Dear PropellerHeads: One of my favorite tech companies is Google. They have the absolute best search engine and the coolest mobile OS with Android. What's next for them?

A: Like most tech success stories, we predict that Google will soon become the target of every crackpot conspiracy theorist and locus of all evil (according to envious, second-tier competitors), just as Microsoft, IBM (remember them?), and most lately, Apple, was in their time. Until then, they will continue to introduce some amazing products, such as driverless cars and apps to control your home.

How would you like to not only use Google maps to plot your directions, but to drive you there as well? You soon may be able to just pop in the Leaf and say "work," and then read the paper on your in-dash reader or take a nap while your car drives you there. The Google Driverless Car project uses Google Street View and an artificial intelligence (AI) engine to safely guide you to your destination without human intervention.

This may sound like science fiction, but a prototype of this car has already driven 140,000 miles without a mishap. And on California roads between San Francisco and Los Angeles, which are a challenge to the best human drivers. I wish I could boast such a spotless record.

In fact, the Google cars drive better than humans. As noted in the New York Times (http://nyti.ms/dC4KPE), "Robot drivers react faster than humans, have 360-degree perception and do not get distracted, sleepy or intoxicated." They are also not tempted to text their BFF about last night's date, which is good news for all of us.

Although Google Driverless Cars are years from production, you can get an idea of how they will work with this video: http://bit.ly/hpiOC3. You can read Google's vision for the car here: http://bit.ly/aje7Sw.

Now, suppose you are on your way to work in your Google car, and with all the free time on your hands, you wonder if you left the lights on in the kitchen. No problem! You just whip out your Android device (which will probably be built into your car), and turn them off remotely. Unlike the Google car, this technology will be available very soon.

Google plans to link your entire household to your Android device, and they are already well on the way. There are already apps that can control your TV or (wireless-enabled) thermostat. A company called Lighting Science Group is developing "wireless lighting products" that can communicate with Android.

If turning the lights on and off doesn't get your juices flowing, then contemplate the Google home theater system, called "Project Tungsten." This will allow you to connect audio-visual equipment in your house to the Android home network, and stream music or video that is controlled by your Android device. No doubt, this service will also be available in your Google Driverless Car, so you can watch the "Die Hard" series on your way home from work. PC Magazine has a good review of Android@Home: http://bit.ly/msGrwe.

What's next for Google? How about a Web-integrated notebook computer Operating System? The Chromebook is on the horizon. Check out the specs and reserve yours here: http://www.google.com/chromebook/features.html#.

Personally, we're waiting for driverless jet cars that fold into a briefcase, like George Jetson's. That, and an Android-controlled robot that can clean the house like Rosie. "Yippie ki-yay, mother-Google!"

When the PropellerHeads at Data Directions aren't busy with their IT projects, they love to answer questions on business or consumer technology. Email them to questions@askthepropellerheads.com or contact us at Data Directions, Inc. 8510 Bell Creek Road, Mechanicsville, VA 23116. Visit our website at www.askthepropellerheads.com.