10 Predictions That Became Reality

Great Scott! Back to the Future Day is upon us, and as we don our self-lacing sneakers and check our holographic calendars, it’s time to reflect on the vision by Marty McFly and Doc Brown. While we might not have flying cars or hoverboards that truly hover, the world of Back to the Future Part II did manage to predict quite a few technological advances that have become a reality. So, hop in your DeLorean and join us on this journey through 10 Back to the Future II inventions that are available for purchase today.

Personal Drones: 

Remember those ubiquitous flying drones in the movie? While they might not be walking your dog just yet, drones are now widely available for consumers, offering creative possibilities like aerial photography and even aerial fishing. You can capture stunning images or simply make your neighbors curious about your holiday party activities.

Tablets and Mobile Payment Technology: 

The film featured a flat, wireless device used for electronic donations. In reality, mobile technology has far surpassed this vision. We now have smartphone apps like Venmo, Apple Pay, and Square, allowing us to exchange cash electronically with the ease of fingerprint recognition, making transactions a breeze.

Biometric Devices: 

Fingerprint recognition is not just for unlocking doors but also for securing our devices, viewing bank accounts, and more. While the movie predicted the issue of fingerprint theft, we’ve managed to implement these technologies in a way that doesn’t require drastic measures like thumb removal.

Hands-Free Gaming Consoles: 

In the nostalgic Cafe ’80s scene, Marty’s ability to play an arcade game with his hands is mocked by two kids. But today, we have VR gaming, allowing players to control onscreen actions using voice and gestures. Similar technology for computing and smart homes is also on the rise thanks to innovations by Apple and Amazon.

Smart Clothing and Wearable Technology: 

While we’re still waiting for power-lacing sneakers and auto-drying jackets, we already have a host of wearable technology products. From fitness trackers like Fitbit to “smart shirts” that monitor health data, technology has made its way into our clothing and accessories. Stain-proof clothes and color-changing high heels are also under development.

Video Phones: 

The film’s vision of video calls is now a reality with applications like Skype and FaceTime. Even Facebook has adopted the idea of sharing personal details electronically. Although the film did miss the mark on the widespread use of fax machines, we’ve come a long way in terms of video communication.

Waste-Fueled Cars:

 While we may not have fusion engines or flux capacitors, Toyota is promoting its hydrogen fuel cell car, the Mirai, which offers an environmentally friendly way to power vehicles. The eco-friendliness is further improved by experiments with solar and wind-powered hydrogen generation and even harvesting hydrogen from waste.

Hoverboards: 

Unfortunately, the “hoverboards” available today are not quite what we saw in the movie. They have wheels and don’t actually hover. However, companies like Arx Pax and Lexus have created working hoverboards, albeit limited to conductive surfaces. While it might not be your primary mode of transportation, it’s a step in the right direction.

Video Glasses: 

The film accurately predicted that personal technology would disrupt the dinner table, and today’s high-tech video goggles, like Google Glass, continue this trend. These devices can be used for watching videos, capturing images, and searching the internet, though they have seen a shift away from mainstream adoption.

Pepsi Perfect: 

To celebrate the trilogy’s 30th anniversary, Pepsi released limited-edition bottles of “Pepsi Perfect,” the soda of choice in the film. These collectible bottles may not come with a futuristic taste, but they are a nod to the beloved movie.

While we may not be commuting in flying cars or dodging bullies on real hoverboards, it’s fascinating to see how the technological predictions of Back to the Future II have become a part of our everyday lives. So, whether you’re sipping a Pepsi Perfect or capturing stunning drone footage, the future may not be exactly as the movie depicted, but it’s pretty darn close.