As the world becomes more technology savvy, we tend to be spending more and more time with our electronic gadgets and in their electronic worlds and as we do, we expect more in return. Considering that I belong to a generation which has only known a life where we have relied on technology to do everything for us from prevent our cars from skidding off the road to doing our laundry, I suppose it is only natural to find ourselves demanding more and more from the gadgets we use.

It is only a little surprising when it is not merely an all in one mobile phone – video camera – organiser - map reader – computer – music player - radio – TV – picture album – credit card – news paper – weather forecaster – Internet browser, that lies at the edge of our expectations of technology. Within the space of a generation, we have built and adopted electronic devices such as robots substitute companions and developed a whole new dimension for our social interactions – almost a beta-global community – in online social networks.

The rush of new technology that is flooding our lives can be overwhelming sometimes and it would be unkind not to forgive ourselves for being a bit too excited about the changes that are sweeping over us. However, there is a danger in expecting too much from technology, investing too many hopes in its ability to solve our day-to-day problems and counting on technology to save the day. I know it is a pretty damning admission for a technology writer, but for all its ingenuity and promises of efficiency, automation and accessibility, technology cannot solve all our problems.

The leaders and professionals who drive forward a world that is increasing its dependence on technology will have to be sensitive enough to know the limitations of technology and the most appropriate ways to use it. There is much to be gained by tapping into the ability of information networks to connect people, but there is often also something you loose, if you email a person when you can walk across a few paces to talk face-to-face.

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Scattering

In fibre optic transmissions, scattering is the loss of signal caused by the diffusion of a light beam, where the diffusion itself is caused by microscopic variations in the transmission medium. Scattering typically happens when a light signal hits an impurity in the fibre.

Abbreviated as AMIS, the Audio Messaging Interchange Specification is a voice processing standard for call and voice processing. AMIS enables an organization's locations to transfer and forward voice messages between systems while addressing the problem of how voice messaging systems produced by different vendors interact for the purpose of exchanging voice messages. The AMIS standard was first published in 1992 by the Industry Information Association.

– Webopedia.com

Still searching

Its aim to be greater than Google is already a clear statement, but Microsoft seems to have no idea how to do it. In the past few years, Microsoft has tried everything in the book: marketing campaigns, promotions and it even tried to tie up Live Search to its Internet Explorer browser.

However, all its efforts have failed and it seems like Microsoft has understood finally that maybe it's time to think outside the box, the search box at least. Its latest acquisition, Powerset, is not just another search engine, but a platform for how the search will look in the future.

In May, Powerset announced the public availability of its latest beta product, a search engine that delivers query results based on meaning, rather than words, delivering valid answers and improving the search experience.

Of course, Powerset's dream about a semantic search engine is still in its early phase, but having Microsoft as an ally could definitely change its future.