segal%cell.mot.COM@uunet.uu.net (Gary Segal) (12/19/89)
I actually went to see "Back to the Future 2" this weekend, and was amused by the telephone system dreamed up for the future (I think 2014 was the year). The phone shown was a picture phone that was integrated with the video system (it was more than just a television). When somebody called, various gadegts around the house announced it by displaying the name and number of the caller. When answered, the caller appeared on the screen, however the amusing part is what appeared at the bottom of the screen... The bottom of the screen showed the callers name, but as the converstation progressed, information about the caller scrolled by. Bits like "Age 45, married, two children" and "Favorite drinks: Beer, Wine" and so on. It almost seemed like a plan file of sorts, but the movie doesn't bother (or need to) explain where the sorce of the information is; the caller or the phone company. Another amusing feature of this system; the first call Marty recieved was from a co-worker who convienced Marty to do something wrong at work. Right after that, Marty's boss called and informed Marty that he had been monitoring the call, and that he was firing him. To make his point, the boss caused all of the fax machines in the house (about five), to spew out the message "YOUR FIRED". Oh yes, the kicker; after the call was finished, the screen flashed "Thank you for using AT&T", complete with the "Death Star" logo. If that's what we have to look forward to, I think I'll start learning smoke signals :-) Gary Segal, Motorola C.I.D. 1501 W. Shure Drive ...!uunet!motcid!segal Arlington Heights, IL 60004 Disclaimer: The above is all my fault. +1 708 632-2354