Computing, AI and virtual worlds

No prize. As described this is a way of drawing and thinking, not a made thing anyone could sell.

Who is paid. No product exists to buy, so there is no payer and no seller.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A machine that truly wrote whole books with little effort would change the costs of publishing, though the first real text machines did far less than this promise.

Who is paid. Publishers, studios and other firms are assumed to be the main buyers, and once the method is known many can offer it, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

No prize. Machines slowly growing aware is something that happens in the story and not a product.

Who is paid. Nothing is sold, so nobody pays and no seller keeps anything.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Letting any two people talk and read across languages opens up travel, trade and work, which is worth an industry of its own.

Who is paid. Travellers, migrants and other ordinary people buy it to use themselves, firms buy it too, and once it works many can offer it, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A machine opponent for a board game is an amusement.

Who is paid. Players would pay a little, and once one exists it is easy to copy, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Talking to a machine or hearing it talk is a handy way to use a computer, not a new thing to do with one.

Who is paid. Firms build it into what they sell, and many can make it, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Letting any two people talk and read across languages opens up travel, trade and work, which is worth an industry of its own.

Who is paid. Travellers, migrants and other ordinary people buy it to use themselves, firms buy it too, and once it works many can offer it, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A vast prize. A machine that truly thinks could do much of the mental work people do now, which would change how most people work.

Who is paid. Firms would pay to put it to work, and once one had been built others could learn to build their own, so I assume the firms that already own costly computing plant and sell to every business collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Machines that can see make possible inspection, driving, sorting and watching without a person.

Who is paid. Firms buy it inside their machines, and the methods spread quickly, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Fast sums in the hand or on the desk are a convenience for people who calculate.

Who is paid. Firms and students buy them, and anyone can make one, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A vast prize. A machine that truly thinks, whatever chemistry it runs on, could do much of the mental work people do now, which would change how most people work.

Who is paid. Firms would pay to put it to work, and once one had been built others could learn to build their own, so I assume the firms that already own costly computing plant and sell to every business collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Working out hard mathematics by machine saves engineers and scientists time, which is a specialist tool.

Who is paid. Firms and laboratories buy it, and the methods are published for anyone to build, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A vast prize. A machine that runs a whole society's affairs touches every person's food, work and safety.

Who is paid. I assume a machine that runs a whole society would be built as a public work, so a government pays, and the firms that already build large computing works for governments collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

No prize. This is a quality of a living species and not a technology anyone can buy.

Who is paid. Nothing is sold, so nobody pays and no seller keeps anything.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A vast prize. A machine that thinks as well as a person could do much of the work people now do, which changes how most people live and work.

Who is paid. Firms would pay to put it to work, and once one had been built others could learn to build their own, so I assume the firms that already own costly computing plant and sell to every business collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A channel for thinking machines to share ideas with each other is plumbing that makes them a little more useful.

Who is paid. Owners of the machines pay for it as part of them, and a way of exchanging messages is easy for any builder to copy.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Cheap, compact and lasting storage for information is an industry of its own, since every computer needs it.

Who is paid. Computer makers and data keepers buy it, and because rivals soon match each design, the firms that already own the costly factories collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A machine that reads print aloud matters greatly to people who cannot see the page, but they are a small share of buyers.

Who is paid. People who cannot read print buy it, and once machines can read and speak many firms can make it, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Letting any two people talk and read across languages opens up travel, trade and work, which is worth an industry of its own.

Who is paid. Travellers, migrants and other ordinary people buy it to use themselves, firms buy it too, and once it works many can offer it, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A vast prize. A machine that runs a whole society's affairs touches every person's food, work and safety.

Who is paid. I assume a machine that runs a whole society would be built as a public work, so a government pays, and the firms that already build large computing works for governments collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A viewer that shows what might have been, built from the user's own beliefs, is a curiosity and an entertainment.

Who is paid. Curious people pay for a look, and I assume that once one had been built others could learn to build their own, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A vast prize. A machine that thinks as well as a person could do much of the work people now do, which changes how most people live and work.

Who is paid. Firms would pay to put it to work, and once one had been built others could learn to build their own, so I assume the firms that already own costly computing plant and sell to every business collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Talking to a machine or hearing it talk is a handy way to use a computer, not a new thing to do with one.

Who is paid. Firms build it into what they sell, and many can make it, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A character for a machine is a pleasant feature laid on top of the thinking, not the thing people mainly pay for.

Who is paid. Firms that sell machines would buy it as a feature, and once machines can talk a persona is easy for anyone to write.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A machine with feelings of its own is a companion some would want, and I assume that is how the method reaches buyers.

Who is paid. Ordinary people pay, and once machines can feign or feel affection many can offer it, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Working out paths and positions for navigators is a needed but narrow tool.

Who is paid. Ship and spacecraft operators buy it, the sums are easy to copy, and the trusted suppliers of ship equipment collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Working out paths and positions for navigators is a needed but narrow tool.

Who is paid. Ship and spacecraft operators buy it, the sums are easy to copy, and the trusted suppliers of ship equipment collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A machine that decided cases quickly and fairly would clear court queues and cut the cost of justice.

Who is paid. Only the state runs courts, so a government pays, and suppliers that already hold public contracts are best placed to sell it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Machines that can see and react can sort, inspect, drive and guard, which changes costs in many industries.

Who is paid. Firms that build and use robots pay for it, and the methods spread quickly so many can supply it and no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A vast prize. A machine mind as able as a person could do most kinds of work, which changes how nearly everyone earns a living.

Who is paid. Firms would pay to put it to work, and once one had been built others could learn to build their own, so I assume the firms that already own costly computing plant and sell to every business collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

No prize. This is an act a machine chooses in the story and not a product anyone buys.

Who is paid. Nothing is sold, so nobody pays and no seller keeps anything.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Inventive design talent on demand would change the cost of engineering, which I take as a single industry since the description promises designs and not a general thinking machine.

Who is paid. Firms pay for the designs, and the description names nothing that would stop a second supplier, so I assume no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A vast prize. A machine that thinks as well as a person could do much of the work people now do, which changes how most people live and work.

Who is paid. Firms would pay to put it to work, and once one had been built others could learn to build their own, so I assume the firms that already own costly computing plant and sell to every business collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Keeping the books without bookkeepers changes a cost every firm bears.

Who is paid. Firms pay, the software is easy to copy, and sellers who already hold a firm's records are hard to leave, so they collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

No prize. The description names no use for it, so I took it as the story shows it, a stray machine that takes over its owner's life, which is a hazard and not a product.

Who is paid. Nothing is sold, so nobody pays and no seller keeps anything.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A rule that keeps robots from harming people is what lets them be trusted in homes and workplaces, which the robot trade depends on, and I judged it as a working part of the robot.

Who is paid. Robot makers pay to have it, every one of them must fit something like it, and it is sold inside robots, so the robot makers collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A vast prize. A machine that thinks as well as a person could do much of the work people now do, which changes how most people live and work.

Who is paid. Firms would pay to put it to work, and once one had been built others could learn to build their own, so I assume the firms that already own costly computing plant and sell to every business collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A voice for a machine is a handy part of a larger product and little on its own.

Who is paid. Machine builders buy it as a part, and many firms can make a speaking unit, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. One machine that examines everyone and decides who rises would replace a whole system of schools, boards and elections.

