Current application: Better character - and token completion helps make it easier for people with physical disabilities to interact with computers. http://www.inference.org.uk/djw30/papers/uist2000.pdf (pdf)

Research progress: Better compression measures the progress to general intelligence. http://mattmahoney.net/dc/rationale.html

Future application: Meaningful completion of questions, leading to personalized learning material for students all over the world. If only there was an OpenQuora.