While technology continues to brings us new and unexpected ways to make our lives more convenient, it is difficult to predict how much further it will evolve and the impact it will have on the world.

A recent tour through KDDI R&D Laboratories Inc., however, provided a glimmer of the shape of things to come.

The telecom giant's R&D arm is exploring technologies ranging from imaging technologies offering sports fans more immersive viewing experiences to more advanced ways for smartphones to connect with other gadgets. It is also experimenting with augmented reality and next-generation optical fibers with higher data capacities.