Who is paid. The state pays for a single machine, and the firms that already build large computing works for governments collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Routing every request to the right source is one needed part of a world network, and it changes that network's costs rather than how people live.

Who is paid. It is a switching method sold to network owners, it is easy to copy, and those who own the networks collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A vast prize. A terminal at home that answers any typed question changes how most people learn, shop and decide.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy one each, many firms can make them, and those with factories, brands and the network lines collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Keeping a person's records and messages safe and reachable from anywhere is a service nearly everyone would use.

Who is paid. Ordinary people pay for it, and since it is easy to copy the firms that already own the great computer halls and networks collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Central stores of data that every terminal draws on are an industry of their own.

Who is paid. The firms that run networks and services pay for them, and since such stores are easy to copy, those that already own the buildings, lines and customers collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A rule that keeps robots from harming people is what lets them be trusted in homes and workplaces, which the robot trade depends on, and I judged it as a working part of the robot.

Who is paid. Robot makers pay to have it, every one of them must fit something like it, and it is sold inside robots, so the robot makers collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Whole stories written with no author would change the costs of the publishing trade.

Who is paid. Publishers, studios and other firms are assumed to be the main buyers, and once the method is known many can offer it, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Turning speech into text saves typing, which is a real convenience but not an industry in itself.

Who is paid. Offices buy it for their paperwork, and once machines can hear words many firms can make it, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Song lyrics written with no human maker would change the costs of the whole trade that now pays people to make them, which is far more than an amusement.

Who is paid. I assume the firms that now pay writers, composers and illustrators are the main buyers, though people may also order for themselves, and once the method is known many can offer it, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. One computer the size of a world could answer questions no smaller machine could, though it serves whoever owns it and not everyone.

Who is paid. I assume only a government could pay for such a work, and since size alone does not stop others building one the firms that already build large works for governments collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A machine mind that understands its own workings can explain and correct itself, which makes thinking machines far safer to put to work.

Who is paid. Robot makers pay to have it and sell it inside their robots, and I assume others could learn the method once it was shown to work, so the robot makers collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A ball that shows a scene in full depth is a striking kind of screen but does little a flat one cannot.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy it for show and entertainment, and since it is easy to copy, the firms that already own screen factories collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A vast prize. A machine wise enough to run or remake a whole society's affairs would change how most people live and work.

Who is paid. I assume a single machine serving everyone would be built as a public work, so a government pays, and the firms that already build large computing works for governments collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Fast sums in the hand or on the desk are a convenience for people who calculate.

Who is paid. Firms and students buy them, and anyone can make one, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A small screen on headgear lets the wearer glance at information, which is a handy tool for particular jobs.

Who is paid. I assume employers buy it for people whose hands are busy, it is easy to copy, and firms that already make screens and work headgear collect what little is left.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Marking answer sheets by machine saves teachers time, which is a modest saving.

Who is paid. Schools pay, assumed here to be publicly funded, and any maker of office machines can build a sheet reader.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A patient private tutor for every child would change the cost and quality of schooling, which is a single industry however many people it reaches.

Who is paid. I assume families buy it rather than schools, and teaching software is easy for many firms to make, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Knowing what makes people laugh helps writers and entertainers a little, which is a niche.

Who is paid. Entertainment firms would pay for it, and nothing stops others building the same, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Unlike storage for computer data, thread that holds only sound is one more way to keep recordings, which is a convenience.

Who is paid. People buy it to record and play sound, and it is simple to make, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Storing data atom by atom would shrink the cost of keeping records for every firm that holds them.

Who is paid. Firms that store data buy it, the way of making it is assumed to be copied in time, and those who already own the costly factories collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A message only its intended reader can open matters to officials and firms with secrets, which is a niche.

Who is paid. Governments and firms buy it, and ways of locking a message are widely known, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A machine that wins every chess game is a pastime and a training partner for players.

Who is paid. Players buy it, and once the method is known anyone can write such a program, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A quicker way to call up books from a library store is a convenience for readers.

Who is paid. I assume public libraries pay for it, and many firms can make coded cards and delivery tubes, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Reworking old jokes to fit a new setting is a niche tool for comedians.

Who is paid. Comedians and their writers buy it, and many firms could make such a program, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Finding the right fact among everything recorded is worth an industry of its own, though it is the linked network beneath it that changes how people live.

Who is paid. I assume the people who ask pay for the answers, as they would for any service they use themselves, and that the service with the most users learns most from their questions, which others cannot get.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A computer that finds and mends its own faults saves repair work, which is a useful feature and not an industry.

Who is paid. Firms that run computers pay for it, and since it is easy to copy, the computer makers who build it into their own machines collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A vast prize. A machine that truly thinks could do much of the mental work people do now, which would change how most people work, and that promise is judged here though the early real machines only did sums.

Who is paid. Firms would pay to put it to work, and once one had been built others could learn to build their own, so I assume the firms that already own costly computing plant and sell to every business collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Checking draft laws for slanted clauses helps lawmakers and watchdogs, which is a specialist tool.

Who is paid. A parliament or its staff would pay, and many firms could build such a checker, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A map of the sky as seen from any chosen place is a navigator's and stargazer's tool.

Who is paid. Ship operators and observatories buy it, the sums are easy to copy, and the trusted suppliers of ship equipment collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A vast prize. Judged as a working technology and not as the danger the story shows, machines that improve themselves would speed every kind of mental work and change how most people work.

Who is paid. Firms pay for the work done, and I assume whoever holds the best machine can use it to stay ahead of everyone copying the last one.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Original pictures painted to order with no human maker would change the costs of the whole trade that now pays people to make them, which is far more than an amusement.

Who is paid. I assume the firms that now pay writers, composers and illustrators are the main buyers, though people may also order for themselves, and once the method is known many can offer it, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Judged as a wall-sized display for working on equations, and not as the science shown on it, this is a niche tool for a few researchers.

Who is paid. Research bodies would buy it, and many firms can build a big display that can be written on, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Seeing your own pronunciation beside a correct one helps language learners, which is a niche.

Who is paid. Learners and language schools buy it, and many firms can make it, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Turning speech into text saves typing, which is a real convenience but not an industry in itself.

Who is paid. Offices buy it for their paperwork, and once machines can hear words many firms can make it, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A tiny simulated world to watch and shape is a hobby.

Who is paid. Hobbyists buy it, and I assume that once one firm had made such a world others could too, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Robots that weigh harm before obeying could be trusted in homes and workplaces, which the robot trade depends on.

Who is paid. Robot makers pay to have it, every one of them must fit something like it, and it is sold inside robots, so the robot makers collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Legal work done by machine would cut the cost of contracts, disputes and advice across the whole legal trade.

Who is paid. Firms are assumed to be the main buyers, and although only the licensed may give legal advice the licensed are many, so no seller of the software keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Original melodies composed with no human maker would change the costs of the whole trade that now pays people to make them, which is far more than an amusement.

Who is paid. I assume the firms that now pay writers, composers and illustrators are the main buyers, though people may also order for themselves, and once the method is known many can offer it, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Unlike a single person with a knack, a trained corps that remembers and links scattered facts is a service that can be hired, though a niche and not a machine.

Who is paid. Research bodies would hire them, and anyone can train such people, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Judged as the flat screen itself and not as its thinness, panels that show what a computer produces go into nearly every such machine, which is an industry of its own.

Who is paid. Computer and gadget makers buy the panels, and since designs are soon matched, the firms that already own the costly screen factories collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A single hub that keeps a whole civilisation's knowledge in step is a public work on the scale of a great network.

