Why don't we have flying cars and laser guns yet?

Question

Looking back on all of our futuristic aspirations in sci-fi movies from yesteryear, I'm slightly disappointed. With technological advances moving as fast as they are, why does it seem like we're moving so slowly?

I just want a hover board, self-lacing Hyperdunks, and 3D movie marquees. Is that too much to ask?

Answer 1

no its not and i want a laser gun

Answer 2

1) Flying Cars. Many inventors and companies have tried to make flying cars. The closest to fruition have included the Skycar, Airphibian, and Aerobile. Widespread adoption will have to wait for better reliability, cheaper/more efficient fuel, and better control of airspace. TIME HORIZON: With proper entrepreneurial focus and government support, 15 years.

2) Laser Guns. Essentially already here, though not widely available. More broadly "directed energy weapons", a range of weapons have been developed in the last 10 years to disorient, injure, or kill the target. For example, the US Air Force developed the Personnel Halting and Stimulation Response, or PHaSR, as a non-lethal hand-held weapon to "dazzle" or stun a target. Don't know when these will be available at the local Wal-Mart or pawn shop. TIME HORIZON: Now.

3) Hover Board. In Back To The Future, McFly used a skateboard-like hoverboard without wheels. It's not likely to be developed anytime soon, mostly because it exhibited some features that didn't jibe with physics. It worked horizontal to the ground without leaving the feet for extended periods, only left the feet on when appropriate. Lots of problems. Even setting physics aside, the power source required and method of propulsion even today seem to rely on inventions yet to be conceived. TIME HORIZON: 50 years.

4) Self-lacing Hyperdunks. With Nokia's development of a shape-shifting cell phone and other advancements in nanotechnology, self-lacing seems not long in waiting. In fact, one clever firm has developed a reactive material that is soft most of the time, but hardens on impact like a helmet. It's used by motocross drivers and skateboarders. TIME HORIZON: 10 years.

5) 3D movie marquees. My favorite scene in Minority Report is the 3-D display. The horrible Affleck flick (redundant reference) Payback  featured a 3-D computer display. We're actually almost there. One company has figured out how to create virtually 3-D visual displays by projecting images on sheets of mist. Recently, another company claimed to be on the verge of developing a material that could bend light around it, creating an "invisible cloak," but also said it would take years to perfect. Depending on how demanding you want to be, I'd say it's already almost upon us. TIME HORIZON: 3 years.