From Sci-Fi to Reality: How Films Inspired the Tech Around Us

21 August 2025

Paul Francis

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A Nostalgic Glimpse of the Future

There was a certain magic in sitting down to watch a sci-fi film as a child, eyes wide, heart racing, as heroes tapped sleek screens, spoke into tiny devices, or zoomed around in cars that seemed to fly. The future felt just a reel away, and we often marveled at gadgets that seemed impossible. Yet over the decades, many of these fantastical inventions have crept off the screen and into our pockets, homes, and daily lives.

Foldable smartphone with a purple cover, standing open on a marble surface. The screen displays the time 17:51 and a colorful graphic.

Star Trek and the Rise of Mobile Phones

One of the most obvious examples is the mobile phone. Fans of Star Trek will remember the original series’ communicators, small flip devices that allowed instant contact across distances. These were a clear inspiration for the flip phones that became ubiquitous in the 1990s and early 2000s. Even today, the sleek, touch-screen smartphones we carry owe a nod to that early vision of portable, personal communication.

Beyond Phones: Sci-Fi as a Blueprint for Innovation

Films like Back to the Future Part II imagined hoverboards, self-lacing shoes, and video calling long before they became tangible possibilities. Science fiction has often served as a blueprint, a source of collective imagination that engineers and designers try to replicate. Robotic assistants, smart home devices, and augmented reality technologies can all trace at least part of their conceptual lineage back to the silver screen.

Medical Technology Inspired by Fiction

Medical technology has also benefited from the visionary ideas of science fiction. The Star Trek medical tricorder, capable of diagnosing ailments instantly, inspired real-world attempts at portable diagnostic tools. Companies and researchers have been working on handheld devices capable of scanning vitals and detecting illnesses quickly, a technology that could revolutionise healthcare access in remote areas.

Challenges of Turning Fiction Into Reality

Yet translating fiction into reality is rarely straightforward. Many innovations seen in films face practical, economic, and ethical challenges. The self-driving cars imagined in Total Recall and Minority Report are now being tested in real cities, but safety, regulation, and infrastructure remain hurdles. Similarly, while gesture-controlled interfaces and holographic displays dazzle audiences in cinemas, creating responsive, reliable, and affordable versions for daily use is far from simple.

Close-up of a person wearing glowing, futuristic HUD glasses with digital patterns. Eye-focused, hi-tech ambiance against a dark backdrop.

Nostalgia Keeps the Dream Alive

Nostalgia, however, keeps the dream alive. Older audiences smile at seeing Star Trek communicators reflected in their pocket devices, while younger viewers are inspired by the visions they see on screen today. Science fiction acts as both motivator and mirror, reflecting our hopes for the future and nudging technologists to turn imagination into reality.

Looking Forward: The Fantastical Becoming Mundane

So, while we may not be zooming around on hoverboards or casually teleporting from place to place just yet, the gadgets we carry and the technologies we rely on are increasingly influenced by what once seemed impossible. Perhaps one day, the fantastical devices of today’s films will be the mundane tools of tomorrow, and future generations will look back with the same nostalgic wonder we do now. Until then, keep an eye on the screen—it may just be the blueprint for the next revolution in technology.

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A Tale of Triumph: Wrexham AFC's 2023/24 Season Journey

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A football in the middle of a football pitch in the middle of a football stadium.

In the quaint town of Wrexham, the 2023/24 season unfolded like a page-turner, brimming with drama, passion, and the relentless pursuit of glory. For Wrexham AFC, it was not just about football; it was a story of revival, ambition, and a community coming together, dreaming bigger under the spotlight of Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

The Hopeful Beginning

The season began with the echoes of fans’ cheers at the Racecourse Ground, filled with dreams of a victorious return to League Two. The opening match against Milton Keynes Dons, while a thrilling spectacle, ended in a 5-3 defeat. Despite the loss, it showcased the team's fighting spirit and hinted at the rollercoaster ride to come.

The Rollercoaster Ride

The season’s narrative was a blend of dizzying highs and sombre lows. After the initial stumble, Wrexham’s journey through the autumn months saw them finding their rhythm, punctuated by a memorable 4-0 victory over Accrington Stanley, where Paul Mullin's hat-trick dazzled the supporters. Yet, not all was smooth sailing. The team faced setbacks and challenges, teetering at times on the brink of despair, only to rise back up, fueled by the roaring support from their unwavering fans.

Turning Points for Wrexham AFC

As winter settled over North Wales, Wrexham's campaign gained momentum. Key victories and strategic plays saw them climbing the League Two table. A significant moment came in a win against Newport County, a victory that not only avenged past playoff heartbreaks but also solidified their promotion ambitions as they surged into the automatic promotion spot.

The Climactic Finish

The crescendo of the season approached in April, a month that would define their fate. In a match steeped in anticipation and tension, Wrexham faced Forest Green Rovers. With the stakes higher than ever, the team delivered a performance etched in the annals of their history, securing a win that, combined with defeats for MK Dons and Barrow, clinched their automatic promotion to League One.

This victory was not just a win on the scoreboard; it was a testament to the resilience and unity of a club deeply rooted in its community. It was a celebration that spilt from the stands onto the streets, where chants, cheers, and tears of joy painted the town red.

As the 2023/24 season drew to a close, Wrexham AFC stood not only promoted but reborn. The town and its football club had embarked on a journey from the shadows of obscurity to the lights of success, driven by a spirit that refused to be daunted by the past’s ghosts.

Wrexham’s story in the 2023/24 season is more than football. It’s about the magic that happens when a town believes; when every tackle, pass, and goal carries the weight of its hopes. It’s a reminder that in football, as in life, the underdog can have its day, turning dreams into reality.