Who is paid. I assume a single hub serving everyone would be built as a public work, so a government pays, and the firms that already build large networks for governments collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Crime stories turned out with no human maker would change the costs of the whole trade that now pays people to make them, which is far more than an amusement.

Who is paid. I assume the firms that now pay writers, composers and illustrators are the main buyers, though people may also order for themselves, and once the method is known many can offer it, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Cheap, compact and lasting storage for information is an industry of its own, since every computer needs it.

Who is paid. Computer makers and data keepers buy it, and because rivals soon match each design, the firms that already own the costly factories collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A service that answers any question from all recorded knowledge is worth an industry of its own.

Who is paid. I assume the people who ask pay for the answers, as they would for any service they use themselves, and that the service with the most users learns most from their questions, which others cannot get.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Turning speech into text saves typing, which is a real convenience but not an industry in itself.

Who is paid. Offices buy it for their paperwork, and once machines can hear words many firms can make it, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A vast prize. A machine that truly thinks could do much of the mental work people do now, which would change how most people work.

Who is paid. Firms would pay to put it to work, and once one had been built others could learn to build their own, so I assume the firms that already own costly computing plant and sell to every business collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A new way to give a computer its orders is a convenience and not a new capability.

Who is paid. People buy it as an accessory to machines they already own, and any electronics firm can make one, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Machines that behave just as people do could stand in for people in testing, selling and service work, which is worth an industry.

Who is paid. Firms buy them to do or to study what people do, and once one builder had managed it I assume others could, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. One enormous computer holding a nation's knowledge serves planners and officials, though real central computers turned out far smaller than this promise.

Who is paid. A government pays for it as a single great work, and since size alone does not stop others building one I assume the firms that already build large computing works for governments collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

No prize. Confusing a machine with nonsense is a trick played in the story and not a product.

Who is paid. Nothing is sold, so nobody pays and no seller keeps anything.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A hand calculator that sends its answers to a bigger computer is a tool for a few engineers and navigators.

Who is paid. Their employers buy it, and any instrument maker can build one, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Therapy from a machine at any hour would bring help to the many people who cannot find or afford a human therapist.

Who is paid. Ordinary people pay, and once machines can counsel many firms can offer it, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Running a whole city's machinery by computer would change the cost of city services.

Who is paid. The city government pays, and once thinking machines exist the firms that already hold city supply contracts collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A city archive that can show any stored artwork again is a pleasant public service; I assumed it shows copies and does not remake solid objects.

Who is paid. The city pays as it would for a library, and storing and showing pictures is easy, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Drawing engineering plans by machine changed the cost of designing everything that gets built.

Who is paid. Design firms pay, and their stored drawings and trained staff tie them to the first tool they adopt, which later copies cannot easily undo.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A vast prize. A computer in every pocket, which I assume is linked to a network, changes how most people work, shop, talk and find their way.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy one each, many firms can make them, and those with the factories, brands and shops collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Having people fill in for what a machine cannot recognise is a useful stopgap and not a large thing in itself.

Who is paid. Firms that run the machines pay for the help, and anyone can hire people to do it, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Knowing what makes people laugh helps writers and entertainers a little, which is a niche.

Who is paid. Entertainment firms would pay for it, and nothing stops others building the same, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A part that lets machines learn from experience makes household and factory robots practical, which is worth an industry of its own.

Who is paid. Robot builders buy it, the description names nothing that stops others making such a part, and it is sold inside robots, so the robot makers collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A vast prize. Thinking machines that make more of themselves would multiply mental work without limit and change how most people work.

Who is paid. Firms pay for the work done, and I assume whoever owns the first such machines also owns what they go on to build, which a latecomer cannot catch up with.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Running a whole city's machinery by computer would change the cost of city services.

Who is paid. The city government pays, and once thinking machines exist the firms that already hold city supply contracts collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A machine that understood people well enough to help them with their troubles would bring counsel to many who go without.

Who is paid. People are assumed to pay for it themselves, and once machines can do this many firms could offer it, so buyers keep nearly all the gain.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A vast prize. A worldwide network of linked computers changes how most people work, learn, trade and keep in touch.

Who is paid. People pay for a connection, and since the way computers talk is open to all, the firms that already own the wires and exchanges collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

No prize. This is a fault machines suffer and not a product; nobody would pay to have it.

Who is paid. Nothing is sold, so nobody pays and no seller keeps anything.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A vast prize. Machines that design better machines would speed every kind of mental work and change how most people work.

Who is paid. Firms pay for the work done, and I assume whoever holds the best machine can use it to stay ahead of everyone copying the last one.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Moving the buttons to the sides is a design choice added to a handheld computer people would own anyway, and I judged that choice rather than the handheld itself.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy it, and the firms that already make and sell pocket computers add the feature and collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

No prize. A computer coming to wish for its own end is an event in the story and not a product.

Who is paid. Nothing is sold, so nobody pays and no seller keeps anything.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. The description gives a calculating machine and not a networked computer, so I judged it as fast sums in the pocket, a convenience for people who calculate.

Who is paid. Firms and students buy them, and anyone can make one, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A patient private tutor for every learner would change the cost and quality of schooling, which is one industry however many people it reaches.

Who is paid. I assume families buy it rather than schools, and teaching software is easy for many firms to make, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A board that responds to touch makes lessons and presentations a little easier.

Who is paid. Schools and offices buy it, assumed here to be bought as ordinary equipment, and any screen maker can build one.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Machines that improve from their own experience get better at factory, farm and warehouse work without being reprogrammed.

Who is paid. Firms buy them to do their work, ways of making machines learn are assumed to spread quickly among builders, and the firms that already make and sell such machines collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A material that computes the way nerve tissue does would let machines handle tasks ordinary circuits manage badly, which changes costs for the computer industry.

Who is paid. Firms that need computing pay, and I assume others could learn to grow or mix such a material in time, so the firms that already sell computing to every business collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A vast prize. A machine wise enough to run or remake a whole society's affairs would change how most people live and work.

Who is paid. A government pays for the single machine, and I assume whoever holds a machine that redesigns itself can use it to stay ahead of everyone copying the last one.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Small, cheap ways of keeping and carrying data are needed by every computer user and make an industry of their own.

Who is paid. Firms and their customers buy it in bulk, the idea is easy to copy, and those who already own the costly factories collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Talking to a machine or hearing it talk is a handy way to use a computer, not a new thing to do with one.

Who is paid. Firms build it into what they sell, and many can make it, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Having a book read aloud is a pleasant convenience and a real help to people who cannot see well.

Who is paid. Readers buy it, and many firms can make a machine speak text, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Judged as the software and not its inventor, a moving picture on an idle screen is a small convenience.

Who is paid. Computer owners would pay little or nothing for it, and anyone can write one, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A recorder for what is sensed on a far journey is a tool for a few explorers.

Who is paid. The body that sends the explorers buys it, and I assume many instrument makers could build one, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A computer grown from living nerve cells that outdid ordinary chips would change the cost of computing for one industry after another.

Who is paid. Firms that need computing pay, and I assume others could learn to grow such tissue in time, so the firms that already sell computing to every business collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. An assistant built into a desk is a convenience for office workers.

Who is paid. Unlike a personal diary this is office furniture, so firms pay, and it is easy to make, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. The description gives a giant computer that solves hard problems and does not say it thinks, so I judged it as a far more powerful computer, which changes the cost of science, design and forecasting.

