It goes without saying that a lot can change in ten years. But when it comes to technology, ten years is a lifetime. It’s hard to imagine that it was only the 90s when technology started becoming a ‘thing’ in general – from the launch of the World Wide Web in 1990 to the first Nokia phone in 1992.
So, what’s changed since 2010? The answer is: a lot. And I’m here to share with you exactly what. Alexa? Begin countdown.
CONTACTLESS PAYMENTS – 2010
Despite Barclays introducing contactless payment cards in the UK back in 2007, it took several years for the ‘tap-and-go’ craze to take effect – with roughly 58 million contactless cards being used by 2014. Throughout the entire decade we’ve seen the introduction of Google and Apple Pay, and using chip and PIN is almost a thing of the past. In fact, the only time I use my PIN number now is to withdraw cash. Which I have to do to control my payments, given that it’s now far too easy to buy things.
It became even easier to spend money in 2016 when wearable technology, such as Apple Watch, introduced its mobile payment features. Ironically this decade also saw the launch of the new polymer banknotes in 2016.
4G – 2012
Here’s one that’ll blow your socks off: we’ve only had 4G since 2012. The super-fast mobile network launched in 11 UK cities on Tuesday 30th October 2012, via EE.
Prior to this we pushed on with the now-slow 3G network – and when the upgrade came we couldn’t quite get over the excitement of our phones boasting the 4G symbol.
So, EE got the exclusive launch – with packages including the entry-level £36pm for just 500mb. We all know now that 500mb won’t give you any more than just two episodes of Peaky Blinders, so times have definitely changed.
Other mobile networks followed suit in 2013, and more cities became eligible for the new speeds – now we just take 4G for granted. In fact, we’re now ready to jump to 5G…
VIRTUAL REALITY GAMING – 2012
Virtual reality gaming has been done before – take the dreadful Nintendo Virtual Boy for example. But I’m talking about the next-gen new wave of VR gaming here, which came about in the form of Oculus.
Oculus started out life as a successful Kickstarter campaign, and began development – stirring up the industry and giving techy-heads everywhere something to talk about. After giving a sample of its technology to Samsung by releasing the Samsung Gear VR in 2015, the first Oculus Rift came to the table in 2016.
This astounding technology has since turned into a household gadget, via the means of peripherals (the PlayStation VR) and standalone units such as the HTC VIVE. Both of these have their own exclusive games catalogues, including spin-offs and add-ons from franchises such as Resident Evil, Portal, and Tomb Raider.
NEXT-GEN GAMING – 2012+
This past decade has seen some huge developments in gaming, including the release of the Sony PS4, the Xbox One, and the Nintendo Switch – and the world of mobile gaming has also seen the launch of Apple Arcade.
And more exciting developments have hit the gaming world as a result – including the introduction of battle royale survival gaming; video game subscription services; and augmented reality via the means of interactive games such as Pokemon Go.
I think these past ten years have been some of the most crucial in gaming since the recovery of the video game crash of 1983. While we may not have seen perfection in gaming’s advances yet, it’s fair to say that we’ve definitely seen some hefty glances into the future – and it’s bloody exciting.
GOOGLE GLASS – 2013
Right, do you remember that bit in Back to the Future were Marty’s playing Johnny B Goode and no one likes it, and he utters the famous line: “I guess you guys aren’t ready for that yet… but your kids are gonna love it”? That’s the perfect way to sum up Google Glass.
It was a massive failure, let’s be honest. To the point that it could have been seen as one ginormous April Fools. Alas, it was to be taken seriously.
For those of you completely oblivious to what this crazy invention was, let me explain. Google created a pair of ‘smart glasses’ that looked like something out of an Avengers movie, and allowed you to check the weather, view your call log and take pictures and video, right in front of your face. While they looked like a pair of normal, albeit futuristic, glasses, they housed a touchpad on the side that allowed you to navigate through apps and functions. You could remotely control them by lifting your head up slightly while wearing them and then telling them to do something – such as ‘take a picture’.
As you can imagine, Google Glass was a huge threat to privacy, and therefore it didn’t last long. Microsoft on the other hand seem to be getting it right, with their ongoing development of the mixed-reality HoloLens. Check that out. Crazy.
ALEXA – 2014
You’ve gotta feel for the poor ladies out there that share their name with Amazon’s virtual assistant. This voice-activated companion has found its way into millions of homes all over the world, making it easier for parents everywhere to multitask and for forgetful millennials like me to remember what’s on the shopping list.
It’s hard to imagine a world where Alexa is actually nothing more than a regular girl’s name – but prior to 2014 that’s all it was.
Of course, a little nod has to be made here to Google’s answer to Alexa, OK Google, which can also be found in people’s mobile phones. And then there’s Siri… but we already know and love Siri.
TESLA CYBERTRUCK – 2019
Elon Musk’s innovative company Tesla are regularly in the news for their ground-breaking and occasionally controversial inventions – and the Cybertruck was no different. In fact, you could say the Cybertruck has been their most controversial to date with its futuristically garish design.
It’s a bit like a DeLorean and a Year 2 Geometry lesson had a baby. I mean, as far as the specs go it’s a truly incredible breakthrough in automobile technology – and not impossibly expensive either at approximately $40,000-50,000. But its aesthetics take some getting used to. It literally looks like a cartoon.
Actual production of the Cybertruck is said to start in 2021, so we’re a way off from seeing this beast on the road yet – but pre-orders are already being taken for just £100. So if you want to be the absolute talk of the roads in a couple of years’ time then get saving and put in that order.
So, there we have it. A small cluster of innovations over the past ten years. Were your favourites here? Or did I miss one? Let me know in the comments and tell me what you’re hoping to see in the 20s!
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