, as it does not hinder our focus, but a quick glance to the side and you can get vital information and situational awareness.  On the battlefield, having an interactive HUD would be a tremendous advantage in identifying assets or dangers that might be overlooked due to environmental conditions.

Google Glass and Human Adaptability

Science has yet to determine if our adventurousness and risk taking behaviors are genetic, psychological, neurological, or a combination of all three.  Some rather enjoy jumping off a bridge with nothing but a glorified rubber-band between them and dashing their grey matter on the ground below.

Most of us, though, prefer to play it a bit safer, and inherently have a resistance to change born from the comfort of the familiar.

Is the Simple Electron Our Greatest Hindrance?

You already know who this is, right?

Whether it be an exoskeleton, cybernetic enhancements, giant mecha, or just your cell phone the greatest obstacle for sustained usefulness is being able to effectively power them.

In the realms of fiction we get around this by using fusion reactors to power Battle Mechs, or anti-matter to achieve faster than light travel.  A quick look at almost any sci-fi universe will reveal the author's solution for such power hungry obstacles.

Yet in a world where we feel blessed if our cell phone actually can get through one day of normal use without needing a mid-day recharge, where are we exactly in overcoming these limitations?

Cyberbrain + Facebook/Twitter = FailBrain?

I have recently been doing some research into neurology, cybernetics and other such subjects.  Tonight a most horrible, disturbing thought came to mind.

Let us imagine technology moves forward and our future ends up quite similar to Ghost in the Shell (SAC TV series).  Now on the surface this is amazingly cool, then I started thinking about people and this popped into my head:

Cyberbrains + Facebook or Twitter = ???

Let us say in the future cyberbrains have become common.  And then you factor in current usage of these two social media sites.

There you are, trying to discuss something in a meeting, and you notice a few individuals staring off into space and drooling as they tend to things in their 3D immersive Farmville.

Or you are trying to read a good book, and alerts keep popping up in your cybernetic eyes:  lol m eting PBJ 4 lunch.

My non-cybernetic brain hurts at these thoughts.