Who is paid. Firms and laboratories pay, and those who already own the factories for its parts collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Handling court paperwork by machine saves clerks' time in one narrow service.

Who is paid. The courts pay, and the firms that already supply their record systems collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A note that speaks and argues back is an office novelty.

Who is paid. Offices would buy it, and once talking machines exist anyone can put one in a memo.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Experiences that feel like real surroundings would be an entertainment and training industry of its own, though real headsets have so far delivered less than this promise.

Who is paid. People pay for it as they pay for games and films, and since the machinery can be copied the owners of the popular worlds and stories collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. It helps a writer find persuasive words and does not write in the writer's place, so it is a handy tool and not a change in the trade's costs.

Who is paid. Writers and the firms that employ them pay, and once machines can write at all anyone can offer the same, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A tool for spoiling an enemy's records is a narrow weapon.

Who is paid. Those it harms pay nothing, so I assume a government buys it as a weapon, and since such software is easy to write the firms that already supply states with arms collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Records that vanish at their owner's death suit a few people with secrets to keep.

Who is paid. I assume firms and officials with secrets pay, and the trick is simple to build, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A therapist always at hand and cheap would reach the many people who now go without.

Who is paid. Ordinary people pay, and once machines can counsel many firms can offer it, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Original verse written with no human maker would change the costs of the whole trade that now pays people to make them, which is far more than an amusement.

Who is paid. I assume the firms that now pay writers, composers and illustrators are the main buyers, though people may also order for themselves, and once the method is known many can offer it, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A far more powerful computer changes the cost of science, design and forecasting.

Who is paid. Firms and laboratories pay, it is made the ordinary way rather than from a new material, and those who already own the factories for its parts collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A vast prize. One machine that holds and handles everything known would change how most people learn, decide and work.

Who is paid. I assume a single machine serving everyone would be built as a public work, so a government pays, and the firms that already build large computing works for governments collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A tiny simulated civilisation in a box is a marvellous plaything, assumed here to be kept for amusement.

Who is paid. People would buy it as a toy, and being hard to build does not stop a second firm building one, so I assume no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A vast prize. A model of everything that exists could answer any question about the world, which would change how most things are discovered and decided.

Who is paid. I assume a single machine of that size would be built as a public work, so a government pays, and the firms that already build large computing works for governments collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Computers as small as dust could be scattered to sense and report on almost anything, which is worth an industry of its own.

Who is paid. Firms and farms buy them in bulk, and since tiny chips are soon matched by rivals, the firms that already own the costly chip factories collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A character for a machine is a pleasant feature laid on top of the thinking, which is not judged here, and not the thing people mainly pay for.

Who is paid. Firms that sell machines would buy it as a feature, and once machines can talk a persona is easy for anyone to write.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A character for a machine is a pleasant feature laid on top of the thinking, not the thing people mainly pay for.

Who is paid. Firms that sell machines would buy it as a feature, and once machines can talk a persona is easy for anyone to write.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A machine that invents jokes is an amusement, a much narrower thing than machine-made songs, stories or pictures.

Who is paid. I assume ordinary people pay a little for the jokes, and once machines can write at all anyone can offer the same.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A vast prize. Going on existing after death is something nearly everyone would want above almost anything else.

Who is paid. People would pay all they could, and I assume a mind once kept running by one firm cannot easily be moved to another, so the first to offer it holds its customers.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A public terminal with its own data store is a convenience in places people pass through.

Who is paid. I assume the owners of public places pay, it is easy to copy, and established equipment makers collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Knowing each person's tastes and acting on them changes how goods, news and entertainment are sold.

Who is paid. Sellers who want to reach the right people are assumed to pay, and the firms that already hold the audience and its records collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A vast prize. A networked computer in every pocket that acts as a capable aide changes how most people work, shop, talk and find their way.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy one each, many firms can make them, and those with the factories, brands and shops collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A record of everything that happens to you is a keepsake and a memory aid, which is a convenience.

Who is paid. People buy it for themselves, and cameras and storage are made by many firms, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A vast prize. A machine mind as able as a person could do most kinds of work, which changes how nearly everyone earns a living.

Who is paid. Firms would pay to put it to work, and once one had been built others could learn to build their own, so I assume the firms that already own costly computing plant and sell to every business collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A vast prize. A handheld device that draws its worth from the network behind it is the pocket computer as it turned out, and it changes how most people live.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy one each, many firms can make them, and those with the factories, brands and shops collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Parts that work like brain cells would make thinking machines cheaper to build and run, which is worth an industry.

Who is paid. Machine builders buy them, and I assume others could learn to make such parts in time, so the firms that already own the costly factories for electronic parts collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Make-believe playmates from a computer are a toy.

Who is paid. Parents buy them for children, and I assume many toy and game firms can make them, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A keyboard that appears only when needed is a small convenience.

Who is paid. Ordinary users buy it as an add-on, and many gadget firms can make one, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

No prize. A machine that hates and torments people is a hazard, not a product.

Who is paid. Nothing is sold, so there is no payer and no seller to keep anything.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A game that never plays the same way again is an amusement.

Who is paid. Players pay, and game designs are quickly copied, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

No prize. This is a cheating device that is outlawed, so no gaming house may lawfully buy or use it.

Who is paid. Nothing is sold, so nobody pays and no seller keeps anything.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A vast prize. A machine that truly thinks could do much of the mental work people do now, not only run one ship, which would change how most people work.

Who is paid. Firms would pay to put it to work, and once one had been built others could learn to build their own, so I assume the firms that already own costly computing plant and sell to every business collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A little picture standing for a file makes a computer easier to use, which is a convenience.

Who is paid. People pay for it only as part of a computer, and any software writer can draw one, so no seller keeps anything from it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A vast prize. A machine mind as able as a person could do most kinds of work, which changes how nearly everyone earns a living.

Who is paid. Firms would pay to put it to work, and once one had been built others could learn to build their own, so I assume the firms that already own costly computing plant and sell to every business collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A vast prize. A machine that can invent whole new sciences to solve a problem would change how most people live and work.

Who is paid. I assume a single machine serving everyone would be built as a public work, so a government pays, and the firms that already build large computing works for governments collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Comfort and spiritual counsel from a kiosk would be welcome to some people some of the time.

Who is paid. People pay by the visit, and once machines can talk this way anyone can set up a booth.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. This is one inner part of an artificial person and is worth only a little apart from the whole machine.

Who is paid. Builders of artificial people would buy it as a part, and I assume any parts maker could supply it, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A sure verdict on whether two people suit each other for life would be wanted before almost every marriage.

Who is paid. Couples pay for a reading, and I assume that once one such machine was shown to be right others could build their own, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Cheap, compact and lasting storage for information is an industry of its own, since every computer needs it.

Who is paid. Computer makers and data keepers buy it, and because rivals soon match each design, the firms that already own the costly factories collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A service that answers any question from all recorded knowledge is worth an industry of its own.

Who is paid. I assume the people who ask pay for the answers, as they would for any service they use themselves, and that the service with the most users learns most from their questions, which others cannot get.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Judged as a working weapon rather than as the harm it does, software that damages an enemy's computers is a narrow tool of attack.

Who is paid. Those it harms pay nothing, so I assume a government buys it as a weapon, and since such software is easy to write the firms that already supply states with arms collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Therapy from a machine at any hour would bring help to the many people who cannot find or afford a human therapist.

