The Top Ten Technologies of 2015

This is a list of what I think are the top 10 technologies this year.  Many new technologies are disruptive and replace old technologies.  For example, the telegraph replaced the pony express.  This list includes those technologies, new and old that dominate our lives.  The order is based on how long the technology has been around for the masses.  Think of it like an Olympic record: holding a record for longer is more impressive.  

10 The Smart Phone

The Smart Phone has basically replaced the GPS/Navigation Device, compact camera, MP3 players, and even made a dent in the personal computer industry.  But it is only #10 on the list since it is a relatively new technology.

9 The Internet

Billions of users and billions of pages.  It's Christmas and the stores seem empty because many people are buying stuff online. But it's still only a couple decades old.

8 The Microwave Oven

Used almost everyday by almost everyone.  It's approaching 50 years old, impressive for a "modern" technology.

7 Antibiotics

Has saved 100s of millions of lives.  Not bad for an accidental discovery.  70+ years old.

6 Airplanes

You can travel anywhere in the world in no time at all.  Even more amazing is how safe commercial flight is.  100 years old.

5 Automobiles

Not as fast as airplanes, but available to more people.  130 years old.

4 Airconditioning/Refrigeration

Keeps us and our food fresher, enabling us to live in more places.  About 100 years old. 

3 Electric Light

Allowed us to extend the day in a cleaner fashion.  Has been reinvented recently with LED lighting, but its still electric light.  130+ years old.

2 Electricity

Electricity is the power behind most other inventions.  Where would we be without it?

1 Sanitation

Flush toilets, clean water.  We would literally be dying without this amazing technology as is evident in parts of the world without sanitation.