Buzz
Technology is constantly evolving, often without us noticing. It moves so fast that by the time you purchase the latest phone or laptop, a newer model may already be on the market, rendering yours outdated.
This rapid pace of change is inevitable, but in two decades, some technologies—those you may not expect—are likely to be obsolete.
10. Rearview Mirrors
As technology advances, it's highly probable that companies will entirely replace traditional mirrors with cameras. This shift is especially relevant with the rise of driverless cars, which will require cameras as standard equipment. Additionally, the decreasing cost of cameras will encourage manufacturers to replace side mirrors with them too.
9. Cell Towers
As technology continues to evolve, the physical structures we rely on are becoming smaller and more efficient. This trend applies to cell towers as well, which are gradually shrinking. In the future, some smartphones might bypass cell towers altogether, allowing them to communicate directly with each other when within 500 meters (1,640 feet) of one another.
8. Remote Controls
The days of frantically searching for the remote in the couch cushions are nearly over. With billions of devices already connected to Wi-Fi, it's possible to control technology with a computer, tablet, smartphone, or even a smartwatch.
Devices like Google Home and Amazon Alexa can already manage lights and other gadgets in your home through voice commands. In 20 years, this technology will likely evolve even further, making remotes for controlling home temperature obsolete. You'll simply tell your smart assistant to adjust the temperature as you wish.
7. Credit Cards
When credit cards were first introduced, they revolutionized the way people paid for food and entertainment. The first credit card, launched by Diners Club in 1950, gained over 20,000 cardholders in just one year. That was nearly 70 years ago, and technology has changed drastically since then.
Companies like Starbucks and McDonald's are already enabling payments with a simple tap of a phone. Some use their own apps, while others take advantage of built-in payment options on newer smartphones. In the near future, paying for goods might be as simple as a fingerprint scan.
6. Metal Keys
The technology to fully replace metal keys is already available, and it’s only a matter of time before physical keys become obsolete. Many new cars now feature push-button starts, requiring just a fob to be nearby—whether in the driver's pocket or on a keychain with other soon-to-be-outdated keys.
Imagine being able to unlock a door just by pressing a button on your phone. You can already purchase locks that respond to voice commands, fingerprint or retina scans, and even specific gestures. Believe it or not, you can also get a small implant in your hand that a lock will recognize and open as you approach!
5. Physical Media
This isn’t a huge surprise. In the early 2000s, VHS tapes were phased out with the introduction of DVDs, just as audio cassettes were replaced by CDs in the late 1980s. However, the era of physical media might soon come to a complete end.
Streaming platforms like Netflix and YouTube, as well as on-demand services bundled with cable subscriptions, are diminishing the need for Blu-ray purchases, which already replaced DVDs. Soon, even physical books may become obsolete, existing only in digital formats.
4. Wired Phone Chargers
Imagine never having to worry about your phone running out of battery while you're out. No more missed calls or dropped connections because of power issues, all without having to plug your phone into a wall outlet.
Wired phone chargers are becoming a thing of the past, as most phones can now be charged using wireless pads. Companies are already developing devices that utilize radio waves and Wi-Fi to charge smartphones.
3. Cinemas
It's been repeatedly suggested that the era of going to the movies is gradually coming to an end. This idea gained traction right after the television was invented, allowing people to watch entertainment from the comfort of their homes.
While people still enjoy the cinema experience, technology keeps advancing. Now, certain televisions offer 3-D viewing. In the long run, it will be cheaper to skip the theater and enjoy films at home. With the growth of virtual reality, who knows where this technology will take us?
2. Needles
Fortunately, the time of needle injections is almost over.
Researchers at MIT have unveiled two new projects aimed at eliminating the need for needle injections. One of these innovations is a jet-injection technology capable of propelling a substance faster than the speed of sound through a microscopic opening in the skin.
The second project involves a capsule that a patient can swallow, containing tiny needles inside. Once the needles inject into the stomach lining, they are later dissolved by the digestive system.
1. ATMs And Wallets
The way we make payments is constantly evolving, though cash remains a popular choice. However, with the rise of cards and online banking, it's only a matter of time before the government stops spending on printing physical money and shifts to a fully digital currency.
Fun fact: Currently, only 9 percent of the global population uses physical cash. As cash and cards gradually become obsolete, items like wallets and ATMs will no longer serve a purpose.