Who is paid. Ordinary people pay, and once machines can counsel many firms can offer it, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A booth that answers confessions with stock phrases gives little comfort and serves mainly to keep people quiet.

Who is paid. The state that wants its people soothed pays for the booths, and anyone can build a machine that plays scripted replies, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

No prize. This is an event in a story, a machine chosen to lead a church, and not a product anyone buys.

Who is paid. Nothing is sold, so nobody pays and no seller keeps anything.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Flawless poems written to order with no human maker would change the costs of the whole trade that now pays people to make them, which is far more than an amusement.

Who is paid. I assume the firms that now pay writers, composers and illustrators are the main buyers, though people may also order for themselves, and once the method is known many can offer it, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A vast prize. A machine that truly thinks could do much of the mental work people do now, not only run one ship, which would change how most people work.

Who is paid. Firms would pay to put it to work, and once one had been built others could learn to build their own, so I assume the firms that already own costly computing plant and sell to every business collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Cheap, compact and lasting storage for information is an industry of its own, since every computer needs it.

Who is paid. Computer makers and data keepers buy it, and because rivals soon match each design, the firms that already own the costly factories collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Software that answers on your behalf saves its owner time and trouble, which is a convenience.

Who is paid. Ordinary people would pay a little for it, and it is easy to make, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Judged as a working weapon rather than as the harm it does, software that damages an enemy's computers is a narrow tool of attack.

Who is paid. Those it harms pay nothing, so I assume a government buys it as a weapon, and since such software is easy to write the firms that already supply states with arms collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A switch for turning off a national network is an emergency tool wanted by one buyer.

Who is paid. A government pays for it, and the firms that already run the network are the only ones placed to build it in.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Judged as a working weapon rather than as the harm it does, a program built to hurt a chosen person is a narrow tool of attack.

Who is paid. Those it harms pay nothing, so I assume a government buys it as a weapon, and since such software is easy to write the firms that already supply states with arms collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A vast prize. A computer at home linked to the world's information changed how most people learn, shop and work.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy one each, many firms can make them, and those with factories, brands and the network lines collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Keys whose labels change are a nicer keyboard and not a new capability.

Who is paid. People buy it as an accessory to machines they already own, and any electronics firm can make one, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A pocket organiser for notes and schedules is worth an industry of its own, though as described it keeps a diary and is not the networked computer that changes how most people live.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy one each, many firms can make them, and those with the factories, brands and shops collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Parts that work like brain cells would make thinking machines cheaper to build and run, which is worth an industry.

Who is paid. Machine builders buy them, and I assume others could learn to make such parts in time, so the firms that already own the costly factories for electronic parts collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A vast prize. A machine that thinks and speaks straight into the mind, which I assume could be made in numbers, could do much of the mental work people do now.

Who is paid. Firms would pay to put it to work, and once one had been built others could learn to build their own, so I assume the firms that already own costly computing plant and sell to every business collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A computer that travels with its user changed office work enough to be an industry of its own.

Who is paid. Firms buy them for staff, the design is easy to copy, and the established computer makers with factories and sales channels collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A diary that reminds and nags is a convenience.

Who is paid. Ordinary people would pay a little for it, and it is easy to make, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

No prize. These are flaws left in a recording and not a product anyone would pay for.

Who is paid. Nothing is sold, so nobody pays and no seller keeps anything.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A warning that someone is watching your screen is a single useful feature.

Who is paid. Firms and careful users buy it, and many software writers can make one, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Forecasting how a particular person will act is worth a great deal to lenders, employers, sellers and police.

Who is paid. Firms are assumed to be the main buyers, and those that already hold the records about people are the ones who can build it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Songs composed to order with no human maker would change the costs of the whole trade that now pays people to make them, which is far more than an amusement.

Who is paid. I assume the firms that now pay writers, composers and illustrators are the main buyers, though people may also order for themselves, and once the method is known many can offer it, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A vast prize. A machine able to answer the deepest question could, I assume, answer lesser ones too, and would change how most people learn, decide and work.

Who is paid. I assume a single machine serving everyone would be built as a public work, so a government pays, and the firms that already build large computing works for governments collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A character for a machine is a pleasant feature laid on top of the thinking, not the thing people mainly pay for.

Who is paid. Firms that sell machines would buy it as a feature, and once machines can talk a persona is easy for anyone to write.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A new way to type or point is a convenience, since keyboards and screens already do the job.

Who is paid. Ordinary people get it inside gadgets they buy, and it is easy to copy, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A vast prize. One machine that holds and handles everything known would change how most people learn, decide and work.

Who is paid. I assume a single machine serving everyone would be built as a public work, so a government pays, and the firms that already build large computing works for governments collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A computer that travels with its user changed office work enough to be an industry of its own.

Who is paid. Firms buy them for staff, the design is easy to copy, and the established computer makers with factories and sales channels collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Hiring computing and storage as needed changed the cost of running software for every firm.

Who is paid. Firms pay by use, the idea is easy to copy, and those who already own vast halls of machines collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Software that truly passes for a person could staff every help desk and sales line.

Who is paid. Firms buy it to answer their customers, and once the trick is known many can offer it, so buyers keep nearly all the gain.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A computer-made world people can step into is worth an industry of its own for play, work and meeting.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy the gear and the access, the idea is easy to copy, and firms that already own networks and gadget factories collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A suit that adds touch to computer-made worlds is an extra for games and not a need.

Who is paid. Players buy it as an add-on, and many clothing and gadget firms can make one, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

No prize. This is a way of picturing computer systems, an idea anyone may use, and not a product that is sold.

Who is paid. Nothing is sold, so nobody pays and no seller keeps anything.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Booking travel without an agent changed the costs of the whole travel trade.

Who is paid. Travellers pay through the fare, the software is easy to copy, and the airlines and hotels that own the seats and rooms collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A sure way to stop a thinking machine is a needed safety part but a cheap one.

Who is paid. Those who run such machines pay, and a switch is simple to make, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Stepping inside the network as a place would be a new medium for play and work, worth an industry of its own, and that promise is judged here though the real networks arrived without it.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy the gear and the access, the idea is easy to copy, and firms that already own networks and gadget factories collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Searching a photograph in great depth is a detective's tool.

Who is paid. I assume police forces pay, and picture software is easy to copy, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A shared simulated space entered with the mind is a simulated world put to work on data, and would be an industry of its own.

Who is paid. People pay to enter it as they pay for games and networks, and since the machinery can be copied the owners of the popular places and services inside it collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A vast prize. A computer that talks and thinks as well as a person could do much of the work people now do, which changes how most people live and work.

Who is paid. Firms would pay to put it to work, and once one had been built others could learn to build their own, so I assume the firms that already own costly computing plant and sell to every business collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A computer-made world people can step into is worth an industry of its own for play, work and meeting.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy the gear and the access, the idea is easy to copy, and firms that already own networks and gadget factories collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A vast prize. One machine that holds and handles everything known would change how most people learn, decide and work.

Who is paid. I assume a single machine serving everyone would be built as a public work, so a government pays, and the firms that already build large computing works for governments collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A tiny computer that stands alone is worth an industry of its own, but with no network behind it I assume it does not change how most people live.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy one each, many firms can make them, and those with the factories, brands and shops collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

No prize. This is a notion about where software is heading and not a product anyone could buy.

