Have you ever stopped to think about all the ways in which technology is impacting our lives? While there are some obvious ways in which we use technological innovations every day, and it is apparent that they are steeped in technology, what about all the ‘little’ things we take for granted day in and day out? So many of our luxuries wouldn’t be possible without technological innovation. Here are just a few of the ways in which technology is changing our lives – some for the better and some maybe not so much.

Smart Devices

Isn’t it funny that just a couple decades ago we were thrilled to have remote controls for the television so we didn’t need to get up to change channels? Now, we not only have remotes, but we have smart televisions that we can program to do everything from record shows to shutting themselves off when no activity is ‘seen’ for a period of time.

Some televisions can resize screens automatically for HD viewing, which is even more interesting when you think about it. But televisions aren’t the only smart devices in your home, and in fact, many homes are now smart homes as well!

Smart Homes

Once upon a time, we would hurry home to make sure the lights were on and the furnace turned up before it got dark, but now there are smart controllers for all that. Our homes can literally operate everything from the temperature of our water, which can be set according to the preference of the bather, to self-opening windows when the weather is fair outdoors.

From smart alarms to smart appliances, it’s almost like we don’t need to do anything but walk in the door and wait until dinner is ready, sit down and eat. Heck, we don’t even need to switch channels for the nightly news. The smart television will do that for you!

E-Cigs and Vaping Devices

Here is an interesting way in which technology is changing our lives. Vaping is one of the hottest trends at the moment because you are no longer left with two choices in flavors. Prior to e-cigs and vaping devices, you had menthol and regular tobacco and a few odd-flavored cigarettes such as clove and peach. Now you can get interestingly flavored vape kits in any flavor imaginable, and some you can blend yourself.

Did you ever stop to think about the technology that makes vaping possible? The coil is the crux of vaping technology that heats e-liquid to a temperature resulting in vapor. Then there is the proper mixture of either glycerin or propylene glycol that will react at the correct temperature to make that vapor. While we like to think of vaping as a trendy way to puff away without smelling like a dirty ashtray, it’s only possible because of the technology that makes it work.

Wearables

This is a relatively new technology on the sales end, although it has been around for quite some time. Now it is possible to help manage your own care without needing to run to the doctor every time something feels amiss, because a wearable will take the vital signs needed, transmit the data to your clinician via a smartphone and then wait for a response from your healthcare provider. If you need to be seen, that call will come quickly.

It’s one way to be proactive in your care without inundating the doctor’s office with visits, which are unnecessary. You also won’t need to rush out the door every time you suspect something is wrong. However, the one cause for concern here is in those times when technology may malfunction. The best course of action is always to contact your physician if you are concerned. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Are You Lonely? Conversational Robots Are Here!

It’s funny to remember that that robo vacuum cleaner was the talk of the town just a couple years ago. You would turn it on and it would roll around your floor in a continuous ‘sweep’ to vacuum everything in its path. Now, robots have progressed to such a degree that we have talking robots who can actually carry on a conversation with you.

No, they can’t get up and change the channels on your television (yet!), and they can’t take the garbage out, but if you’re lonely, you’ll have someone to talk to which is nice for those living alone or away from their families for extended periods of time. And what about a robot who can perceive your emotions? No way! Actually, Pepper can!

These are just a very few of the ways that technology is changing our lives, but they are interesting changes nonetheless. It will be even more interesting to see what the future holds, because if these are any indication of future progress, we are in for some exciting days ahead.