As cool as these devices sound, there is a downside to engineering for the sake of engineering. Companies used to have the luxury of inventing becuase it was challenging and fun. We'd all like to see those days again, but I think utility and ROI will continue to be driving forces behind the development of electronics.
There are two types of R&Ds, one for enhancing the existing system and the other for new products. In both cases extensive study and investments are required. But now a day’s most of the companies are showing more interest in adding an ‘x’ factor to the existing popular devices. This will help them to reduce investments and a better mileage in return.
I think that most people don't realize how much of these "futuristic" products are already out there. These items are introduced one at a time and slowly integrated into society, so most people just take it for granted.
@ Wale, You are right but do we really have a choice, and there is no going back too-to what?we are both leading each others both elcetronics and consumers.
I agree, R&D is an important factor and regular surveys need to be conducted to get insight on the technologies that will have an impact in the future. Based on the survey results enterprises can divide the R&D budgets to different research projects.
I think the biggest trend in many of different product segments is the connectvity part. Now all the devices want to connect and talk to other devices prefereably through wireless nerworks. So I believe there will much more products in the future embedded with technologies like Zigbee and low power blue tooth.
EBN Dialogue enables and encourages you to participate in live chats with notable leaders and luminaries. Not only editors and journalists, but the entire EBN community is able to comment and ask questions. Listed below are upcoming and archived chats.
Archived Dialogues
Thailand Stages a Comeback Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Euro-Crisis: What It Means for High-Tech Firms Join EBN Editor in Chief Bolaji Ojo and Contributing Editor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday, July 12, at 10:00 a.m. EDT for a Live Chat on high-tech and Europe's economic difficulties.
Microsoft Surface: Potential Winners & Losers What are the implications for the electronics industry supply chain of Microsoft Corp.'s decision to launch its own tablet PC? Join industry veteran and EE Times' systems and OEM expert Rick Merritt on Tuesday, July 3, at 12:00 pm EDT for a Live Chat on this subject.
Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Peter Drucker famously said "Trying to predict the future is like trying to drive down a country road at night with no lights while looking out the back window." Yet in the razor's-edge world of electronics—with a lean supply chain and just-in-time demands—the need to know the future is vital.
While no one really can accurately predict the future, we can take guidance from another Drucker saying which is the best way to predict the future is to create it.
You've heard the saying "the No. 1 supply chain risk is your people." That hasn't always been the case. But today's complex global supply chain requires a new type of multitalented employee. It's one who understands, finance, marketing, economics, is savvy with technology, graceful with relationships and can think analytically.
Where are these people? Are universities properly preparing the next generation supply chain professionals? How do train your existing workforce for these new, demanding positions?
Brian Fuller, editor-in-chief of EBN, will lead a 60-minute Avnet Velocity panel discussion that will ask and answer these and other questions swirling around today's supply-chain talent challenges.
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