2020 Flashlights Become Obsolete

[mikedeason]

Do you think it is possible that the primary uses we have for flashlights will become obsolete as Night Vision technology progresses to a point where it can be purchased at Wal Mart as a much smaller and visually superior product?

 

[Richub]

Night vision technology still requires a small amount of light, and there are lots of places where there is no light at all. Cellars, caves and such.

My guess is both technologies will exist side by side, and complement each other by then.

 

[StarHalo]

$70 buys me a light at Wal-Mart that can clearly resolve objects at a distance of 2,500 feet, in zero moonlight conditions. Is there night vision that can do that?

 

[glockboy]

"Night Vision technology" can't see through tint car window.
Cannot scare bad guy like when you shine 1500 lunens at them.

 

[Juggernaut]

Night Vision can't set things on fire:devil:...

 

[mvyrmnd]

This is quickly turning into a "Night Vision can't..." thread :)

Night Vision can't keep your 2 year old entertained.

 

[mbreckner]

Night Vision can't make me happy! lol

 

[Flying Turtle]

I'll be looking for bio-powered implantable lights.

Geoff

 

[CheepSteal]

Jogging with flashlights = makes you more visible to drivers so you don't get squashed.
Jogging with nightvision = makes you invisible to drivers and you will be blinded from a headlight blast.
Same goes for biking, it's just easier to see with a bright light than to detect obstacles down a mountain with everything looking green/monochromatic.
I don't think personal lighting will become obsolete anytime soon, at least not for me. :)
Flashlights are also just more intimidating for police use as mentioned and for home defence.

 

[Jash]

No, traditional flashlights will not be obsolete in 2020 or 2030. What we will have by 2020 are single AA lights capable of outputs in the 500 lumen range off ni-mh and 200 lumens for 5-6 hours. Lights that run on 8 AA's like the TK41 will output probably 3,000+ lumens for a couple of hours, 1,000 lumens for half a day, 100 lumens for a week, and 10 lumens for 6 months.

The big hitters such as lights like the TK70/Olight SR90 will output 10,000 lumens and have a throw reserved now only for big HID lights.

When you consider I've only been a member of CPF for around two years, the lights and advancements in led technology since then have been amazing, and will only continue so in the future. Two years ago XR-E lights were still popular, also the XP-E, then the XP-G was making it in to the flashlight world and the mighty MC-E and SSC P7 were king.

Also, can you get high CRI nightvision?

 

[simplec6]

This same type of stuff has been said every year for the last decade. We were supposed to be flying in cars like the Jetsons by now, too.

 

[mikedeason]

This same type of stuff has been said every year for the last decade. We were supposed to be flying in cars like the Jetsons by now, too.

Flash back 100 years...1911 vs 2011.

give it another 100

 

[simplec6]

Flash back 100 years...1911 vs 2011.

give it another 100

Guess we won't be around by then!

 

[Burgess]

Flashlights in the year 2020 --


What, are you Kidding ? ? ?



We'll STILL be waiting for SureFire models from their 2010 Catalog to ship ! ! !


:sigh:
_

 

[abinok]

2010?

Im still waiting on "The Beast" from 2006!

 

[Imon]

In 2020 our smart phones will become genius phones and will work as a GPS device, computer, notepad, phone, camera, toaster, and, of course, a flashlight. :)

Well ... I'm optimistic. I see so many people use their cell phones as flashlights already so why not?

 

[Itkindaworks]

Night vision technology still requires a small amount of light, and there are lots of places where there is no light at all. Cellars, caves and such.

My guess is both technologies will exist side by side, and complement each other by then.

This! I think we'll see the advancement of both, possibly combination units.

 

[Monocrom]

In 2021, those Genius Phones will realize that most of their owners use them to do stupid things. Out of disgust, they will program themselves to self-destruct. Their owners will be forced to actually communicate with people face-to-face. Naturally, they will turn to the elderly to instruct them in that forgotten Art.

 

[mvyrmnd]

In 2021, those Genius Phones will realize that most of their owners use them to do stupid things. Out of disgust, they will program themselves to self-destruct. Their owners will be forced to actually communicate with people face-to-face. Naturally, they will turn to the elderly to instruct them in that forgotten Art.

Or Siri will become self aware, and decide that most users are too stupid to be allowed to breed and give them GPS directions straight off a cliff :)

 

[CMAG]

Flash back 100 years...1911 vs 2011.

give it another 100

1911 colt, 100 years and still shining