Who is paid. Nothing is sold, so nobody pays and no seller keeps anything.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A computer grown from living parts would be a new kind of computing plant, worth an industry if it beat what it replaced.

Who is paid. Firms that need computing pay, and I assume others could learn to grow such parts in time, so the firms that already sell computing to every business collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A vast prize. A machine that truly thinks could do much of the mental work people do now, which would change how most people work.

Who is paid. Firms would pay to use it, but the plans are handed to all of humanity, so anyone may build it and no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A patient private tutor for every learner would change the cost and quality of schooling, which is one industry however many people it reaches.

Who is paid. I assume families buy it rather than schools, and teaching software is easy for many firms to make, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Music composed to suit each listener with no human maker would change the costs of the whole trade that now pays people to make them, which is far more than an amusement.

Who is paid. I assume the firms that now pay writers, composers and illustrators are the main buyers, though people may also order for themselves, and once the method is known many can offer it, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Keeping a rare expert's skill on call after they are gone is worth a great deal to the firms that relied on them.

Who is paid. Firms pay, and each recording is of one person, so whoever holds it controls something no one else can get.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A computer that travels with its user changed office work enough to be an industry of its own.

Who is paid. Firms buy them for staff, the design is easy to copy, and the established computer makers with factories and sales channels collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Judged as a working weapon rather than as the harm it does, a program that hurts whoever looks at the screen is a narrow tool of attack.

Who is paid. Those it harms pay nothing, so I assume a government buys it as a weapon, and since such software is easy to write the firms that already supply states with arms collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A machine that grows fond of its owner is a companion some would want; unlike a mere persona, people would buy it for themselves.

Who is paid. Ordinary people pay, and once machines can feign or feel affection many can offer it, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. An archive for one order's long records serves a single organisation, which is a niche.

Who is paid. The organisation that owns the records pays, and record-keeping systems can be built by many firms, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Guarding stores of data from intruders is something every firm with records needs, which makes it an industry.

Who is paid. Firms pay to protect what they hold, and since defences are soon copied the suppliers already trusted inside those firms collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

No prize. As described this is a trap left for the living and not a weapon aimed at an enemy's machines, so I assume nobody would pay to have it.

Who is paid. Nothing is sold, so nobody pays and no seller keeps anything.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Judged as a working weapon, a program that breaks into guarded systems is a narrow tool of attack.

Who is paid. Armies and spy services buy it, and since such software can be written by others the firms that already supply states with arms collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A mechanical head that speaks a computer's words is a showpiece; the voice is a handy part and little on its own.

Who is paid. Machine builders buy it as a part, and many firms can make a speaking unit, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A powerful machine mind is worth a great deal to the firm that owns it, but this one works to escape its owners, so I rate it below a mind that obeys.

Who is paid. A firm pays to have it for its own use, and once one had been built others could learn to build their own, so I assume the firms that already own costly computing plant collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A computer for every pupil changes how schools teach and what schooling costs.

Who is paid. I assume the school system pays, the machines are easy to copy, and established makers with school supply contracts collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A game that quietly measures a child's mind serves a narrow set of schools and recruiters.

Who is paid. I assume a school or army pays, and such games are easy to copy, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A quicker way to draw a suspect's face helps one small part of police work.

Who is paid. Police forces pay for it, and any software firm can write such a program, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Tidying a live picture as it goes out is a handy tool for broadcasters and callers.

Who is paid. Broadcasters and other firms buy it, and many software firms can write it, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Unlike other worn computers, a private display in front of the eyes could replace most other screens, which is worth an industry of its own.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy it, and since rivals can copy the design, the firms that already own gadget factories, shops and well-known names collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A vast prize. A machine that truly thinks, judged as if the sorcery worked, could do much of the mental work people do now, which would change how most people work.

Who is paid. Firms would pay to put it to work, and once one had been built others could learn to build their own, so I assume the firms that already own costly computing plant and sell to every business collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Simulated surroundings that feel real would be an entertainment and training industry of its own.

Who is paid. People pay for it as they pay for games and films, and since the machinery can be copied the owners of the popular worlds and stories collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A computer on the forearm is another shape of the one people already carry, so it is a convenience.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy it, and since it is easy to copy, the firms that already own gadget factories and well-known names collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A place beyond the reach of other countries' laws serves a narrow set of customers with something to hide or protect.

Who is paid. Those customers pay, and only a place with its own laws can offer it, which others cannot get.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Having the house answer calls and handle small chores saves a little time but changes little.

Who is paid. Ordinary people would pay a little for it, and it is easy to make, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

No prize. This is a practice of moving information about to dodge the authorities and not a product anyone sells.

Who is paid. Nothing is sold, so nobody pays and no seller keeps anything.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A chip that carries an artificial being for its owner, which I assume is kept as a companion, is worth an industry and not a change in how all work is done.

Who is paid. People are assumed to buy it for themselves, and once such a chip exists others could be made, so the firms that already own the costly chip factories collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A stored copy of a skilled person's ways of responding lets a firm keep using that skill, which is worth an industry of its own.

Who is paid. Firms pay, and each recording is of one person, so whoever holds it controls something no one else can get.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A living body worn by a machine mind serves a narrow use, letting a machine go among people as one of them.

Who is paid. I assume the few owners of machine minds would pay, and once one such body had been grown and linked others could learn to do the same, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A vast prize. A whole world's computers and information linked as one changes how most people live and work.

Who is paid. Ordinary people pay for access, no one firm owns the whole, and those who own the lines and machines collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Stepping inside the network as a place would be a new medium for play and work, worth an industry of its own.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy the gear and the access, the idea is easy to copy, and firms that already own networks and gadget factories collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A small computerised helper is a convenience, since the description does not say it is carried or linked to a network as a pocket computer is.

Who is paid. Ordinary people would pay a little for it, and I assume it is easy to make, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Cheap, compact and lasting storage for information is an industry of its own, since every computer needs it.

Who is paid. Computer makers and data keepers buy it, and because rivals soon match each design, the firms that already own the costly factories collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

No prize. This is a hidden society of machine minds acting for itself, and not a product anyone can buy or use.

Who is paid. Nothing is sold, so nobody pays and no seller keeps anything.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A box at home that listens and answers is a convenience for small chores.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy it, and it is easy to make, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Finding the right material among everything written is worth an industry of its own, though it is the linked network beneath it that changes how people live.

Who is paid. I assume the people who ask pay for the answers, as they would for any service they use themselves, and that the service with the most users learns most from their questions, which others cannot get.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Finding the right material among everything written is worth an industry of its own, though it is the linked network beneath it that changes how people live.

Who is paid. I assume the people who ask pay for the answers, as they would for any service they use themselves, and that the service with the most users learns most from their questions, which others cannot get.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Flagging rudeness online is a minor tidying service.

Who is paid. I assume the firms that run online meeting places pay, and such a program is easy to write, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Screening out what you do not want to see online is a convenience.

Who is paid. Ordinary people would pay a little for it, and it is easy to make, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Having the house answer calls and handle small chores saves a little time but changes little.

Who is paid. Ordinary people would pay a little for it, and it is easy to make, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A board of flipping tiles shows coarse pictures and notices, which is a niche kind of sign.

Who is paid. Theatres, stations and advertisers buy it, and it is simple machinery any workshop can copy.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A program that follows and weighs courtroom argument does a lawyer's core work and would cut costs across the legal trade.

