The Next New Thing

On January 13, a day will pass with an anniversary few might recognize, the 100th anniversary of the first radio broadcast in 1910. Why even mention it you think? With the start of a new decade, a look back could shed a light on what may or may not be on the horizon in the world of communications.  This could be a book, but I will keep it short.

Certainly the need for better communications among those fighting the two World Wars, on land, sea or air pushed the first radio broadcast to its new limits and the tubes in old fashioned radios brought music, news and entertainment to the masses.  Advances in radio technology happened as the same time as “moving pictures” brought a visual aspect to the audio in the new “talkies.”  

The proven techniques discovered old silent films, such as more creative editing, were brought to the changed medium. The search of color led to Technicolor in the 1940’s.  Now, with the integration of other technology, mainly computers and their programs, digitally produced movies and special effects make stars of imagined characters.

The way movies are delivered, in theaters, went to BETA video tape, which lost to VHS video tape which has lost to DVD’s and further advances in that medium of delivery.  Then there’s TV, which in the last 60 years, which did not eliminate radio as predicted. As TV advanced in programming and technology, it helped the movies, too. The lines of communication began to blur even then. Radio went to just music or talk and advertising benefited other forms of communication – TV shows and movies.

Then the impact of computers has affected every other medium of communication. The invention of the Internet in one branch has led to Instant Messaging, then texting and then tweets.  The computing devices became smaller and more powerful to the point where phones are just an accessory on communications devices in pockets and purses.  Where is all this technology going?  Perhaps the computer, or one similar to it, which I am composing this column will make it to a museum 100 years from now.

In the meantime, what will happen?   According to an article, “Computer Recycling: Properly Disposing of Older Computers and Parts” by Mark Kyrnin, tons of electronics equipment with hazardous materials have been thrown away with standard garbage. Over time, these materials leak out of the electronics causing damage to the environment. In order to try and reduce the threat, many local, state and federal governments are enacting legislation that requires proper disposal of old electronics.

Most computer equipment becomes outdated anywhere from one to five years after its purchase. This puts a burden on consumers to try and properly dispose of old equipment lying around the house. So, what are the different avenues that we can use to get rid of all this equipment properly? Briefly the answers include government programs, manufacturer recycling programs, donating old equipment.

Will CDs and DVDs be viewed anciently as pressed vinyl records and 8-track tapes in 100 years from now?  Will an I-Pod be a mode of transportation? Will keyboards be replaced by voiced commands, as it is being done now?  One thing is for sure.

People will need to communicate, to entertain and be creative, through remnants of computers and Internet, movies, music, TV, and radio.  The message of Christ will be part of the future, and I probably won’t be around to see the next new thing. I do know that I can be a part of what does exist now. I read somewhere in the Bible, a guy named Paul sent letters to other people centuries ago and people are still reading them.

Peace be you with always,

Rev. Paul Abernathy 

Contact Paul Abernathy at paulabernathy@gmail.com.

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