Ever Hoped to See an Ad Blitz About the Future? You Will

Most people find it hard to believe that doors can be opened by the sound of a voice. But new ads created for AT&T; make such advanced technology a little easier to picture.

AT&T;’s TV ads ask, “Have you ever . . . ?” and present viewers with images such as a fax being sent from the beach or a door opening as someone speaks. The spots end with the message “You will.”

The ads, which will also appear in print media, are the first to illustrate to a mass audience the changes in people’s lives that result from the convergence of computers, communications, media and consumer electronics.

“Where we’ve always been the company that kept people in touch in the past in ways that people are used to, in the future we’re also going to keep people in touch, but in different ways,” said Paula Horii, an American Telephone & Telegraph Co. spokeswoman.

The products and information power that the ads depict will be widespread in the next three to five years, she said. Some, such as sending faxes from outdoors, are here now.