From context I think he meant not fibre laser but “free-space optics”, a then-hyped application of lasers to replace radio. I get this from him mentioning it in the same sentence as satellites and then comparing lasers to radio: “A continuing advance of communications satellites, and the use of laser
beams for communication in place of electric currents and radio waves. A laser
beam of visible light is made up of waves that are millions of times shorter than
those of radio waves”. So I don’t think this rises above the background radiation (ha) of Asimov’s vagueness.
As for 3D TV, if I expand the context you see it’s an explicit replacement for screens: “wall screens will have replaced the ordinary set; but transparent cubes will be making their appearance in which three-dimensional viewing will be possible. In fact, one popular exhibit at the 2014 World’s Fair will be such a 3-D TV, built life-size, in which ballet performances will be seen. The cube will slowly revolve for viewing from all angles.” Also my understanding is that our 3D TVs don’t allow any varying POV, let alone all angles.
While it’s not our main communications method, infrared communication is a thing, and it’s a lot closer to visible than radio.
Also, Elon Musk claims that SpaceX is going to enable laser links for inter-satellite communications between Starlink satellites soon (admittedly, not within the 2020 target year, but this is still pretty close!)
As for 3D TV, if I expand the context you see it’s an explicit replacement for screens
My reading of the context is that screens are supposed to be the predominant form, and cube 3d is a prototype. This seems to be a correct prediction: see “crystal cube” here.
From context I think he meant not fibre laser but “free-space optics”, a then-hyped application of lasers to replace radio. I get this from him mentioning it in the same sentence as satellites and then comparing lasers to radio: “A continuing advance of communications satellites, and the use of laser beams for communication in place of electric currents and radio waves. A laser beam of visible light is made up of waves that are millions of times shorter than those of radio waves”. So I don’t think this rises above the background radiation (ha) of Asimov’s vagueness.
As for 3D TV, if I expand the context you see it’s an explicit replacement for screens: “wall screens will have replaced the ordinary set; but transparent cubes will be making their appearance in which three-dimensional viewing will be possible. In fact, one popular exhibit at the 2014 World’s Fair will be such a 3-D TV, built life-size, in which ballet performances will be seen. The cube will slowly revolve for viewing from all angles.” Also my understanding is that our 3D TVs don’t allow any varying POV, let alone all angles.
Thanks! Added these to the changelog.
While it’s not our main communications method, infrared communication is a thing, and it’s a lot closer to visible than radio.
Also, Elon Musk claims that SpaceX is going to enable laser links for inter-satellite communications between Starlink satellites soon (admittedly, not within the 2020 target year, but this is still pretty close!)
My reading of the context is that screens are supposed to be the predominant form, and cube 3d is a prototype. This seems to be a correct prediction: see “crystal cube” here.