Take the Blue Pill, Neo
New technology offers incredible advances for financial markets, with caveats.
![james-rundle-waters james-rundle-waters](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_750_463/public/import/IMG/283/261283/james-rundle-waters.jpg.webp?h=4a6b0616&itok=EjSrsvc6)
Whereas Google Glass fell flat, it seems that Satya Nadella has finally cracked the augmented reality (AR) problem, and in the process, sent television manufacturers into early graves.
What benefits could this have for traders? Just imagine the possibilities. One of the biggest complaints I always hear from desk heads is the real estate issue, or the availability of physical space on screens and desks for more applications, more screens, more functionality.
HoloLens and its ilk potentially offer a solution to that. In the same way that we are now virtualizing computers (and datacenters), can the desk be virtualized, too? It seems likely.
Of course, it's a bit Jonny Quest. Imagine turning up for work, and instead of sitting next to your colleagues, leaning across to chat to them, engaging in rapid-fire discussions, you're just chatting through a virtual interface. A bit sterile, no?
But that is, Marty, the future. No longer will we be slaves to inefficient biological processes. Now literally everything can be monitored and timestamped, as it's all technological. Even watercooler discussions.
I'm being hyperbolic, of course. HoloLens actually has incredible potential for all industries, from design through to trading. Except, maybe, the media, where it just becomes another vector for the death of the print magazine and the supremacy of online.
Just imagine bringing up your OMS by swiping the air. Or your blotter on your desktop, next to your keyboard. Assuming you even have a keyboard, which you probably won't, as that'll be virtualized too. In fact, forget the open-plan office ─ all you need is a blank wall. Cubicle culture takes a new, sinister turn in its ongoing quest toward de-individualization.
But it definitely is the right track for AR, more so than clunky Oculus Rift-style helmets, or the ill-fated Google Glass project, which makes public nuisances of even the most innocent user.
Finally, as I said a few weeks ago, this will be my last Editor's Letter for Sell-Side Technology. Thanks for reading over the past few years, for your tweets and your e-mails. Yes, even the negative ones. I'll be handing over this weekly missive to my US editor, Anthony Malakian as of today.
Only users who have a paid subscription or are part of a corporate subscription are able to print or copy content.
To access these options, along with all other subscription benefits, please contact info@waterstechnology.com or view our subscription options here: http://subscriptions.waterstechnology.com/subscribe
You are currently unable to print this content. Please contact info@waterstechnology.com to find out more.
You are currently unable to copy this content. Please contact info@waterstechnology.com to find out more.
Copyright Infopro Digital Limited. All rights reserved.
You may share this content using our article tools. Printing this content is for the sole use of the Authorised User (named subscriber), as outlined in our terms and conditions - https://www.infopro-insight.com/terms-conditions/insight-subscriptions/
If you would like to purchase additional rights please email info@waterstechnology.com
Copyright Infopro Digital Limited. All rights reserved.
You may share this content using our article tools. Copying this content is for the sole use of the Authorised User (named subscriber), as outlined in our terms and conditions - https://www.infopro-insight.com/terms-conditions/insight-subscriptions/
If you would like to purchase additional rights please email info@waterstechnology.com
More on Trading Tech
Waters Wrap: The changing definition and perception of blockchain
Anthony says that questions of definition and perception are killing DLT projects in the capital markets—oh, and a lack of proven implementations.
BlackRock to integrate Aladdin and Preqin to create new private markets platform
CEO Larry Fink calls combining the two platforms “maybe the biggest opportunity in 10 years.”
Ace high or busted flush? Digital Asset’s mixed fortunes mirror DLT adversity
The vendor hoped to remodel post-trade using blockchain technology—and it still might—but its bumpy progress raises questions over the future of DLT in finance.
This Week: BlackRock/Preqin, Trading Technologies, FIA Tech and more
A summary of some of the past week’s financial technology news.
Adaptive’s Aeron goes live on Microsoft Azure Marketplace
The messaging software used for building bespoke trading platforms is now available on Microsoft’s marketplace, making it accessible through major cloud providers.
Bloomberg, industry bodies push back on Cboe’s proposed OEMS rule change
Some industry bodies disagree with the options exchange’s proposal to carve its Silexx OEMS out of the SEC’s definition of an exchange facility and place it into a separate business line.
Waters Wrap: CME, Google and the pursuit of ultra-low-latency trading
CME Group and Google have announced Aurora, Illinois, as the location for the exchange’s new co-location facility. Anthony explains why this is more than just the next phase of the two companies’ originally announced project.
WatersTechnology latest edition
Check out our latest edition, plus more than 12 years of our best content.