I don’t think so. There will always be a market for something that lets you see the time without any interaction, something that phones (for one) won’t be able to do until their batteries can keep the screen going (or enough of it for a clock display) 24/7.
And even when that happens, there’s the style factor of a nice watch.
Cheap cameras, sure. Small, not so much; at least not until camera phones get a LOT better.
Camera phone pictures stink overall. They’re ok for taking a picture when you don’t have a real camera handy and have a great shot, or for things where quality doesn’t count, like of products at the store to send to your wife asking which one is correct for her recipe, but for pictures of friends, family and vacations, cell phone cameras are atrocious.
So I got a Canon S100- it’s a small P&S camera, but it cost about 350 dollars. It takes pictures that are light-years ahead of the camera phones in terms of focus, metering and resolution.
I suspect that consumer digital camcorders are going to go away in the very near future though. There’s just nothing that a digital camcorder does that my 4 year old DSLR can’t do with a little effort, and the more recent versions can even do that stuff. Hell, the Canon S100 I mention above will take upwards of an hour of 1080p HD video with auto-focus, so I’m not at all sure what getting a digital camcorder would buy me. And the functionality will only continue to grow in future editions of digital cameras.
I for one like wrist watches because they deliver a instant gratification mobile phones cannot ever provide.
And even if smart watches become popular, I would still wager there will be niche market for standalone/traditional wrist watches, as they are relatively inexpensive on the low end, and on the high end, are worn more for style than they are for telling the time.
Assuming you’re not kidding, higher octane fuel is absolutely necessary for many engines. If not, you’re likely to suffer from pre-ignition/detonation, which will either hinder normal performance, or at worst, result in serious engine damage.
Besides, they’ve already gotten rid of higher octane fuels. I used to be able to get over 100, which came down to 94, and now 93 is the highest I can get (reasonably), and that’s on the east coast. If anything, they need to get rid of the terms “premium”, “super”, “regular”, etc. as they don’t properly describe what the fuel does for the car.
You mean WiFi? Because Ethernet is faster and more reliable.
With that being, Ethernet is already being slowly phased out on laptops, especially ultrabooks, because of size/space issues. With desktops, there is not the same size/space issues, so there is no real to not include it.
As much as I dearly love going to movie theaters, I don’t think I would invest in one today.
More and more smaller films are already coming out with “On Demand” variations with the ability to watch a movie - on opening day - from the comfort of home.
As people start to get used to the idea of plunking down $5 or so for a new film on their TV/computer/iPad or whatever, plus with people getting larger and larger screens at home, film makers (especially smaller, independent films) will see they can make back their investment with some form of pay-per-view at home.
And let’s be honest - other than some of the big blockbuster films with lots of special effects, do you really need a huge screen at the multi-plex to see most dramas and quirky comedies?
Again - I am not happy about it, but I think the writing is on the wall and movie theaters will have to find all kinds of new tricks to get you to drive there, pay premium prices for tickets and drinks and food and park and get a baby sitter, etc. etc. etc.
Our public library system is not only growing, but figuring out ways to actually make a small profit in some cases. The local branch is expanding for the second time in less than 10 years.
Honestly don’t get it. Haven’t stepped foot inside for over 20 years. But some of my fondest childhood memories involve hanging around the library, reading magazines, and meeting up with friends.
I wear a watch. Have probably 20 or more. Don’t feel dressed without one on. That said, none of my kids wear a watch. I really think its one of those generational divides…
Now, will Indy films rely on theaters less? Yeah, they already are. VOD is more economical for them than theater relase, but with blockbusters, it makes no real sense to drops theaters. It would be killing huge revenue source for the movie industry.
Oh, and as large as the home screen are getting, they still nowhere close to the monster size of theater screens, and I doubt they ever will be.
Don’t get me wrong. Will wrist watches decline in popularity? Probably.
However, I think will always be a niche market for them, due to their low cost, and style factor, on the high end.
I can see straight-up printers becoming obsolete, but the multi-function units will be around for a while. We’ve got an HP All-in-1 and use it every day. Scans directly to an SD or USB thumb drive. Can print from my iPhone or iPad, scan & email documents that don’t have to be faxed (still don’t get why some insist on fax) and actually print out a document every now and then. Must admit that I can edit better with a pen on paper than on a computer/iPad screen.