When I talk about technologically
sound storage, I’m not referring to cloud based storage solutions as I often do.
In this case, I’m talking about old-school storage like safes, cigar boxes, wine
cases, and watch boxes. I’ve been thoroughly enamoured recently by how physical
storage has been taking shape. Not only is there a dedicated storage solution
for all your treasured possessions, but they come with range of advanced
features that would make Tim Cook hang his head in shame.
My curiosity was piqued after
coming across an apparently modern range of cigar boxes and wine coolers at a
trade show. I expected a bunch of antiques initially, but I was pleasantly surprised.
The ultra-sleek storage systems came complete with a futuristic look, as well
some awesome features including fingerprint scanners, smartphone compatibility
(although I’m not entirely sure what for) and room temperature sync
capabilities. This is starting to sound more like something from Bill Gates’
house.
It appears that with the rise in
the value and capabilities of our consumer electronics and various other
possessions, the need for greater and safer storage was only naturally going to
follow. As such, as our regular watch has become a smart-watch, our storage
solutions have followed this pattern of development.
Whilst storage solutions for
expensive items is nothing new, I was mainly enamoured with how our watch boxes
and shoe boxes had evolved alongside our consumer electronics. Although I’d
never seen a particular fuss around these products on the market, I assume it’s
just because I’m not part of the target demographic; I leave my things
scattered on the side without concern for their well being, almost quite
foolishly.
On the other side of the argument,
my entire point could easily be dismissed. The development and sale of these
storage solutions is simply aimed at the wealthy, not for everyday jewellery or
watches like many people own. The value of these technologically advanced safes
and boxes is on most occasions level or greater than the items in which they
protect. My point then shifts to something I’ve discussed previously on
multiple occasions; the rise of products as mass-market consumer technologies
and electronics.
I previously wrote about the rise
of robotics as mass market products. Although the concept seems odd, I believed it was
only a matter of time before the consumer electronics market evolved to the
point in which it would be possible. I stated the evolution of the robotics
market was all dependent on how consumer products evolved over the next decade.
The need for advanced forms of security
has of course become tied with many aspects of new technologies, such as the
rise of cryptocurrencies and new media. As the capabilities to break and enter
within a digital sense have become more sophisticated, paranoia has spread
through many aspects of the media and political spectrum, encouraging us to
take the steps necessary to protect ourselves. Even the world’s largest
governments fear a future of digitally enabled cyber-war.
This is just a parallel, but it
still represents how our worldly possessions are changing form in the digital
spectrum. Will these advanced forms of smart-security become part of the mass
market consumer culture? Only time can tell at this point.
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