1984
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Background: It turns out that groups of people can have shockingly long memories when it comes to historical grievances. Thanks to the power of literacy, people might retain the memory of a “score to settle” for something that happened 50, 100, or even 1000 years ago! The Issue: You (or someone you know) might have…
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Background: Futurists and sci-fi authors have suggested many technologies that took decades to become practical, but did eventually arrive, such as: The flat panel display Tablet computers Videophones Machine translation Computers that can defeat a human at go and chess Wristwatch phones (e.g. the “Dick Tracy” wristwatch two-way radio, later given video capabilities as well)…
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TITLE: Never be annoyed when emptying an over-full trash can again, with this new “screaming trash can” technology! The Issue: In shared-living or office situations, there is a strong incentive to wait for someone else to empty a full garbage can: the person who discards the last piece of trash has only contributed a tiny…
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Background: Remember when privacy was a thing? No? Oh, ok then. But people used to have some concern about having their location and whereabouts monitored by companies and governments. I guess this information was used for evil-doing at least once in history? Whatever, who cares, let’s gather data and make an app! The issue: Have…
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Background: The optimal tradeoff between privacy and security is a topic that is endlessly debated. In the past, omnipresent surveillance was not feasible—but technology is now at the point where implementation of a 1984-esque surveillance state is actually possible. On the one hand, it would be theoretically convenient to have immediate response to crimes and/or…
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The issue: Sometimes, it’s hard to keep in touch with your friends and family, especially if you live in different cities and time zones. Proposal: The solution is quite simple—an app that keeps track of when you last met up with, texted, called, or otherwise contacted your friends and family. In fact, it could even…
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TITLE: Daily recap: One weird all-seeing-eye trick to staying focused on your goals Background: People currently carry cell phones that have the ability to record nearly all aspects of life. For example: Location, via GPS Step counting, via accelerometer (and GPS) All Internet usage that goes through that device All text messages All email correspondence…
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