Science fiction mostly revolves around experimental thoughts; thoughts about time machines and time travel, intelligent robots and even the possibility of super-human powers. All in all, Sci-Fi is in essence a set of very complex themes that cannot be explored by non-fiction. We rely on the realm of the fantastic in order to make these ideas seem at all plausible in any reality. And mostly, that involves looking into the future, because after all, in the future, anything is possible.
The Future Is Bright
Sci-Fi explores the idea that, given a different set of circumstances in the fields of Science and Technology, all our wildest what-if’s become possible. After all, we live in a world that is dominated by technology and our quest to develop ever-smarter tech gadgets to make our lives easier.
But just how big is the measure of success that we have had with accurately predicting the future in movies? And what about the fantastic ideas in the fields of Science and Technology? Have any of those actually realised into actual inventions?
The answer is yes. Minority Report featured facial recognition technology and Air Touch technology, and Back to The Future II had hoverboards and video calling. Not to mention the vast number of spy movies that feature secret agents speaking into their watches; something that wearable’s have now made possible, along with accessing the internet, playing at a casino online and responding to emails!
But there is one franchise that seems to have had the edge on predicting the future…
Source: vignette.wikia.nocookie.net
The Replicator
One of the most prominently featured futuristic gadgets is the infamous Replicator.
The Replicator was able to make everything from tea to a five-course meal appear in a heart-beat, quicker than what anyone could say, “Captain, to the bridge!”, in English or Vulcan. Today, we have similar technology at our disposal, in the form of the 3D printer. Whilst some 3D printers are actually able to reproduce food products, their true value lies in the creation of prosthetic limbs for humans as well as animals, bionic arm parts and even made-to-order customised musical instruments.
The Trekkies Knew All Along
Star Trek is probably the most popular futuristic franchise ever developed. Few people realise that the very first episode aired in 1966! The usual suspects aside – the human race constructing its own wipe-out for the umpteenth time, exciting and sometimes awkward encounters with those of the third, fourth and fifth kind, and of course the Federation and Starfleet – Star Trek also introduced its viewers to a number of hi-tech inventions!
The Universal Translator
Another wonderful invention predicted by Star Trek is the gadget that was known as the Universal Translator. This enabled the crew to communicate with just about any species from any far-away planet. We may not yet have to need to communicate cross-species, but we’re certainly benefiting from apps like Voice Translator by TalirApps and Google Translate. Voice Translator understands a very impressive 71 world languages. Simply speak in your mother tongue, and the app will translate what you have said into the chosen language.
The Holodeck
If the Replicator was most featured, then the Holodeck was most probably the most exciting concept of all. Visiting your home planet for a quick social encounter was no problem for the Holodeck and for those looking for love, a steamy affair with a hologram was a round-the-clock possibility.
Today, we have Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality available at our beck and call. Fancy a quick visit to the local casino but don’t feel like leaving home? No problem! Augmented Reality technology will zoom a live dealer and live casino setting into your own, private sitting room.
Creating a world of futuristic imagination has never been easier, and Star Trek predicted it all more than 50 years ago!