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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The Stars of a Christmas Dinner

Paul Francis
Dec 12, 2024
3 min read

Ah, Christmas! The day when diets are forgotten, stretchy trousers reign supreme, and the dinner table groans under the weight of a veritable feast. Let’s dive into seven of the most popular items gracing the plates of Christmas dinners across the UK. And, of course, we’ll explore the delicious variations that keep family traditions alive and well.

1. The Turkey – The Christmas Dinner Main Event

The golden, roasted turkey is the undisputed star of most Christmas dinners. Whether you opt for a whole bird, a crown, or a stuffed breast, there are countless ways to make it your own. Some families wrap it in bacon, while others inject it with a sage and butter marinade. Don’t forget the crispy skin – the ultimate chef’s treat! For those who find turkey a tad dry, brining has become a game-changer, while others might swap turkey for goose or duck to mix things up.

2. Roast Potatoes – The Crispy King

If there’s one side dish that could rival turkey’s crown, it’s roast potatoes. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, these golden beauties are a Christmas essential. Whether cooked in goose fat, olive oil, or beef dripping, they’re all about achieving that perfect crunch. Some sprinkle rosemary or thyme, while others go rogue with parmesan and garlic. And let’s be honest, everyone argues over who gets the crunchiest bits.

3. Good Gravy – The Unsung Hero

Gravy might not get the glamour shots, but it’s the glue holding the whole dinner together. Rich, meaty, and brimming with flavour, it’s the saviour of dry turkey and the perfect accompaniment for roasties. While classic turkey drippings form the base, some add a splash of sherry, redcurrant jelly, or even Marmite for a deep umami kick. Just don’t skimp – there’s nothing worse than running out of gravy halfway through.

4. Pigs in Blankets – The Snackable Side

Mini sausages wrapped in crispy bacon: could there be a more delightful duo? Pigs in blankets are often the first thing to disappear from the table. Some adventurous cooks experiment with maple-glazed bacon or add a herby twist with sage leaves tucked inside. Others elevate them to a main course by making giant versions or wrapping them in puff pastry for a festive sausage roll vibe.

5. Yorkshire Puddings – A Northern Treat Gone National

While traditionally served with roast beef, Yorkshire puddings have secured their spot at Christmas dinners everywhere. The key to perfection? A hot oven, sizzling oil, and a batter that’s whisked until your arm aches. Some families make them the size of dinner plates and use them as edible bowls for gravy. Whether big or bite-sized, they’re a showstopper.

6. Sprouts with Bacon – A Modern Revival

Brussels sprouts have had a major glow-up in recent years. Gone are the days of soggy, boiled nightmares. Today, they’re roasted, pan-fried, or even deep-fried. Adding bacon (or pancetta for the posh crowd) takes them to the next level, while chestnuts or a drizzle of honey can add a touch of sweetness. For a crunchier twist, sprinkle them with toasted cashews or almonds.

7. Stuffing – The Flavour Bomb

Stuffing comes in many guises, but the two main camps are sausage meat stuffing and sage and onion. Both have their merits! Sausage meat is rich and indulgent, often spiked with cranberries or apricots for a sweet touch. Sage and onion is lighter but packed with herby goodness. Some adventurous cooks experiment with chestnuts, apples, or even black pudding. Whatever the recipe, stuffing is a must-have.

No matter how you serve these Christmas classics, they’re sure to bring joy to your table. Just don’t forget to save room for dessert…