Black Mirror Tech That’s Already Here!
The Verge said it perfectly: “If Black Mirror could be summed up in one sentence, it’d probably be ‘Technology is exciting, but people are awful, and they keep finding the worst ways to apply it.’” If you’re a fan of the show, you might think it’s an interesting glimpse into the future. But, some of the technology you see throughout the series already exists in nascent stages. The six products below will give you a taste of a future that’s already here.
(Follow the Black Mirror Tech collection on Product Hunt that will be regularly updated)
1. Peeple
Rate human beings (seriously).
Peeple is oddly reminiscent of the first episode of Black Mirror’s third season. You can rate the people you interact with in your daily life, through your personal, professional, and dating circles. Though direction of the app has since pivoted, the early version was poorly received by the tech community. So, while it doesn’t seem likely that a real life version of what Black Mirror portrays will become a welcomed reality any time soon, it is interesting (and kind of uplifting) to see how people responded to an app that had the potential to perpetuate trolling and bullying on the internet (even if that was totally not the intention of the app’s founders).
2. Magic Leap
A lightweight wearable that brings your dreams to life.
Magic Leap will remind you of the people in elderly homes getting five hours a week of “San Junipero” time, a virtual place that looks and feels to them like reality. This incredible technology brings some of that Black Mirror magic to life. Earlier this year, the company (which is based in Florida) raised a $793.5 million C-round (!!!)—and they haven’t even released a beta version of their product yet. It just goes to show how great the hope is for an mind-blowing virtual reality that might just be coming sooner than any of us think.
3. Microsoft Hololens
An augmented reality headset from Microsoft.
Of course, companies like Magic Leap aren’t the only ones with skin in the AR/VR game. Microsoft, unsurprisingly, has a big team dedicated to augmented reality. Their latest development? Microsoft Hololens. Just like what you’ll find in Black Mirror, this headset is an example of the quickly blurring line between our digital and real lives. It has the potential to change the way we think, create, and connect. We can’t wait to see how people start to integrate technology like this into their everyday lives.
4. Snapchat Spectacles
Embedded camera sunglasses by Snapchat.
In “The Entire History of You,” the third episode of the first season, the characters can record and playback all of their memories through embedded contact lenses called “grain implants.” Spectacles is a take on that concept, created by the Snapchat team. You can take up to 30 seconds of video (in 10-second increments) that mirror what you’re seeing from your own eyes. Then, you can wirelessly add your snaps to Memories on Snapchat. If you’ve ever thought, “I wish I could capture this moment like I’m experiencing it,” this kind of technology will feel like a dream come true.
5. ChatLike.me
Create a Twitter bot that tweets like you.
The first episode of the second season opens with an eerie story about a young couple who’s life takes a sad turn when the husband dies in a car accident. The wife, while grieving the death of her partner, begins using an online service that allows people to communicate with the deceased. First through emails, and then with a physical clone, she keeps a relationship alive with a man who no longer is. While ChatLike.me isn’t close to as creepy, it is an interesting example of automated “personality development.” Just enter your Twitter username, and out pops a string of automated tweets that “sound” like you. Fascinating. :-)
6. Pact
Earn cash for working out and living healthy.
This app, Pact, will take you back to the episode “Fifteen Million Merits” (Season 1, Episode 2), where virtually everything in the real world is gamified. In that world, people perform actions that generate a currency called “Merits.” One of the worst parts? Everyday activities are interrupted by ads that can’t be ignored or skipped without getting a financial penalty (in other words, every TV lover’s worst nightmare). Luckily, Pact seeks to generate more positive results that you’ll see towards the end of that Black Mirror episode. You’ll put real money into this app, and it’s more about not losing it than earning it. The members who live healthy earn money from those who don’t…which is certainly an interesting incentive for getting people to exercise and eat well. Give it a try—the results might surprise you.
For more check out the complete Black Mirror Tech collection on Product Hunt!
P.S. The Ringer wrote an excellent post about the feasibility of some of the technologies shown in Black Mirror. One is a bit too far into the future, but most are is either here now or will be in 5 years time! 😱
