> [!tldr] Data. Sound. Images. 3d objects. Thinking machines. What next? [[Data, Information, Knowledge, Wisdom Pyramid|Information]] is data in context. Originally all digital data represented *only* abstract representations of [[Boolean Logic|booleans]], [[Data Types|numbers]], and [[Character Encoding|text]]. Then we learned we can put a magnet on a membrane, coil some wire around it, then the vibrations of sound in the air will cause the magnet to move through the coils, generating small amounts of current, which we can convert into data. Moreover, we could run this process backwards to **convert information to sound** and vice versa. We invented scanners and digital cameras, screens and printers. In so doing, we can **convert information to images** and vice versa. More recently, we've invented high-fidelity 3D scanners and 3d printers. In so doing we can **convert information to 3d objects** and vice versa (with some limitations). Most recently of all, with [[Large Language Models|LLMs]] we invented a way to store information in giant [[Neural Networks]] and in so doing we can **convert information to synthetic thinking machines**, who can produce information. Every time we learn to convert information into a new form, economics changes. Industries change. The people selling shovels made money during the gold rush. NVidia made money during the AI rush. What other forms will we learn to convert information into next? What industry will be upended? Who are the lucky shovel vendors of tomorrow? Information is a commodity – and has commoditized anything we can convert it into. Anything that can be easily translated to and from information will become commodity. **** # More ## Source - self