How close are we to a vision for 2010?
Hacker News
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Twenty-five years ago, the EU’s IST Advisory Group published a visionary paper titled *Scenarios for Ambient Intelligence in 2010*, imagining a world where computers were seamlessly integrated into daily life. This article revisits that vision by comparing it to our current reality in 2026, highlighting how close—or far—we are from achieving the goals of "ubiquitous computing." The paper painted a future where technology was invisible yet pervasive, with smart devices and systems enhancing every aspect of human interaction.
One key scenario described was Maria’s experience as she traveled, effortlessly using her P-Com—a wearable communication device—to navigate through immigration, rent a car, and access priority services. While we’ve made strides in areas like digital ID (most passports now have NFC chips for faster processing), the vision of fully integrated personal agents remains elusive. For example, while cars can be unlocked via mobile apps and Bluetooth connectivity is widespread, the idea of a single device controlling all aspects of one’s environment still feels distant.
Another aspect of the original vision was the concept of "ubiquitous computing," where technology adapts to individual preferences seamlessly. The article notes that many of these ideas are technically feasible today but often feel intrusive or unnecessary to users. For instance, while hotels can adjust settings based on a guest’s data, there’s hesitancy to adopt always-on systems like smart assistants in public spaces—a reflection of broader cultural and privacy concerns.
The paper also explored the role of AI in decision-making, such
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Originally published on Hacker News on 2/23/2026