By Briana Hayes
Staff Writer

The fact of the matter is that no matter how many times you watch movies or read books about the future, it is almost 2015, and not everyone is flying around on hoverboards yet. So how close are we to living in a society where “futuristic” expectations become present ones?

While various kinds of technologies are available, they are set at a very expensive price due to the expensive process used to make them. This means that only a select few can afford them. So really when will everyone have a hoverboard?

The most common kind of technology is a computer. The goal of computer companies is to be able to pack a lot into the smallest packaging possible. This is known as zero-size intelligence and involves the housing for the computer to almost reach zero.

Computers used to take up entire rooms; Then whole desktops, laps and palms, to micro-chip-sized casings and atom-powered transistors invisible to the naked eye. According to, Gordon E. Moore, a co-founder of Intel, when you purchase a new computer, an even newer model will already be advertised.

Eventually computers will have the ability to be run by atomic transistors, instead of the chips, which are now utilized.

Creating new technology deals with a lot of unknowns. One large unknown is that of human travel into space. In the 21st century, the space program has gone through some hardships such as budget cuts.

However, this hasn’t stopped people from dreaming about new inventions and innovations to allow the average person to enjoy the wonders of space. One invention is known as the Space Elevator.

People who support the technology of the future, or futurists have an idea for an elevator that has the capability to transport people from Earth to other planets and the moon.

This elevator would involve a 62,137 mile connection between Earth and an anchor station in space. However, this innovation is at least 40 years away, as people determine how to ensure that the “elevator” doesn’t just get stuck in the middle of space.

Another unknown that is a little more tangible is the possibilty a universal translator. Countries all have their own culture and with that comes various different languages and dialects that can sometimes make global communication difficult.

When an individual types a sentence into an Internet-based translator, there are usually errors. With a universal translator, different cultures would be able to communicate more effectively.

While these kinds of inventions are a little ways away from the current time period, there are a lot of advanced inventions that already exist. While they exist, they are expensive.

Google Glass is a pair of glasses that allow you to be able to view social media, text, Maps, and take photos on the go completely hands-free. Currently the device is only available to developers at $1,500. Other companies are working on creating a more affordable version for the average-income person.

While almost every movie is shown at the theaters in 3D, virtual reality is a completely different form of experiencing 3D. One example of this is the Oculus Rift, which allows users to believe as if they are inside a video game.

This device is sold for $300 and is pretty revolutionary for the gaming world. While the actual realism of the video game is still being developed, this device allows for movement of the head without disruption of the sensation of being inside a different world.

While none of these technologies is intrinsic to the survival of the human race and may do little for the betterment of society, unlike the advancement of medical technology, they prove that humans are always working to improve their lives, while sometimes focusing on technological improvements to get there.

So while we are still driving cars and not hoverboards, patience is key and eventually we will get there.