IBM recently unveiled the third annual “IBM Next Five in Five", a list of innovations that have the potential to change the way people work, live and play over the next five years. It is based on market and societal trends as well as emerging technologies from IBM's Labs around the world that can ' make these innovations possible. In the next five years, technology innovations will change our lives in the following ways:

Innovation number 1

Energy saving solar technology will

be built into asphalt, paint and windows

Ever wonder how much energy could be created by having solar technology embedded in our sidewalks, driveways, siding, paint, rooftops, and windows? The creation of "thin-film" solar cells, a new type of cost-efficient and very thin solar cell, makes solar energy affordable. The new cells can be "printed" and arranged on a flexible backinq, suitable for not only the tops, but also the sides of buildings, tinted windows, cell phones, notebook computers, cars, and even clothing.