It has always been the case that technological devices get improved or become outdated. The horse and carriage changing to an automobile is one classic example. However, experts are now predicting that the rate of technological devices becoming obsolete is increasing exponentially. This article aims to reinforce this view by outlining some technologies that the author believes are bound for the scrapheap.
Will we still be using desktop PCS? While there will probably always be a need for larger workstations in industry, futurologists believe that the large personal computers will be replaced by more powerful mobile phones and handheld devices. These portable devices will not only allow us to communicate but also take an increasingly important role in organising our lives.
What about the television? Modern televisions have undergone a lot of changes recently. For example, they have become lighter and thinner, have enormous screens and internet connectivity. However, they still tend to be stuck in the corner of the room. These static monoliths are soon to be replaced by the mobile devices mentioned previously. Projection capabilities on mobile devices will allow any space on a wall to be utilised as a screen, thereby allowing “TV” to be anytime and anywhere.
What will happen to ‘compact’ discs? Well, these used to be compact, but not any more by today’s standards. Rather than putting a CD on your favourite band in your CD player, people will connect to YouTube or download from a streaming server. Even in cars, the CD player is disappearing. In its place, USB socket allow for a wide variety of mobile devices to be plugged in and listened to. But they will always make nice shiny decorations in the garden to scare off the birds.
And finally, what will become of our wired technology? It will become wireless of course, similar to the television remote control in the 1950s. No longer will we have to worry about those meddlesome wires getting in the way or stopping us from having a truly mobile lifestyle. One good example will be the humble ear phones. Just plug two indiscrete buds in your ear, activate the bluetooth capability, and, bingo, musical freedom.
As much as change can be painful, it is inevitable that the technology that supports our lifestyle will look much different in the future. Let’s embrace this. Viva la change!
Sean Dowling
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