5 Tech Trends for the Next 5 Years: IBM

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- IBM(IBM) released its sixth annual list of five technologies gaining traction over the next five years.

IBM calls the list "innovations that have the potential to change the way people work, live and interact."

IBM is incorporating social media into the list, using the Twitter hashtag, #ibm5in5.

Here are the five big tech ideas:

1. 'People power' will come to life

IBM believes that capturing kinetic energy from doing any number of activities will eventually be used to solve energy problems. Advances in renewable energy will allow scientists and individuals to capture the energy from doing everyday things, said the company, and use it to power homes, workplaces, and cities.

2. Never use a password again

IBM predicts that biometric data -- which uses facial recognition, retinal scans and voice files -- will replace the need for passwords. What makes you different from everyone else -- your voice, eyes, etc -- will be used to safeguard your identity online, said the company.

3. Mind reading = no longer science fiction

IBM says scientists are working on headsets that have sensors with the ability to read brain activity and recognize facial expressions. Where the tech would work: gaming and entertainment. It could potentially also help people who have trouble with speech, such as stroke victims and those with drastic speech impediments.