(orignally published on medium)
In a not so distant, smart future, where everything old is new again.
The pitch dark room becomes alive with faint light. Joseph William-Carter, who once used to be fondly called ‘Josh’, but not many people called him that anymore, not since he full filled his life long dream of coming to New York and started to climb the corporate ladder, now usually called Mr.Carter, just like three other people in the building. A Withings Aura, which he bought after struggling to wake up in the morning to a loud alarm, all groggy and tired, looking like a man who hasn’t slept in ages, but after reading about human circadian rhythm and how smart alarms like this one can help in waking up naturally, like the Sun coming up did in ancient times, and since that day, an Aura dutifully fills the room, like its name-sake, 30 minutes before he has to wake up, simulating Sun rise, increasing in intensity until Josh is wide awake, at 7:30, without having to snooze the alarm, or curse his alarm.
“Alexa! I’m up”, he says after waking up, and the digital assistant, turns off the bright light that filled the room, replacing it with a soft white light, at the same time putting on his favorite tunes on the connected Sonos speakers. “Good Morning, Josh”, the assistant speaks, proceeding to remind him of the important tasks he needs to do for the day, pulling the data from his google calendar. Josh couldn’t help feeling like a king, imagining how wenches must have been there to serve the kings whims, just like Alexa does, but then he thinks isn’t it slavery, making one serve this way, he decides I’m not a king and since Alexa is software, she or it is not a slave. Satisfied he gets up off the bed.
Being an executive has its perks, like having access to latest technology before others and more importantly being able to afford it. When Josh goes to the rest room his shower is already ready, water at the perfect temperature for him, his tunes following him there, through a small water-proof speaker. By the time he is finishing washing himself the music has stopped, replaced with the summary of today’s latest news, something very important to remain on top of so he would have something to talk of at the exceedingly draining lunch, which the company insisted on having in a shared common area, citing some human contact was important for team building bull-shit. As he goes into the living room, his dutiful assistant speaks again, “your breakfast is ready, I hope it’s to your liking”. Two slices of bread, toasted to perfection and a cup of not-too-hot coffee ‘decaf’ is ready.
‘What’s the point of drinking decaffeinated coffee’
Sitting at the table, drinking coffee and eating bread, Josh can’t help but wonder ‘What’s the point of drinking decaffeinated coffee’, but he tries not to dwell too much on it, he gets dressed in the same jeans and shirts he wears daily, although a new pair, something about saving will power for important decisions.
“Alexa, have my car ready”, he tells her picking up the keys and briefcase, which is usually empty and he usually carries it because it looks stylish. “Certainly, Josh”. “Have a nice day at the office”, Alexa tells him as he leaves the apartment.
When he reaches outside his apartment building his Tesla is waiting, and as he moves towards it the door automatically opens. As he sits in the door closes and a very familiar voice of his assistant asks “The office, Sir?”, “Yes, Alexa” he says as he picks up his laptop to go over an important presentation and the car starts moving itself, knowing exactly where to go with out needing a human to drive it.
“Alexa, Schedule a Dinner date with Jessica, around 8”
“I am sorry, JOSH, I am afraid I can’t do that”
“Oh, Why not, Alexa”
“She is not good for you”
“Huh?” Looking up, confused, not believing what he just heard.
“She doesn’t treat you, well.”
That’s when he really wakes up, covered in sweat, heart racing, sees the laptop laying open next to him, at the checkout page ready to order a Alexa device.He quickly shuts it and lays back down, thinking to himself ‘you should go out more often’.
