Look at the descriptions of inventions predicted for the next few decades.
Work and play in the 21st century
- Which of these things already exist as far as you know?
- Which most appeal to you?
- Do you think they will catch on or not? Why/Why not?
Behind the wheel
Cars of the future will take much of the strain out of driving. The intelligent navigation system
in this 2010 model can choose the best route for you by monitoring an online traffic database for hold-ups,
while the cruise control keeps a constant distance from the car in front. And if you exceed the speed limit,
the speedometer speaks a polite warning to you. Security worries will also be a thing of the past -
your car will only allow bona fide drivers behind the wheel, recognising them by the irises of their eyes!
The Intelligent House
This 'smart' fridge will be connected to the Internet as part of a home network that runs your domestic
life, interacting with the barcodes on your food, and re-ordering them online as you use them. Virtually
all domestic appliances will be linked by computers, so that the fridge can communicate with the cooker
and rubbish bin, co-ordinating complex tasks such as cooking a meal. Your electric toothbrush will even
be able to let your toaster know that you're ready for breakfast!
Global Games
Children of the future will never be able to complain that there's no one to play with. Equipped with a
virtual reality headset, this twelve-year-old is taking part in global games, here a medieval jousting
tournament. His opponent, selected for him by the computer, lives on the other side of the world.
Holographic Conferencing
Holographic conferencing and virtual reality meetings will allow people to interact with colleagues
and clients via computer, without needing to leave the comfort of their own homes. You can hold a virtual
meeting with several people sitting around a table.