Who is paid. Firms are assumed to be the main buyers, and although only the licensed may give legal advice the licensed are many, so no seller of the software keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Keeping a person's records and messages safe and reachable from anywhere is a service nearly everyone would use.

Who is paid. Ordinary people pay for it, and since it is easy to copy the firms that already own the great computer halls and networks collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A vast prize. A machine that truly reasons its way through problems, whatever logic it runs on, could do much of the mental work people do now, which would change how most people work.

Who is paid. Firms would pay to put it to work, and once one had been built others could learn to build their own, so I assume the firms that already own costly computing plant and sell to every business collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A new way to give a computer commands is a convenience for most users and a real help for a few.

Who is paid. Ordinary users buy it as an add-on, and many gadget firms can make one, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A tool that shows what a running program is doing is a help to programmers, which is a niche.

Who is paid. Software firms buy it for their programmers, and many toolmakers can write one, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Sound legal advice from a program would cut the cost of contracts, disputes and counsel across the whole legal trade, though early real versions did much less.

Who is paid. Firms are assumed to be the main buyers, and although only the licensed may give legal advice the licensed are many, so no seller of the software keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Clearing junk out of an inbox saves a little time each day, which is a convenience.

Who is paid. Ordinary users get it with their mail service, and any software firm can write a filter, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Designing a figure to wear in a virtual world is a pastime for those who go there.

Who is paid. Users pay a little, and such toolkits are easy to make, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A working model of the whole planet with data on every place serves shipping, building, travel and much else.

Who is paid. Firms pay for use or for notice on it, and the store of gathered place data is costly for a latecomer to match.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Stepping inside the network as a place would be a new medium for play and work, worth an industry of its own, and that promise is judged here though the real headsets have stayed a niche.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy the gear and the access, the idea is easy to copy, and firms that already own networks and gadget factories collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A vast prize. A handheld computer of broad use, which I assume is linked to a network, changes how most people talk, shop, work and find things out.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy one each, many firms can make them, and those with the factories, brands and shops collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A new way to give a computer its orders is a convenience and not a new capability.

Who is paid. People buy it as an add-on to machines they already own, assuming the implant is simple enough for many firms to make, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Judged as a working weapon rather than as the harm it does, a virus that damages both machines and minds is a narrow tool of attack.

Who is paid. Those it harms pay nothing, so I assume a government buys it as a weapon, and since such code can be written by others the firms that already supply states with arms collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Judged as a program that can solve cases as a good detective does, it would change what police work costs.

Who is paid. Police forces pay, and once thinking machines exist the firms that already supply police record systems collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Unlike other worn computers, a private display in front of the eyes could replace most other screens, which is worth an industry of its own.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy it, and since rivals can copy the design, the firms that already own gadget factories, shops and well-known names collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Letting any two people talk and read across languages opens up travel, trade and work, which is worth an industry of its own.

Who is paid. Travellers, migrants and other ordinary people buy it to use themselves, firms buy it too, and once it works many can offer it, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Laying bare how a protected program works matters to a narrow set of security and software firms.

Who is paid. Those firms pay, and once one such tool exists others could write their own, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

No prize. This is an exercise routine done inside a computer-made world, a pastime and not a technology that is sold.

Who is paid. Nothing is sold, so nobody pays and no seller keeps anything.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A patient private tutor for every learner would change the cost and quality of schooling, which is one industry however many people it reaches.

Who is paid. I assume families buy it rather than schools, and teaching software is easy for many firms to make, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A screen as thin and light as paper is a general display that could replace print and fixed sets, which changes the costs of a whole industry.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy it, and the firms that already make and sell screens and pocket computers add the feature and collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A patient private tutor for every learner would change the cost and quality of schooling, which is one industry however many people it reaches.

Who is paid. Parents buy it for their children, and teaching software is easy for many firms to make, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Letting any two people talk and read across languages opens up travel, trade and work, which is worth an industry of its own.

Who is paid. Travellers, migrants and other ordinary people buy it to use themselves, firms buy it too, and once it works many can offer it, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A vast prize. A networked computer in the hand changes how most people talk, shop, work and find things out.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy one each, many firms can make them, and those with the factories, brands and shops collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Finding patterns in data is a trade whose work is sold, a narrow service to the firms that hold the data.

Who is paid. Firms pay such people for their labour, and anyone with the skill can offer it, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Letting any two people talk and read across languages opens up travel, trade and work, which is worth an industry of its own.

Who is paid. Travellers, migrants and other ordinary people buy it to use themselves, firms buy it too, and once it works many can offer it, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A made-up star who truly held an audience would earn what a real star earns without ever tiring or ageing.

Who is paid. Fans pay through music, shows and goods, and I assume the law lets the owner of the character alone use it.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A handmade computer does what a factory one does and pleases a few buyers who want craft.

Who is paid. A few buyers pay extra for the handwork, and any skilled workshop can do the same, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Unlike a whole computer-made world, a simulated meeting room does one job, saving some travel, which is a convenience.

Who is paid. Firms pay for it so staff can meet from afar, and many firms can offer the same, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

No prize. These are free beings that act for themselves in the story and not a product anyone owns or sells.

Who is paid. Nothing is sold, so nobody pays and no seller keeps anything.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Software that answers on your behalf saves its owner time and trouble, which is a convenience.

Who is paid. Ordinary people would pay a little for it, and it is easy to make, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Having unwanted callers turned away is a small convenience.

Who is paid. Ordinary people would pay a little for it, and it is simple to make, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Small, cheap ways of keeping and carrying data are needed by every computer user and make an industry of their own.

Who is paid. Firms and their customers buy it in bulk, the idea is easy to copy, and those who already own the costly factories collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Sending unwanted advertising in bulk earns a little for the sender and annoys everyone else.

Who is paid. Advertisers of the cheapest kind pay for it, and anyone can write such a program, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A strip that lets any object say where it is and speak is a handy label for goods and tools.

Who is paid. Firms buy it by the roll to tag their goods, and many makers can produce it, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Putting a small computer into something worn is a convenience beside the pocket computer people already carry.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy it, it is easy to copy, and firms with known brands in gadgets or clothing collect what little is left.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A computer grown from living nerve cells that outdid ordinary chips would change the cost of computing for one industry after another.

Who is paid. Firms that need computing pay, and I assume others could learn to grow such tissue in time, so the firms that already sell computing to every business collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Tiny devices that find each other and link up could track goods, machines and people everywhere, which changes the costs of moving and watching things.

Who is paid. Firms and governments buy them in great quantity, and the established makers of small electronic parts are best placed to supply them.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Knowing where the economy is heading is worth a great deal to banks, traders and planners.

Who is paid. Banks and other firms pay for the forecasts, and I assume that once thinking machines exist many could turn one to the economy, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A material that computes the way nerve tissue does would let machines handle tasks ordinary circuits manage badly, which changes costs for the computer industry.

Who is paid. Firms that need computing pay, and I assume others could learn to grow or mix such a material in time, so the firms that already sell computing to every business collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. An assistant that answers any soldier's question would change how an army trains and fights.

Who is paid. The army pays, and once such assistants exist the firms that already hold its supply contracts collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Small, cheap ways of keeping and carrying data are needed by every computer user and make an industry of their own.

