Technology advances in some areas do affect us tremendously. I just came across this video that really amazed me, where Patty Maes from the MIT Media Lab showcases a new gadget created by a group of her students, oriented towards giving us a sort of 6th sense about our surrounding environment and an incredible easy way to interact with the world.
I encourage you to listen to the video, but please prepare to come down to earth afterwards, as we may have to wait some time until this prototype becomes the coolest hi-tech gadget you'll want for Christmas...