the future of the internet

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The Net has changed a lot since the early days. Back then, it was dialup-speed email, text chat and lo-fi web pages. Now, we're super-fast, mobile and making more noise than ever.

But it doesn't stop here - we're still finding ways to make the Net easier to use, and ways to use it to make life easier. With our new Broadband in a Box making waves on the market, we thought we'd share some of the thinking behind this convenient new product.

Imagine getting what you want quickly, without having to ask for it. Imagine not having to fiddle with something to make it work. It's all about making our gadgets smarter and easier to use.

technology that works for you

Imagine if everything was simple; if music on the computer would just play on the stereo, if the TV could automatically pause when the phone rings - if technology just worked around your daily routine.

Well, we're getting there. You can already get coffee machines percolating before you wake up, and smart showers to remember your personal temperature. Internet fridges have been on the market for years, minding food stocks. And today's mobile phones are actually more like pocket-sized computers.

Many modern devices are able to do more than just their original function. Over the next 20 years, not only will they get smarter, they'll even get online.

your world - literally!

Someday soon, you'll be able to check your home security system while abroad, and turn the living room lights on from down the street, using your garage beeper or mobile phone. Maybe even fire up the electric blanket, ready for when you get in at night.

We're seeing more internet-ready appliances in stores, and better always-on broadband access in homes. Plus, with mobile broadband and wireless access points popping up all over town, you could one day manage your household - your lifestyle - from virtually anywhere.

We're looking at a future that's about you - that is, rather than having to change your habits as you move from place to place, your personal gadgets could adapt for you.

For example, as you walk through your front door, your mobile phone could automatically turn on the lights, air-conditioning and television. Maybe even heat up a pre-made dinner, and run a fresh bath.

The idea is to get rid of the little things that slow you down, so you can just get on with it.

We're moving towards an "augmented reality" - using the virtual world to enhance everyday life.

science non-fiction

Imagine being able to get the information you need, when you need it - instantly.

Perhaps even automatically, before you've asked for it. Imagine if your wristwatch could detect your location at lunchtime, and recommend restaurants nearby. Or if it could keep track of your mates' food allergies, and suggest meals that suit everyone.

Experts refer to this as an "augmented reality" - using the virtual world to enhance everyday life. Today's internet-friendly mobile phones already provide some basic augmentation. Google Maps, Facebook, local directories and more are ready at your fingertips.

As we advance, we'll find faster, more sophisticated, more automated ways to retrieve the knowledge we want. It's not farfetched to expect the likes of tiny headsets - or cybernetic implants - offering seamless access to online information.

the internet today

All right - maybe brain implants are still a fair way off. But there's plenty to tide us over in the meantime.

For now, it's all about making our gadgets smarter and easier to use. Meanwhile, ADSL and mobile broadband networks continue to speed up and spread throughout the country. The Net, and the machines that plug into it, will graduate from mere tools to an extension of our lifestyle.

So imagine getting what you want quickly, without having to ask for it. Imagine not having to fiddle with something to make it work. Imagine if everything was just simple.

Now imagine not having to imagine it for much longer.

so, what about BoB?

We're imagining a simpler future too. Our new Broadband in a Box modem - which we've lovingly called BoB - lets you manage your home communication needs form one little black unit. It's already plug-and-play and VOIP-ready, and with each upgrade, more future-friendly features will be added.