Virtual Light by William Gibson:
Science Fiction Inventions, Technology and Ideas

Set in California (well, NoCal and SoCal) in 2005, there is a lot of social upheaval (homeless people seize the San Francisco bay bridge for living space, television worship). A bicycle messenger turned pickpocket steals a set of high-tech sunglasses that can see into a special dataset; DatAmerica corporate types pursue. Select an invention:

Canola Oil - a cob in your tank
Vegetable oil refined for use as fuel

Chunker - non-violent weapon
A device that fires small cubes of rubber; a non-lethal form of riot control.

Fractal Knife - more cutting surface
The blade uses a fractal geometry to increase its cutting surface.

Hood Hologram
A hologrammatic display on the outside surface of a car.

Separated At Birth Database
Missing persons database uses similarity to famous people.

Stealth House - toxic dwellings
A home that is entirely sealed, leading to toxic buildup.

 

Technovelgy.com is devoted to the creative inventions of science fiction authors and movie makers. Look for the Science Fiction Invention Category that interests you, the Glossary of Science Fiction Inventions, the Timeline of Science Fiction Inventions, or see what's New.
Find
new authors and technologies - Shop for yourself, your library and your lab.

 

 

 

 

Science Fiction
in the News

Mechazilla Arms Catch A Falling Starship, But Check Out SF Landing-ARMS
re: Edmond Hamilton
(11/3/2024)

A System To Defeat AI Face Recognition
re: Neal Stephenson
(11/1/2024)

Robot Hand Separate From Robot
re: Philip K Dick
(10/29/2024)

Hybrid Wind Solar Devices
re: Simpson Stokes
(10/27/2024)

Is Optimus Autonomous Or Teleoperated?
re: AG Stangland
(10/25/2024)

Robot Masseuse Rubs People The Right Way
re: AE van Vogt
(10/23/2024)

Solar-Powered Space Trains On The Moon
re: Arthur C. Clarke
(10/21/2024)

Drone Deliveries Instead Of Waiters In Restaurants?
re: H. Beam Piper
(10/19/2024)

Optimus Robot Can Charge Itself
re: William Morrison
(10/17/2024)

Skip Movewear Arc'teryx AI Pants
re: Edmond Hamilton
(10/17/2024)

'Robovan' Name Already Taken - Elon, Try These
re: Weinbaums
(10/15/2024)

How Old Are Tesla Designs?
re: Various
(10/13/2024)

Is Your Autonomous Tractor Safe?
re: Brian W. Aldiss
(10/11/2024)

Smart TVs Are Listening!
re: George Orwell
(10/9/2024)

More SF in the News

Home | Glossary | Invention Timeline | Category | New | Contact Us | FAQ | Advertise |
Technovelgy.com - where science meets fiction™

Copyright© Technovelgy LLC; all rights reserved.