International Business Machines Corp. (NYSE: IBM) put out its “5 in 5” report, detailing five important features computers will have in five years. The IBM forecast indicates computers could be nearly human by 2018. That means millions of jobs could be lost. Or perhaps computers will just be able to love one another, love humans and pets.

IBM Chief Innovation Officer Bernard Meyerson, who wrote the new analysis listed the advances computer companies will make as they launch new product:

Touch: You will be able to reach out and touch through your phone
Sight: A pixel will be worth a thousand words
Hearing: Computers will hear what matters
Taste: Digital taste buds will help you to eat healthier
Smell: Computers will have a sense of smell

At least readers of the “Next 5 in 5” are allowed to vote their opinions or, of course, in the age of nearly human computers, join the debate on Twitter. #ibm5in5 Free speech is still allowed. At least for now.

Douglas A. McIntyre

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