Random Dumbest Technology In Science Fiction (14 items)

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  (#2) Disclosure

  • Film

  Intended Use: Tech company Digicom stores all of its data in a virtual reality system called the Corridor. Tom Sanders (Michael Douglas) attempts to break into the company's Corridor after a former lover (and current boss) attempts to ruin his life.

  Actual Use: This brand of virtual reality makes the user feel like they are somewhere else - somewhere else with a bunch of 2D documents projected in front of them. At best, the Corridor is a high-tech overhead projector.

  Better Technology: Virtual reality today is growing exponentially. From video games to escape rooms to medical use, VR is already centuries past the sad VR technology of Disclosure.
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  (#5) Quantum Leap

  • TV Program

  Intended Use: The Handlink allows the user to open and close the Imaging Chamber. Here, the Observer can watch the Leaper and their surroundings - and vice versa. 

  Actual Use: The remote, which inexplicably looks like it's made of Legos, always needs a good thwack before it works. Shouldn't such sophisticated technology be more reliable than a Nintendo cartridge? 

  Better Technology: We might not be able to see other people's surroundings at different points in time like in Quantum Leap, but we do have discreet camera and tracking systems. Any operative trying to tape undetected can even buy spy-grade camera equipment off Amazon.
• 

  (#6) Johnny Mnemonic

  • Film

  Intended Use: It's the year 2021, and Johnny Mnemonic (Keanu Reeves) is a freelance data courier who holds sensitive information in his brain's cyberkinetic implant. 

  Actual Use: In order to store data in his brain, Johnny has to dump all his childhood memories to clear out enough space. So how much data can he store? A whopping 80 gigabytes, or about as much memory as a modern-day smartphone. Now Johnny does end up pushing that to 320 GB - which is about as much RAM as can be found in an upgraded Playstation 3. However, the movie claims this much data can destroy a courier's mind.

  Better Technology: Elon Musk has been developing his Neuralink for quite some time now. Initial plans are to have paralyzed people use the Neuralink to control computers and tablets. And if we discover a way to hack our brains, we may have the capacity to store roughly a petabyte of data. That would be enough data to store the internet in its entirety.
• 

  (#12) Predator

  • Film

  Intended Use: The Self-Destruct Device is nestled in the Wrist Gauntlet worn by the Yautja, AKA the Predators, and used as a last resort. Instead of facing defeat, the Yautja can use this to eradicate the evidence of their presence and end their life with honor.

  Actual Use: The destruction created by the Wrist Gauntlet does not seem to follow any laws of physics. How can a nuclear explosion stay so contained? The gauntlet has a slew of gadgets and add-ons, like blades, which all require different button combinations. What happens if the wrong one is pressed and the self-destruct option is selected? 

  Better Technology: While we don't have nuclear wristwatches, there are blades designed just like that of the Predators. 
• 

  (#11) Back to the Future Part II

  • Film

  Intended Use: This smart jacket is designed to auto-dry whenever it gets wet. It also has some sort of advanced wiring technology that allows it to adjust perfectly to the size of the wearer. Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) gets it from Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd) when he visits the far out future of 2015.

  Actual Use: How heavy is this jacket? Doc Brown tells Marty that there are fans inside the jacket meant to help dry it. There also has to be a slew of heavy wires that contrast and extend all of the material in the jacket. 

  Better Technology: Smart clothes exist, and it is a growing industry. For example, Under Armour makes an Athlete Recovery Sleepwear that wicks heat away from the body and releases infrared light meant to help the user sleep better. It also aids in muscle recovery. Sounds a lot better than something that can be done by a tailor.
• 

  (#10) Avatar

  • Film

  Intended Use: These clear computer displays are used by the military as they attempt to mine the valuable unobtanium from the alien planet Pandora. The idea is that you can see vast amounts of data from different angles.

  Actual Use: Even though Avatar art director Neil Huxley said he gained inspiration from real military interfaces, he wasn't basing it off any actual 3D system already in existence. If this were to go to market, folks would have a fit when they wouldn't be able to make out anything on the screen - which would be often. 

  Better Technology: Projected interface is speculated to make a big impact in our kitchens. Brands like Ikea and Whirlpool have created mockups of interactive cooktops and kitchens that project instructions and placement for you. Also, we already have efficient touchscreens that we can see perfectly well backlit - no need to go clear.

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