What Will Computer Video Cards Be Capable of 25 Years From Now?
Computer video cards have come a very long way since IBM installed the first one in their landmark PC back in 1981. Far from being simple methods of projecting images onto the screen, today’s graphic cards are the backbone of the modern computer and gaming experiences. Which raises an interesting question- Considering how far we’ve progressed in less than 30 years, what does the future of video cards hold?
With today’s graphic cards offering near photorealistic visuals, it’s hard to imagine what another 2 decades of improvement will bring. As it is, PC video games make you feel like you’re part of a movie. Since the video card is already among the most complex components of any PC, and it only stands to reason that this role will only expand with time. Here’s a peek at the three capabilities we’re hoping computer video cards will have developed by 2035:
Virtual Reality
The idea of a computer simulated environment isn’t a new one—variations on the theme have existed since the dawn of computers. But PC gamers have yet to taste the complete freedom of a genuine VR experience from their own home computers. Research is already under way to develop virtual reality technology that will engage not only sight and sound, but all 5 senses. Video cards that project the necessary laser beams to manipulate the brain’s sense of smell and taste, while working directly with a VR suit worn by the gamer to create an artificial reality world? Why not.
Holograms
The idea of life sized, animated holograms has fascinated those in the field of computer sciences for years. Buzz about the concept recently resurfaced during presidential election coverage when CNN “hologramed” in correspondents; igniting a flurry of curiosity about the idea. Unfortunately, those holograms were not actually projected onto the studio floor. We’re thinking that in another 25 years, this technology should be perfected, making chat rooms and instant messengers a lot more fun.
A True 3D Experience
Forget red and blue plastic eye glasses, the time for genuine 3D has come. Games, videos, pictures, movies, and web cams with the ability to literally leap off the screen and create a complete viewing experience are not that far off. Across the nation, scientists and tech specialists are busily studying the way the human eye works, in order to create a video card with 3 dimensional capabilities. What’s more, the 3D images of the future are being designed to reduce the eye strain and fatigue traditionally associated with these display screens.
A little over 50 years ago, the world gathered around their small family televisions to watch the first color TV broadcast. Today, we can watch our favorite high definition programs in our cars, while flying across the country, or from our smart phones—right in the palm of our hands. We can’t be completely sure exactly what the video capabilities of tomorrow will be. But the future of computer graphics looks very bright, indeed.
