By Jennifer Smith
As technology continues to change our daily lives, and change at a rapid speed, it’s exciting to see what the future will bring, what we’re likely to see, and how the next invention could top the last.
When we look back to 2005, there were digital phenomenons that we had never even heard of. iPhone’s and iPad’s hadn’t been released, and people were still using desktop computers to search the internet and keep track of emails.
But, that was then and no one could predict what the following 10 years would be like for technology. With that in mind, it’s interesting to see what 10 years from now will bring, which is why we have devised this post full of technology that could potentially face obsoletion.
1. Desktop computers
With desktop computers being more favourable with the older generation, it wouldn’t be unlikely to see these fading out eventually. On top of this, technology such as smartphones, laptops, tablets and iPads are rising in popularity, which could contribute to the desktop computer becoming obsolete within the next 10 years.
Desktop computers used to be seen as the most functional devices, but recent technological advances have since given laptops equal footing. Manufacturers can now build mobile computers with strong performance power without adding extra weight to the hardware. It’s also worth mentioning the use of cloud services. With advanced technology, users can store all of their content onto digital lockers, meaning that sizeable desktops are no longer a necessity.
2. Digital cameras
Another device that we may see very little of in the next 10 years is the digital camera. As smartphones become more advanced, with some phones sporting a better builtin camera than some digital cameras, it’s little wonder why people are choosing to use their phones as their main source for taking pictures. Especially with social media platforms such as Twitter and Instagram, that allow you to upload pictures instantly, smartphones may just knock digital cameras off the shelf.
Unless you work in the photography industry, it seems that digital cameras may not really be needed, as technology improves over the next 10 years. People are more likely to opt for the convenience of using their phone on the go to take pictures and share them socially rather than carry around a digital camera.
3. Sat navs
Standalone sat navs could also be under threat, as most car manufacturers are now starting to build them into vehicles as an extra, more convenient feature. Also, sat navs can be found on most smartphones, meaning that purchasing a standalone sat nav could be a thing of the past in the years to come.
The smartphone is at the centre of everything these days, which is why most people are choosing this option for navigation as opposed to buying a separate sat nav system. Not only this, but smartphone sat nav apps have the ability to automatically update roads, so the fact that using a smartphone is deemed easier by a number of users, is naturally going to be an appealing feature.
4. Remote controls
Just when you thought your smartphone had it all, there are now apps that can control what channel you choose and allow you to tweet exactly why you have done so. This could see a decline in the remote control as smartphones become increasingly popular. If people are using their smartphones to control their TV’s, then the remote control could run the risk of becoming a neglected and dated piece of technology.
Again, smartphones are used for everything nowadays, so how long will it be before remote controls become untouched in favor for more advanced technology? Furthermore, the rise of smart TV’s that use motion controls to change the channels could also see the standard remote control on a decline.
5. Car keys
One of the quickest and least discussed changes to happen over the last few years is the reduction of physical car keys and the introduction of smart keys in a number of new vehicles by manufacturers. Surprisingly, the move away from physical car keys happened without much of a fuss from consumers. With benefits like keyless entry, push to start, driver profiles and remote start, buyers of newer vehicles have enjoyed the benefits of the new smart system.
But as quickly as smart keys have come on the scene, smartphones may soon replace them. With apps like OnStar RemoteLink offered by Chevrolet, which allows you to unlock and start your car with an app, the future of car keys may lie in an app store.
6. Blu-ray/DVD players
To some, a decline in Blu-ray players may seem a little surprising, given the fact that they are still fairly new themselves. However, with things like Netflix and services that allow you to watch movies on demand on your TV, we could see a decline in Blu-ray and DVD players sooner than we think.
The quality of Netflix and other on demand services are leading people to choose these options for an easier and faster alternative to going out and buying a DVD, or ordering one online and waiting for it to be delivered. On demand services also allow you to store what you have downloaded so you can watch it as many times as you wish.
7. Alarm clocks
Whilst they may make a nice decoration piece in your room and even match the interior, the traditional alarm clock is a device that could be in danger of being made redundant by smartphones.
Reaching for an alarm clock could be a thing of the past with most people using their smartphones to get them up in the morning. That doesn’t necessarily mean that people won’t still have a clock in their bedroom but it could mean that due to the rise of the smartphone, the alarm feature on their traditional alarm clock could very well be neglected in the coming years.
No matter how many predictions are made, we can never truly know what the future will hold for technology, but smartphones, tablets and more advanced inventions could see these products being wiped out.
Jennifer Smith on behalf of ITR.
