Holiday Technology Advances

As the holidays approach, the prospect of buying and receiving new technological gifts loams. On the New York Times website, I recently read a what's what guide of the newest and best items this holiday season. The list included items such as the E-book/ Kindles, kitchen technologies, smartphones, televisions, computers, cameras, etc. Reading the list, not only did the volume surprise me, but more so the variety. As our world expands, so does our dependence on technology. Think of every room in the house; from the kitchen to the bathroom, to the bedroom, almost every aspect of our lives relys on technology. Reading through the kitchen techologies list, I notices a number of interesting and at times, eye-opening, devices. Some of the items mentioned included the Oregon Scientific Grill Right Wireless Talking Oven/Barbeque Thermometer, the Musical Cake Tray by Deni, Viking Portable Induction Burner, and the Connectland USB Cup Warmer With U.S.B. Hub and Clock. By no means are these necessarily essential, everyday appliances, but it is amazing how far technology seems to be taking over our lives. For the first item, the Wireless thermometer, you can "mingle at your party" while still monorting the food. You simply pick your type of meat and what tempurature you want it at (rare, medium, etc.) and the device alerts you at the time its ready. The Musical Cake Tray not only sings the song of your choice, but also allows you to pick the measure of slice, and lights up the exact points at which you should cut. The Induction Burner allows you to cook anywhere, and uses magnitism to create a stable oven-top; it may be handy, but it is also $600. The last item, the Cup Warmer, keeps your drink mug warm all day, allowing the user to pick a tempurature, and it doesn't even need a plug (it can pug right into your computer). While this devices are incredible, it is a little scary (at least to me) how involved technology is in our lives; in 50 years, will we do nothing for ourselves?

[image 1: (the the left) Oregon Scientific Grill Right Wireless Talking Oven/Barbeque Thermometer, image 2: (the the right) Connectland USB Cup Warmer With U.S.B. Hub and Clock- http://www.nytimes.com/gift-guide/holiday-2009/tech-pogue-kitchen/list.html]