Nicholas’ Travel Abroad

             One of the neatest things that we saw on the trip was the Panasonic room of tomorrow, which contained their giant touch screen.  While the screen’s touch technology allowed for greater control over various objects at once, the uses demonstrated were a mixed bag.  It is very hard to believe that people will want to get off the couch to do simple tasks such as change the volume or balance on a stereo or purchase items online.  While there may be a plausible use for these features, but the virtual rooms seemed the most illogical.  I can see a time when someone may use the wall radio control, but it is very hard to believe that children will play ball with their TV wall.  Even with the space constraints of Tokyo, we still saw parks and playgrounds for children to play.  This room and the touch screen at DoCoMo, made it obvious to me that this is something that is more show than substance.  DoCoMo illustrated solid uses for large touch screens, screens such as this appear to have more use in the office or newsroom, than in the living room.