Technology that has changed our lives
The pace of the modern world means we rarely cast our minds back to the convoluted times of old. Over the last decade our daily lives have come a remarkably long way thanks to the advent of certain technologies. There was genuinely a time when accessing the internet meant not having access to your home’s phone lines, or in fact a time when everybody had a home phone – let alone the world’s wisdom at the touch of a button on a smartphone. This is how far we’ve come in not that long at all.
Virtual reality
(Image: Facebook)
Having its breakout moment this year, virtual reality is all the tech industry can talk about right now. From immersive entertainment experiences, aiding education, creating virtual workspaces and allowing the visualisation of manufacturing before a mould has been cast. The way we see things is being altered in front of our very eyes.
Mobile dating
(Image: Tinder)
Whilst it was once a tale of bumbling over to a blonde in the bar, four pints in, or hoping to be introduced to your sister’s attractive friend. Romantic life is now a swipe left or right based on a few pictures and an obsessed over personal elevator pitch.
Social media
(Image: Facebook)
A new way to consume news, keep up with friends and be bombarded with pictures of acquaintances’ new born babies. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the like have changed the way we keep in touch, with people we know and the world at large.
Entertainment streaming
(Image: Netflix)
The advent of Spotify, Netflix etc. has spelled an end to the CD and DVD collection. There’s no more nipping down to Blockbuster on a Saturday night nor a trip to HMV to buy a new CD, but a simple flick onto the internet where millions of films and songs are waiting at the click of a button.
FaceTime
(Image: Apple)
Keeping in touch has never been easier. Aside from social media, it’s now possible to video call distant friends and family and maintain those relationships without having to get stuck drinking six cups of tea before mum allows you to leave; only after she’s packed you enough reheatable casseroles to last a nuclear fallout, of course.
“Internet of Things”
(Image: Smarter)
Simply, the interconnectivity of everyday things – allowing them to send and receive data and be controlled remotely. No more fumbling around in the morning to get everything done and arrive on time to work. Set your coffee machine to brew at the ringing of that ungodly alarm, check what’s in your fridge on your way home from work and top up your groceries by pressing a conveniently placed button on the counter. What a time to be alive.
Online banking
When was the last time you spoke to a cashier at a bank? Exactly. That human interaction is no longer needed to cash a cheque, make a payment or withdraw some notes. Aside from ‘holes in the wall’, it’s now possible to manage, invest and track your finances on your phone as you make your way to work.
First person filming
(Image: Tomasz Furmanek)
Bulky video cameras and reams of films are no longer prerequisite for capturing memories. In fact documented moments are now more human than ever thanks to smartphone cameras and, particularly, GoPro. Everything can be captured at the drop of a hat and from an almost first person perspective, not to mention stored on a memory card the size of your thumbnail.
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