Rainbows End by Vernor Vinge:
Science Fiction Inventions, Technology and Ideas

Excellent near-future novel by Vernor Vinge. A recovering Alzheimer's patient slowly regains his wits in the San Diego of 2025. A poet, he learns to adapt to a world in which real and virtual blend perfectly. Select an invention:

Answerboard - good name for it
A forum or computer meeting location with experts on a particular topic.

Browser Paper - one page IE
A paper-thin computer display.

Camera Tunnel
A device that captures images of shredded documents from all sides for reassembly.

House-of-Cards Construction
Architectural technique that uses computers to help buildings maintain their balance during earthquakes.

Librareome Project
Blasting libraries into bits to create a library of perfect digitized electronic books.

Navicloud Custom Debinder
A machine that pulls books apart and scans the contents.

Wearables (Wearable Computers) - embroidered circuits
Computers and peripherals that use textiles for electronic circuitry.

 

Technovelgy.com is devoted to the creative inventions of science fiction authors and movie makers. Look for the Science Fiction Invention Category that interests you, the Glossary of Science Fiction Inventions, the Timeline of Science Fiction Inventions, or see what's New.
Find new authors and technologies - Shop for yourself, your library and your lab.

 

 

 

 

Science Fiction
in the News

'If Anyone Is Watching Earth...'
re: Arthur C. Clarke
(9/3/2026)

Epirus High-Power Microwave Defeats Drones
re: Ray Cummings
(9/1/2026)

Cloud Of Space Rubbish From China's Long March Rocket
re: James White
(8/29/2026)

Biomimetic Tendons From Rochu Robotics
re: HG Wells
(8/27/2026)

Living Human Neuron Biological Compute Rack
re: David H. Keller
(8/25/2026)

Martha Stewart Approves Ojai 'Living Room On Wheels'
re: David H. Keller
(8/23/2026)

ESA's Draco To Study Heat Of Reentry
re: EE 'Doc' Smith
(8/21/2026)

Buy A Galaxy? Maybe Start Smaller
re: Cordwainer Smith
(8/19/2026)

The United States Space Academy Is Official
re: Carey Rockwell
(8/17/2026)

Is There A Global Problem With Who Is Having Children?
re: CM Cornbluth
(8/15/2026)

You Will Eat The Cookies Made From Plastic...
re: Rick Shelley
(8/13/2026)

It's A Giant Robot! You Reporters Have Been Warned!
re: Harry Bates
(8/11/2026)

Birds Learn To Sing Pictures ala Frank Herbert's Distrans
re: Frank Herbert
(8/9/2026)

ElectionSim: China's 'Ender's Game' Battle Sim, Or Lem's 'Kingdom In A Box'?
re: Orson Scott Card
(8/7/2026)

More SF in the News
Home | Glossary | Invention Timeline | Category | New | Contact Us | FAQ | Advertise |
Technovelgy.com - where science meets fiction™
Copyright© Technovelgy LLC; all rights reserved.