What factors contribute to the "development of technology," and how will these changes effect people's lives, society, and the natural world?

What kind of impact will artificial intelligence have on the future? What kind of software using artificial intelligence are now available? Is it unnerving to speculate about how sophisticated artificial intelligence will develop in the next years?

Nanotechnology has the potential to significantly influence the treatment of disease, the repair of damaged cells, and even the slowing of aging. Does this event have any effect on the rest of society?