Change is inevitable. Technology makes some things obsolete as something bigger (or smaller) and better comes out replacing the old. They no longer fill rooms. In fact, the phone in your front pocket likely has more processing power than computers from 10 or 15 years ago.
Vehicles are all much safer than 15-20 years ago, with improved technology allowing for much stronger and safer bodies and items like rear-view cameras and butt warmers. How did we ever survive long winter trips with cold derrieres? I have no idea.
Some of the stuff that cars and trucks already have, not to mention coming soon, are amazing. I had a friend in B.C. who has a new truck with cameras in every direction. There is no excuse for backing into someone in the parking lot. The interfaces are pretty crazy too. She could see all four cameras at once. Of course, there's also satellite radio, built-in GPS, smartphone connectivity and more on that big display. I wouldn't be surprised if it also read your fortune.
Heated seats are nice but now there are heated windshield wipers and side mirrors. How handy is that on those cold mornings? Apparently some of these new cars even have heated massage seats. Just what you need on those long, late night drives. Where's my built-in espresso machine?
Self-correcting vehicles is another incredible new feature. The self-adjusting vehicle uses brakes and on- board cameras to automatically keep you in the centre of the lane. How cool is that?
Of course, change can sometimes be frightening. For our neighbours to the south Trumpocalypse begins soon. But that's a whole other issue.
- Lindsay is the reporter for the Mountain View Gazette
