Why tomorrow’s technology still isn’t here
We love to imagine the future. But why are ground-breaking future technologies always just around the corner, and never a reality?
For decades we’ve delighted in dreaming about a sci-fi utopia, from flying cars and bionic humans to hyperloops and smart cities. And why not? Building a better world — be it a free-flying commute or an automated urban lifestyle — is a worthy dream. Given the pace of technological change, nothing seems impossible anymore. But why are these innovations always out of reach?
Delving into the remarkable history of technology, The Long History of the Future introduces us to the clever scientists, genius engineers and eccentric innovators who first brought these ideas to life and have struggled to make them work since. These stories reveal a more realistic picture of how these technologies may evolve — and how we’ll eventually get to use them. You may never be able to buy a fully driverless car, but automated braking and steering could slash collision rates. Smart cities won’t perfect city life, but they could help empty bins on time. Hyperloops may never arrive, but superfast trains are already here.
We always believe current technology is the best it could be. By looking to the past and the future, Nicole Kobie shows how history always proves us wrong and how what lies ahead may not be what we imagine, but so much better.
Bio
Nicole Kobie is a London-based technology and science journalist. Her bylines appear in Wired, where she is a contributing editor, PC Pro, where she’s the futures editor, and publications as wide ranging as Teen Vogue, New Scientist and GQ.
Nicole specialises in debunking government and startup PR around future technologies. Over the years she has reported on the limitations of flying cars and the slow research into computer-brain interfaces for Wired, the slow pace of self-driving cars for PC Pro, and the reality of quantum computing for IT PRO. Born in Calgary, Canada, she now lives in Tottenham, London.
Standard Stuff
Talks are usually on the 4th Wednesday of every month, at 7:00 for 7:30, at The Winchester Club in Winchester. Please take a look at the FAQs for more info.
Admission is £5 which also gives you an entry in the book raffle. We take cash and major cards (cards preferred).
The event is in two parts – the talk and then a Q&A after the interval. We encourage you to support the venue by indulging in the available drinks before and during the event.
You are also welcome to join us for a drink in the bar after the event.