The document discusses potential future developments and uses of the internet, including: - Increased availability of internet access through more devices like internet-enabled TVs, cars, and appliances. - Interactive internet TV that allows viewers to immediately participate in shows and vote. - "Smart" appliances like internet-connected refrigerators that can automatically reorder food and check expiration dates. - Internet-connected cars that provide traffic updates, directions, and safety warnings directly to drivers. - Advanced virtual reality technologies that could one day fully immerse users in interactive virtual worlds.

1. The Future of the Internet M4 Computing

2. The Future of the Internet Let’s take a look at how we think the internet will develop in the future. What do you think will be different about the internet in a few years time?

3. More Availability The Internet is already available on our PCs, laptops, games consoles, PDAs (Personal Data Assistants) and mobile phones. Computer scientists have developed new uses for the internet, for example: Internet TV Internet in Cars Internet Fridges Virtual Reality

4. Internet Television In the future will we need both television and internet? It is likely that TV and internet will be combined together. Why should we have to wait until 6 o’clock to watch our favourite TV show? Go to a TV website, click on the show, and enjoy your TV program whenever you have time.

5. Internet Television Internet TV may be more interactive. The viewer can respond and reply to the “TV”. For example, you can immediately vote for your favourite singer on The Star. No more waiting for phone results. You may be able to take part in game shows, quizzes, surveys and competitions through your interactive TV.

6. Internet Fridges Internet fridges are in the stores already. In the future these fridges will probably be able to order your food when you run out, tell you if your food has gone bad and suggest recipes. Or you could just use Hi5 while you make dinner....

7. Internet in Cars Already available in some models. Can receive up to the minute traffic news, directions, as well as local information. Feeling tired and need a hotel? Log on to the internet and locate the nearest one. If your car is approaching a red light or police checkpoint, maybe the Internet will tell you to slow down.

8. Virtual Reality Virtual - not real, but created by a computer to seem real and lifelike. Games like World of Warcraft and The Sims have already created online virtual communities. Scientists and writers have always believed in the future we will be able to create interactive virtual worlds.

9. Virtual Reality What is the future? How lifelike will virtual reality be? Imagine plugging yourself into the Internet and finding yourself skiing in Switzerland, playing tennis with your friend from England, driving a Formula 1 car at Monte Carlo or having coffee with Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie...

10. Task Today We have learnt about some new and future possible Internet technologies today. Now it is your turn – you may work in pairs. Use your imagination, try and think of other ways the Internet will change our lives, and the lives of future generations. Create a blog and add it to the website.

11. Task Today The title of your blog should be: The Future of Computing Use the Internet for ideas and images, but please do not just cut and paste work from the net. Try and write about 200 words.