TrendSteve Ballmer talks of "fifth computing revolution"

Where is computing technology heading? Here is what Microsoft’s chief executive Steve Ballmer said at at the recent CeBit Fair in Hanover (these are edited excerpts):

Expanded processing power, huge amounts of storage, ubiquitous broadband, natural user interface (UI), and screens everywhere. Together, these five ingredients will change almost everything we do, and kickstart a fifth computing revolution. Today we use computing in more and more places all the time. You can get directions and road conditions while driving, you can figure out which nearby restaurant has the most suitable menu, or you can find a spot to sit down and catch up on your emails. But it is still a little too complicated. A little too disconnected. Think how hard it is to synchronize all your devices and information — your calendar, contacts, music and documents — to your work and your home PCs, your mobile phone and your portable media device.

During the fifth revolution, this will change. Soon, you will be able to instantly call up any document, photo, or media file you’ve created or saved, on whatever device is at hand. You won’t need to know where your information is stored or what device you’re using. You will just log on, click, and instantly get access. This will be true for all forms of entertainment and information. In fact, during the next revolution, virtually all data, content, and media will be digitized. Software and services — your calendar, email, and productivity applications needed for work, and the games and entertainment software you use for fun — will be instantly accessible, too. If you need a new capability