PAST: We often miss the future right in front of us.  Several decades ago I remember computer programmers using video projectors and projector screens (hidden in the ceiling above their desks when the programmers weren’t using them) as giant, virtual computer screens where multiple GUI windows could be viewed simultaneously, much less expensive than a big-screen computer monitor/TV at the time (and just as effective as long as the window shades were closed and overhead lighting turned off), leaving their desktops clutter-free.

FUTURE: Now that gesture-based electronic device interaction is becoming the norm, will we see QWERTY keyboard “air typing” contests in the future that will be like the “air guitar” contests of old?