IBM unveils list of innovations

Imagine surfing the Internet by using your voice, eliminating the need for visuals or keypads or think about getting medical treatment based on your genetic makeup under $100.     

These innovations feature on computing giant IBM's third annual 'IBM Next Five in Five' list, which was unveiled today.     

"These innovations have the potential to change the way people work, live and play over the next five years. I cannot comment on when these innovations will be available to the masses, but the details are being worked on," IBM India Research Laboratory Director Guruduth Banavar told . 

The five selected innovations are based on market and societal trends, on-going projects in IBM's research labs, insights from IBM's business think tank and ideas from employees and partners around the world, in the US, China, Japan, Israel, Switzerland and India.     

The list includes 'thin-film' solar cells, which are 100 times thinner than silicon-wafer cells used today, are cost-efficient and can be 'printed' and arranged on a flexible backing, on the sides of buildings, tinted windows, cell phones, laptops, cars, and even clothing.     

With the retail segment growing by leaps and bounds, the trail rooms are also set to be computerised. "As fitting rooms are outfitted with digital shopping assistants like touch screen and voice activated kiosks, sales associate will be notified of the choice of clothing, and will gather the items and bring them directly to the shopper.     

"Also, one will be able to snap photos of himself in different combinations and email or SMS them to friends and family for their opinion," he said.