Unit 7 new gadgets - what can we expect? lead - in activity

Task 1. Short discussion.

1. How fast does technology advance?

2. What is the reason of the fast technological development?

3. What new devices can you name? What are they characterized with?

Task 2. Look at the following quotations. Which of them do you agree with? Why? Discuss in pairs:

‘It is assumed that anyone who makes a million dollars has a unique gift, though he might have made it off some useless gadget’

William Faulkner (American short-story writer and novelist)

‘A new gadget that lasts only five minutes is worth more than an immortal work that bores everyone’

Francis Picabia (French painter and illustrator)

READING

Task 3. Read the following words and find their Ukrainian equivalents. Try to explain their meanings:

envision, electronics, bionics, ergonomics, certainly, non-proliferation, perspective, generation, machismo, allow, integration, discussions, weapons, nanotechnology, eco-friendly.

Task 4. Read and translate the text:

New gadgets - what can we expect?

Emerging tech is exciting in and of itself, but it is nothing compared to future technology 5, 10, 50 and 100 years from now.

One can only imagine the future technology that our kids will be able to use on a daily basis. Future technology will allow the generation of today to live longer due to advances in medicine, use more high tech computers and electronics, and drive future cars with no emissions and zero carbon footprints.

Not only that but our grandchildren will take advantage of future energy, smart homes and cars, robots and bionics to serve them and make life easier. Future weapons will actually be smarter, more precise and reduce the need for machismo among countries and will encourage non-proliferation.

We all think from time to time about what the next generation of new gadgets will bring. Everybody has their own view on how certain things should be improved. Whole discussions can take place over one of the latest gadgets and it doesn’t just stop there because on forum websites members can state their opinion on the latest technology has to offer.

Based on current trends there are a number of factors that will certainly feature in future gadgets for men. Obviously, things will get smaller and faster with the use of smaller, but higher speed chips. Designs for ergonomics and aesthetics with a focus on the future, with the use of eco-friendly materials will definitely be musts. The use of LCD, LED and touchpad controls and the integration of many applications into one device that is what we can realistically envisage.

To enable new gadgets to advance this way science will be looking to nanotechnology and the use of new materials to accommodate faster processors and micro-electronics leading to miniaturization. Designs will be bolder with an eye on integrating complex technology, but making it simple to use. The use of more environmentally friendly materials in new gadgets as well as a push for low power usage will sit well with the current world environmental policies. The integration of various technologies and applications into one new gadget will reduce the need to carry a number of items.

What we cannot really predict is how fast technology will move on new gadgets and what new inventions will change our perspective on the way that we live our lives.