HowStuffWorks "How Cutting-edge Technology Works"

Cutting-edge Technology

How will computers evolve over the next 100 years?

The world's most basic computers used to fill entire rooms. But today, computers are so compact you can carry them wherever you go. So how will our computing devices change in the next century?
Future Technology Videos
How Virtual Computing Works

How will humans interface with computers in the future?
What's new in synthetic oil technology?

Synthetic motor oils have evolved rapidly in recent years to improve gas mileage, increase time between oil changes, clean out harmful engine deposits and more.
Future Car Videos
5 Important Future Car Technologies

10 Alternative Fuels on the Road
How the Emotiv EPOC Works

Emotiv has a leg up on an intuitive interface for video games. For anyone who's ever fantasized about having the Force of Jedi Knighthood, the EPOC is a dream come true.
Video Game System Pictures
How Brain-computer Interfaces Work

Mind Communication Technology
How Microsoft Surface Works

The future is now. Microsoft Surface allows multiple users to share and manipulate information on a tabletop computing interface. See how it works.
Microsoft Interview Videos
How Microsoft Kinect Works

5 Myths About Microsoft

Computer Evolution
Synthetic Oil
Emotiv EPOC
Microsoft Surface

all about cutting-edge technology

		
			How Haptic Technology WorksEver wonder how flat cell phone keys vibrate to let you know you've pressed a button? It's called haptics, and you can use it for lots more than just phones.

			How the Nehalem Microprocessor Microarchitecture WorksLike clockwork, microprocessor manufacturers develop new and better chips to power our computers. What makes Intel's Nehalem chip so different?

			How Printable Computers Will WorkDid you know it takes two full weeks for a microprocessor plant to produce one silicon-based microprocessor? Imagine being able to make one yourself by downloading designs and then printing it on your desktop fabrication machine.

			How RFID WorksRadio frequency identification (RFID) tags are part of a tracking system that uses intelligent bar codes to track items in a store. First used to monitor livestock, these devices now appear in countless stores across the country.

			How the reactable WorksLearning how to play an instrument may be as simple as playing with blocks. You can get started with the reactable without even touching a user's manual.

			How the Amazon Cloud Player WorksAmazon's new streaming music app offers customers a new level of flexibility in purchasing, storing and accessing tunes. Does the Amazon Cloud Player have the strength to muscle out its competitors in the online music market?

			The Ultimate Blink Technology QuizNo more time-consuming credit card swiping. Credit companies want to save us the annoyance of both swiping and signing our names during credit card transactions. Blink technology may do just that. Take our fun quiz and see if this clever innovation is for you.

			How the Sony PS Vita Will WorkSony is hoping to revolutionize handheld gaming with its feature-packed PS Vita, but will it beat the Nintendo 3DS in the consumer market? We examine this and other questions about How the PS Vita Will Work.

videos: from CES to battery life

CES Stars: Lenovo and Philips

It's All Geek To Me: Cell Phone Tricks

4004: Intel's First Microprocessor

It's All Geek to Me: Saving Battery Power on a Laptop

Top 5 Scary Modern Technologies

Technology has changed our lives, mostly for the better. But what happens when our inventions get the better of us? The results can be devastating.

Quiz

What's your input/output?

On virtually every computer available, the basic input/output system, or BIOS, makes sure all the other components function together smoothly. Without BIOS, you wouldn't be able to load your operating system. How much do you know about BIOS?