There is a great article over at OSNews.com that talks about how the Nintendo Wii and the Apple iPhone are changing the way people interact with technology and might possibly lead to operating systems that will eliminate the need for a mouse to navigate through your data.

The article says, “The Nintendo Wii represents the first successful ‘3D’ interface with a computer. It is not simply a matter of X, Y & Z.; The Wii also understands acceleration, force, tilt and roll. What this gives us, is a wide and natural range of gestures for input, something the mouse is unable to express.” And then, “The Apple iPhone also represents a disruptive innovation in the market, bringing A.R. to user. You can interact with your data by touching it; it has made every handset since the invention of the mobile phone suddenly look positively stone-age.”

If you think this technology will only change the way you check your email or beat your friend in Wii Tennis, you are mistaken. Losing the mouse is only the tip of the iceberg. The “reality” of augmented reality will change the way your customers interact with your products and services.

Add existing networks like satellite GPS, mobile, your customer database, and other wireless devices to augmented reality and imagine a world where your customer could fill a virtual shopping cart by picking up virtual items and dropping them into a cart. Or how about incorporating GPS maps directly into windshields?

The Wii and the iPhone do not represent innovations in technology, they represent delivering technology to the world in a palatable AND sexy way. No doubt, the world will fall in love with the ability to relate to your offerings in ways you never even dreamed of. Will your company be ready?