Retro Tech — Season 2
Futurists predicted that the tech of today would surround us with flying cars, robot maids, and teleportation. While some of these predictions are still sci-fi, others like mobile video calls, virtual
About this season
Futurists predicted that the tech of today would surround us with flying cars, robot maids, and teleportation. While some of these predictions are still sci-fi, others like mobile video calls, virtual reality, and even A.I. and quantum computers are quickly becoming a part of daily life. In season two, Brownlee unravels these retro tech promises and sees just how close we've come in 2021 and the direction revolutionary tech is headed next.
Episodes (5)
1. Flying Cars
Aired 13 April 2021 • 20 min
No matter what year, the idea of flying vehicles helps cement our sense of when the future begins. I’m taking a look at everything flying – from cars to skateboards – and seeing where the tech currently stands. I also look at some classic old toys with comedian Michael Ian Black.
2. Teleportation
Aired 14 April 2021 • 20 min
For decades people have dreamed of a technology that would allow them to instantly be somewhere else. I’m taking a deep dive into teleportation tech and the next best thing – virtual reality with Jake Baldino and Neil DeGrasse Tyson.
3. Robots
Aired 15 April 2021 • 20 min
I'm taking a look at the tech predictions of the past that we thought would be our future – and in particular robots. I cast an eye back to the toy robots of the 60s, 70s, and 80s and some of the movies that spawned them. And along the way I talk to UrAvgConsumer and Chris Gethard.
4. Hyperconnectivity
Aired 16 April 2021 • 20 min
How did we all get so hyperconnected? I’m taking a look at where it all started – the simple phone – and how things developed. How we went from answering machines to AOL messenger to Facetime. But I’m also taking a look at where it’s all going; and I’m looking at tech that will one day allow us to communicate telepathically.
5. Smart Homes
Aired 17 April 2021 • 20 min
In this episode I’m looking at smart home technology. From remote controls to the Clapper, we’ll find out where it began and where it’s headed. I’m also joined by none other than Bill Gates about how climate change and optimizing energy usage play a part in revolutionizing our homes.