Things That Won’t Exist In The Future

We’ve come a long way in the past 50 years as far as technology is concerned. As more new stuff comes out, it leaves most of us to wonder what new and exciting things we’ll see in the future. For a few people like myself, we’re left wondering not what cool things we’ll have in the next 50 years, but what things we won’t. Let’s face it, we already take what we have right now for granted, but what if all the things you see around you were just a memory when your kids are old and grey?

Live Television

When my Wife and I sit down to watch TV, we’re not watching it as it happens. It’s pre-recorded and aired at a later date with commercials and such. On top of that, we record shows on our TiVo-style digital recorder so we can fast-forward through the boring parts of our favorite ones. Needless to say, there’s nothing live about our living room. I know a lot of people won’t agree with me, but in the next 50 years, I see the few live shows we have (like news, etc.) to become a thing of the past on our televisions as more people surf the Internet to find out what’s going on in the world.

House Phones

Do you have one? I don’t. When I did have a land line telephone, it was only because my high-speed DSL connection required a wired phone line. I’ve since ditched the house phone and live exclusively off my mobile device (CDMA). It’s clear, always with me, and supports high-speed EvDO data. What more could I ask for? I see more and more people switching to cell phones and VoIP (Phone via the Internet) for lower rates, more portable service, and more calling options than ever before. Why not splurge on technology?

Cash Money

A while back, I went to buy something and couldn’t because they wouldn’t take my money. It wasn’t foreign currency or anything, just my bank card. Nowadays you can’t do jack shit without holding a major debit or credit card like Visa or Mastercard. Want to rent a car for that summer trip? Forget about a cash deposit. Even if you had a million dollars, most places now require a card to put on file on top of you paying in cash. Better luck next time!

What about that cheap hotel down the street? Sooner or later, you’ll need that shiny plastic thing for just about everything in the future. Better get used to stuffing your cash in the bank or on a pre-paid credit card because in the next 10 to 20 years, I bet you it’s going to be almost impossible to go anywhere without your plastic cash card. Didn’t Visa say it’s everywhere you want to be? No joke.