Just been reading the thread about Air Asia and it reminded me of various "promises" that we were told decades ago - that is, air travel in the future will be quicker, more comfortable etc. New planes would have bars in them and we could walk around and lounge in chairs/sofas etc. I think only some first class passengars may have facilities like that.
In general though, air travel over the decades has become worse, far more uncomfortable and seats have become smaller.
This got me thinking, so what other " future promises" or marketing hype never materialised?
Further examples are:
- Computers will lead to a paperless office
Yeah right. We are using far more paper now compared to 20 years ago. How many of us print out a recipe that has been emailed to us? Print that odd joke or how many companies/corporations still insist on triplicate paperwork?
- Future workers will have more leisure time
What is leisure time? I am working harder and longer hours now compared to 15 or so years ago. I don't get much leisure time at all and i know i'm not the only one.
- Cars of the future will be driven by themselves
This has been a prediction for nigh on 50 years and it is still being made. But without a huge infrastructural cost and commitment then it won't happenn. I do think though there is social hesitation in having a fully automated car - that is, would you trust a car to drive itself (considering the average home pc reboots at random times)
- Houses of the future will be totally automated
Still waiting on this one.
- The world only needs 3 or 4 computers
This was said back in 60s. Before the birth of the home PC.
- The rocket jet pack
I'm still waiting on this one. The same thing they used in "lost in space" and it was a rocket pack you stick on your back and fly around in. Apparantly we were all meant to be using them by 1980 but i still haven't found a place that sells them to the average joe.
- Virtual Reality
Not very mainstream at all. Promised as being the next big thing to game playing, home computer interfaces etc. After nearly 20 years, it is still just a novelty for the majority and only seen in demonstrations.
- Holidays to the moon
As seen in the Kubrick/Clarke great "2001", the Hilton was meant to be on the moon in 2001 and we would fly up there for a short stay. Virgin is now only just advertising for punters to be blasted off into near space at 200k a pop for 5 minutes of no gravity. Not quite a holiday on the moon yet.
and don't forget the old Hawkian classic....
- By 1990, there will no child living in poverty
What can i say to this......
There must be thousands of other "broken promises" as to what the future wil give us...Any others?
Thanks
g
In general though, air travel over the decades has become worse, far more uncomfortable and seats have become smaller.
This got me thinking, so what other " future promises" or marketing hype never materialised?
Further examples are:
- Computers will lead to a paperless office
Yeah right. We are using far more paper now compared to 20 years ago. How many of us print out a recipe that has been emailed to us? Print that odd joke or how many companies/corporations still insist on triplicate paperwork?
- Future workers will have more leisure time
What is leisure time? I am working harder and longer hours now compared to 15 or so years ago. I don't get much leisure time at all and i know i'm not the only one.
- Cars of the future will be driven by themselves
This has been a prediction for nigh on 50 years and it is still being made. But without a huge infrastructural cost and commitment then it won't happenn. I do think though there is social hesitation in having a fully automated car - that is, would you trust a car to drive itself (considering the average home pc reboots at random times)
- Houses of the future will be totally automated
Still waiting on this one.
- The world only needs 3 or 4 computers
This was said back in 60s. Before the birth of the home PC.
- The rocket jet pack
I'm still waiting on this one. The same thing they used in "lost in space" and it was a rocket pack you stick on your back and fly around in. Apparantly we were all meant to be using them by 1980 but i still haven't found a place that sells them to the average joe.
- Virtual Reality
Not very mainstream at all. Promised as being the next big thing to game playing, home computer interfaces etc. After nearly 20 years, it is still just a novelty for the majority and only seen in demonstrations.
- Holidays to the moon
As seen in the Kubrick/Clarke great "2001", the Hilton was meant to be on the moon in 2001 and we would fly up there for a short stay. Virgin is now only just advertising for punters to be blasted off into near space at 200k a pop for 5 minutes of no gravity. Not quite a holiday on the moon yet.
and don't forget the old Hawkian classic....
- By 1990, there will no child living in poverty
What can i say to this......
There must be thousands of other "broken promises" as to what the future wil give us...Any others?
Thanks
g