Wired NextFest: A Look at the Future

May 2004 If you think the latest technologies hitting store shelves are advanced, wait until you see what's coming next. Universities and research and development labs from around the world showcased their latest working prototypes of inventions that could change the way we live.

The inventions were recently unveiled at Wired Magazine's WIRED NextFest 2004 - where hundreds of hands-on exhibits showcased the future of technology. The event gave the public a first-hand look at the newest inventions and allowed them to offer feedback on how to improve the products. The products ranged from the serious to the outrageous to the just plain weird - but many had real world, and real important applications.

For instance, General Motors' display of hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles - the Autonomy, the Hy-wire and the Hydrogen 3 - shows how transportation will not only be beneficial to society but the environment as well. GM hopes to establish commercial viability of hydrogen-powered fuel cell technology by 2010.