Written By: Damion Anglin
We live in an era where change happens in the blink of an eye. Traditional practices and customs are continuously being replaced by new world innovations, transforming how we interact with the world and each other. Technological advancement and globalization were the catalyst that refashioned how the world interfaced and what was necessary to do so. Many things have been made obsolete as a result of this continuous wave of advancement; which begs the question, what more will we phase out in the coming years? Well, let’s explore some of these things that we may no longer see in the years to come.
Desktop Computers
Gone are the days when desktop computers permeated homes and offices across the world. While some spaces may still utilize this form of machinery; laptops, tablets and smartphones have been designed to perform the very same tasks of the desktop systems. Sooner or later, desktop systems will become a thing of history and more compact and portable devices will become as second nature as carrying a cell phone.
Keys
Whether for your home, office, car or storage units there is a gradual decline in the use of physical keys for purposes of security or accessibility. Technology has made it possible for pinned keypads and touch technology to create easier alternatives than walking around with a bunch of keys that might get lost or misplaced. Bio-metric technology is also becoming increasingly popular which will completely eliminate the practicality of keys.
Paper/Magazines
We continue to move towards a digital world where everything is done and shared virtually. Documents, bills and reports can now be generated online and stored in electronic form for easy access at any time. As technology continues to advance and internet connectivity and cyber security expand, there will be little need for physical paper which may contribute to the reduction of our carbon footprint in the environment. Physical magazines which persons would once purchase are now available through online subscriptions and can be read virtually on your tablets and smartphones.
Cheque Books
Technology has made it much easier to make payments and transfer funds from one person to another, whether locally or internationally. With shorter timespans in receiving funds and having it cleared due through RTGS, wire and other forms of online transfers; sending funds and keeping track of the data is made much simpler and eliminates the practicality of writing cheques.
Gas
This one may take some time, but let’s think about it. With the electric stove, electric cars and the need to better care for the environment, it is only a matter of time before current gas alternatives are enhanced and others introduced to reduce the pollution we emit into the atmosphere.
Compact Discs (CDs)
Whether you currently use it to store music, watch movies or share documents, the compact disc has already been greatly replaced by online streaming and sharing services, Bluetooth technology and smaller flash drives. Sooner rather than later, the CD like many past media and storage devices will become extinct or a thing for historical display.
Cash
In a world where card scanning, point of sale systems, online transactions and wire transfers are being encouraged and promoted, it’s not farfetched that one day we will soon no longer have need to walk around with physical cash.
Remote Controls
Who needs a remote control these days when smart TVs are made to be compatible with your smartphone? Everything that the remote control was used to do is now possible from your phone. As manufacturers continue upgrading the smart TV product, remote controls will no longer be created as everything can be controlled from the phone.
Scanners/Fax Machine and Copiers
The main characteristics of modern day technology include speed, portability and storage capabilities. Smartphones now come built in with apps that make it possible to photograph and scan documents which are then stored electronically and easily accessible to be shared virtually. With these features, traditional office copiers and scanners are becoming increasingly unnecessary, especially where there is a move to go paperless.
Charging Cables
The phase out of charging cables has definitely begun. More and more wireless devices that provide direct connectivity for purposes of charging devices are being created and introduced to the market. From phone cases that charge the phone once connected to automobiles with built in charging mechanism that simple require the phone to be directly connected or placed to lay in a compartment; the hassle of having to care for and carry charging cables will soon be no more.
There are many more things which we could mention and explore in this list; for technology is vast and as it continues to expand and explore more innovative methods of transforming the execution of daily activities, more and more devices and practices will form a part of the generational stories shared of things to use to be “In my time”. The only question we are left to ask ourselves now is, what do I do or use today will soon become obsolete?