On Microsoft's "Future of Healthcare" video: Dreamland
The most compelling thing from this Microsoft video is that it tells the story of the products without any dialogue.
The first thing I noticed about the video was the processing speed of the hypothetical devices. They never froze and responded to touch in a very seamless manner. My experience with current technology is not quite like that. My phone, notebook, and computer often freeze when I work with photos and video. Of course not all the time, but I think we can all admit that current technology does have hiccups, and a technological world like this one is very appealing.
I am reminded of the alleged comment that Bill Gates made at a Computer Dealers' Exhibition in 1999 where he compared the computer industry to the automobile industry – apparently deriding the auto industry – stating that if the auto industry had advanced as the computer industry had we would be driving cars that cost $25 and get 1,000 mpg. General Motors took offense by this comment and made analogous derogatory comments about the computer industry in a press release. Comments appear to point out how often computers crash, have to be upgraded to work, their lack of compatibility between brands, and the learning curve a user faces when a new operating system comes out. It seems that GM made about 13 derogatory analogies, and they are available at the following link;
My personal favorite is “13. You'd have to press the "Start" button to turn the engine off.”
(Windowsnetworking, n.d.)
About two months ago I was shopping in Walmart and the computer system went down. It was complete chaos. The organization was unable to check anyone out. I made an inquiry if they planned on opening up an cash-only lanes to the manager. The manager thought that that was a good idea and did so. I was finally able to check out with good old fashion greenbacks. Just this last Monday, I showed up at Staples early just as it was supposed to open. The doors were locked and a sign was posted on the door stating that they were unable to open due to their computer system being down. Being an avid consumer in need of a good mechanical pencil, I inquired within. During a brief conversation I was able to discern that purchasing a simple mechanical pencil was not possible under the current computer crisis conditions.
I was also reminded of the frustrated physicians who complain with each of my visits to a doctor about how much they have to type and enter into the new eHealth care systems that are designed to offer more transparency to patients and create a more fluid system between the various mechanisms of health care – specialist, family doctors, imagery and so on.
Is this the future of health care technology, or is a lot of blowing smoke? Whatever the case, it is a nice idea...and the smoke smells sweet none the less. What a world where technology actually does what it is supposed to do. What a dream. What a wonderful dream world.
