Batteries Not Included: Some Thoughts on Tech-Age Kids

Enter the electronic house of today, and no matter what room you find yourself in, you'll need an electric outlet on every wall and a battery pack to fully function. We used to have a small box of batteries in a drawer in the kitchen. Now we have a very large drawer in the garage filled with batteries purchased in bulk from the local club warehouse store. One of the rooms in most need of constant restocking is the playroom.

Playrooms of the past were filled with blocks, dolls, puzzles, and games. Today you'll find many of the same categories of toys, but the resemblance stops there. Stuffed toys and dolls talk and move. Some even look robotic and come with "over 40 preprogrammed functions." I can't imagine what those could be. Children no longer always need a friend or sibling to play games with. The "electronics" section of a popular toy store's online catalog includes "Chess, Checkers, and More." There is interactive software for toddlers. Children can own electronic house pets and stick horses that neigh and gallop.

The occupants of those "wired" playrooms are tomorrow's consumers. What will their expectations be? The future engineers, designers, and entrepreneurs are also busy in the playrooms of today. What products will they design that will be the big sellers in the future?

Based on current trends, products that make life easier and more enjoyable are here to stay. Early predictions had slated the 21st century workplace as one that had reduced hours and afforded more leisure time to the worker. The reality is that most people are constantly connected to the workplace, driving farther to get there, and taking less vacation time. When they do get a chance to relax at home, what is wanted and needed are things that relax and/or entertain.

Home theaters are the adults' playrooms of today and the future. If there's no room for a dedicated home theater, the family room, den, or great room are appointed with some of the latest in electronic gadgets and components. These products will continue to grow in popularity. Advances in technology are bound to result in home electronics that amaze and delight the consumer. Audio/video products and the accessories to make them more accessible and better looking and sounding will also grow in popularity.

I hope that one idea for the future is to have batteries included.