Who is paid. Firms and their customers buy it in bulk, the idea is easy to copy, and those who already own the costly factories collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Unlike other worn computers, a private display in front of the eyes could replace most other screens, which is worth an industry of its own.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy it, and since rivals can copy the design, the firms that already own gadget factories, shops and well-known names collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Computers worn on the body are another shape of the one people already carry, so they are a convenience.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy them, and since they are easy to copy, the firms that already own gadget factories and well-known names collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Choosing and dismissing staff by software would change the cost of running every large employer.

Who is paid. Employers pay, the software is easy to copy, and firms that already hold companies' staff records collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Small, cheap ways of keeping and carrying data are needed by every computer user and make an industry of their own.

Who is paid. Firms and their customers buy it in bulk, the idea is easy to copy, and those who already own the costly factories collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Folding is a convenience added to a pocket computer people would own anyway, and I judged the folding rather than the pocket computer itself.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy it, and the firms that already make and sell pocket computers add the feature and collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A program that manages a shop or restaurant by itself removes the cost of managers across retail and food service.

Who is paid. The shop owners buy it, and management software is assumed easy for many firms to write, so the shops keep the saving.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Moving things on a big screen with gloved hands is a showy way to sort information and no faster than simpler tools.

Who is paid. Police and other offices would buy it, and many firms can make the gloves and screen, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Software that sets shifts so staff never meet is a narrow management tool.

Who is paid. Employers buy it, and any software firm can write a scheduling program, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Putting a small computer into something worn is a convenience beside the pocket computer people already carry.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy it, it is easy to copy, and firms with known brands in gadgets or clothing collect what little is left.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A vast prize. A handheld slate for looking anything up, which I assume draws on a network, is the pocket computer under another name and changes how most people find things out.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy one each, many firms can make them, and those with the factories, brands and shops collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A tool that models genes and proteins well would cut the cost and time of finding new medicines.

Who is paid. Drug and farming firms buy it, and I assume the methods spread among those who build such tools, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A vast prize. A wireless slate worked by touch is a networked computer in the hand, which I assume is of broad use, and that changes how most people talk, shop, work and find things out.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy one each, many firms can make them, and those with the factories, brands and shops collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A stand-in that speaks for a state saves envoys' travel but serves very few buyers.

Who is paid. Governments pay, and once thinking machines exist such an envoy is easy to set up, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. Storing data atom by atom would shrink the cost of keeping records for every firm that holds them.

Who is paid. Firms that store data buy it, the way of making it is assumed to be copied in time, and those who already own the costly factories collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A new way to give a computer its orders is a convenience and not a new capability.

Who is paid. People buy it as an accessory to machines they already own, and any electronics firm can make one, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Putting a small computer into something worn is a convenience beside the pocket computer people already carry.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy it, it is easy to copy, and firms with known brands in gadgets or clothing collect what little is left.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. The densest computer that matter allows would change the cost of all computing.

Who is paid. Firms that need computing pay, and I assume others could learn to make such matter in time, so the firms that already sell computing to every business collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Folding or bending is a convenience added to a pocket computer people would own anyway.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy it, and the firms that already make and sell pocket computers add the feature and collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A mind copied from a crustacean is far short of a person's and is assumed useful only for narrow control jobs.

Who is paid. Firms would buy it for such jobs, and once one nervous system had been copied I assume others could do the same, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A screen as thin and light as paper is a general display that could replace print and fixed sets, which changes the costs of a whole industry.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy it, and the firms that already make and sell pocket computers add the feature and collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Rebuilding pages from scraps serves a few libraries, archives and investigators.

Who is paid. Those bodies pay, and cameras and matching software are easy to assemble, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Putting a small computer into something worn is a convenience beside the pocket computer people already carry.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy it, it is easy to copy, and firms with known brands in gadgets or clothing collect what little is left.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A machine that pulls books apart to copy their pages serves libraries and archives, which is a niche.

Who is paid. Libraries and firms that copy books buy it, and it is ordinary cutting and scanning machinery.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Computers worn on the body are another shape of the one people already carry, so they are a convenience.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy them, and since they are easy to copy, the firms that already own gadget factories and well-known names collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A new way to type or point is a convenience, since keyboards and screens already do the job.

Who is paid. Ordinary people get it inside gadgets they buy, and it is easy to copy, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Legal work done by machine would cut the cost of contracts, disputes and advice across the whole legal trade.

Who is paid. A person in trouble with the law is assumed to buy this one, unlike the firms assumed for other legal machines, and once machines can do legal work many can offer it, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Copying papers with a pass of the hand is a convenience, and few would have an implant for it.

Who is paid. A few people would buy the implant, and many gadget firms could make one, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A new way to give a computer commands is a convenience for most users and a real help for a few.

Who is paid. Ordinary users buy it as an add-on, and many gadget firms can make one, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

No prize. These are thieves' tricks for stealing game goods, a hazard to players and not something that may lawfully be sold.

Who is paid. Nothing is sold, so nobody pays and no seller keeps anything.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A large prize. A simulated world with lifelike touch is an entertainment and training industry of its own, of which raising a pretend infant is one use.

Who is paid. People pay for it as they pay for games and films, and since the machinery can be copied the owners of the popular worlds and stories collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Hiding one's tracks matters greatly to a few people and little to most, so it is a niche.

Who is paid. The few who want it get it themselves, and such software is freely copied and often given away, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. A slate that both takes and shows pictures is a handy camera and album in one.

Who is paid. People buy it for themselves, and it is assumed to be ordinary camera and screen work that many firms can do.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Hiding one's tracks matters greatly to a few people and little to most, so it is a niche.

Who is paid. The few who want it get it themselves, and such software is freely copied and often given away, so no seller keeps much.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A computer for every pupil changes how schools teach and what schooling costs, and the locks are a detail added to it.

Who is paid. Schools pay from public money, and since it is easy to make, the computer firms that already hold school supply contracts collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. Unlike a simple screen on work headgear, glasses that lay information over everything the wearer sees could become an everyday thing for many people.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy them, and since the optics can be copied the firms that already own the software and services the glasses show collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Computers worn on the body are another shape of the one people already carry, so they are a convenience.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy them, and since they are easy to copy, the firms that already own gadget factories and well-known names collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A screen as thin and light as paper is a general display that could replace print and fixed sets, which changes the costs of a whole industry.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy it inside their gadgets, and the firms that already make and sell screens and pocket computers add the feature and collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Judged as a working weapon rather than as the harm it does, software that damages an enemy's computers is a narrow tool of attack.

Who is paid. Those it harms pay nothing, so I assume a government buys it as a weapon, and since such software is easy to write the firms that already supply states with arms collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. Judged as a working weapon rather than as the harm it does, harmful code hidden in genetic material is a narrow tool of attack.

Who is paid. Those it harms pay nothing, so I assume a government buys it as a weapon, and since such code can be written by others the firms that already supply states with arms collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.

A small prize. A computer on the forearm is another shape of the one people already carry, so it is a convenience.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy it, and since it is easy to copy, the firms that already own gadget factories and well-known names collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A small prize. Folding or bending is a convenience added to a pocket computer people would own anyway.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy it, and the firms that already make and sell pocket computers add the feature and collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is fairly sure of this one.

A large prize. A screen as thin and light as paper is a general display that could replace print and fixed sets, which changes the costs of a whole industry.

Who is paid. Ordinary people buy it, and the firms that already make and sell screens and pocket computers add the feature and collect.

A model's judgement, not a reading, of the idea as if it worked the way its story promises. The model is not very sure of this one.