Technology may have been dull in the past, but it’s becoming more intriguing

Tech journalist Larry Magid reflects on the evolution of technology over the past 40 years, highlighting the ebbs and flows of interest in the field. From the early days of the Apple II and IBM PC to the introduction of the Macintosh and Windows, Magid has witnessed the progression of technology from basic functionality to more advanced capabilities.

Magid recalls the excitement surrounding the introduction of the first portable PC by Compaq and the revolutionary impact of the Macintosh on graphic display and printing. He also reminisces about the early days of cell phones, from the bulky “brick phones” to the advent of camera phones and the evolution of smartphones.

However, Magid notes that in recent years, smartphones have become less interesting as new models offer only incremental improvements over previous versions. But now, in 2024, he sees a resurgence of interest in technology, particularly due to the advancements in generative AI.

Magid points to Microsoft’s introduction of Copilot+ PC, which boasts advanced AI capabilities and promises to enable users to do things not possible on other PCs. He expresses excitement about the potential of AI to revolutionize content creation and enhance user experiences.

As a tech journalist, Magid is reinvigorated by the possibilities that AI presents and looks forward to exploring the impact it will have on our lives. He acknowledges that like any technology, AI will have its challenges and flaws, but believes it will shape our future in profound ways, much like the PC, the internet, and smartphones have done.