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The release of the “Uglies” film based on the 2005 novel by Scott Westerfield has been instigating conversations about the potential of technology and its impact on humanity. In the movie, people build a new society after being on the brink of collapse, but this seemingly exciting utopia is only available to attractive Pretties and Uglies who undergo surgery to enhance their appearance.
Aside from the operation, various technological innovations have emerged to make daily activities effortless while keeping citizens under control. These advancements are seen as ultra-futuristic—mainly since the book it’s based on was written almost 20 years ago—but similar versions are now available or being developed today. Here’s a look at the technology and innovations seen in “Uglies” and their real-life counterparts:
Morphos
Uglies can see what they might look like after undergoing the operation to become Pretties using Morphos. Morphos alters the user’s appearance, creating a symmetrical face and smoothing imperfections and undesirable features. It can be accessed through the built-in wall screens in their rooms, allowing them to use it like a virtual mirror to view their Pretty selves. The technology is not unlike augmented reality (AR) tools, which overlay digital images onto reality. It’s close to beauty filters, like those on Snapchat or Instagram, that can add makeup, airbrush the skin, and change facial features to create an “improved” version of oneself with fewer flaws. It’s also similar to a virtual glasses try on tool available on online eyewear retailers to help shoppers view how a pair of glasses may look on their face. The feature uses the device’s camera to preview models, like the Burberry Erin eyeglasses or Oakley Sutro sunglasses available on Glasses(dot)com, so users can see how the frames flatter and fit their features. A pair of digital glasses on one’s face can alter the face like Morphos, though not as drastically.
Interface rings
Without an interface ring, both Uglies and Pretties would be cut off from the world’s technology. The ring is used to send pings, view holograms, interact with wall screens, or serve as identification that allows technology to recognize the wearer. Considering that almost any task can be carried out by the ring, it’s not a far cry from reality’s smartphones, which people use for nearly every kind of service and function in today’s society. You can use your phone as a digital wallet, a QR code scanner, a calculator, and an alarm clock, and, of course, communicate with others and connect to the world through the internet and social media. Smart rings are the most similar-looking counterparts, though they’re typically used to monitor your well-being rather than interact with other technology. The Oura Ring has garnered attention for being a convenient way to measure health, from tracking sleep quality and stress levels to heart rate variability and even fertility windows.
Eye enhancements
In the “Uglies” universe, eye enhancements like high-tech glasses or eye screens can be used to enhance sight and allow people to zoom in or out on their environment. In the film, Tally and Peris use the glasses to get a closer look at New Pretty Town. Today’s smart glasses and headsets are similar to the movie’s depiction of these eye enhancements, but while they might not be able to zoom in and out, they can do far more. Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses are one of the most popular on the market. They can capture photos and videos, allow wearers to make calls and listen to music, and even post and livestream on Facebook and Instagram. Through voice commands, the wearer can use the Meta AI assistant to operate the smart glasses hands-free, and updates can even allow the artificial intelligence to answer questions or offer advice about what a person is viewing in real time. The mixed-reality Apple Vision Pro is also a similar technology, using AR and virtual reality (VR) that overlays digital images onto reality. Wearers can take and view spatial photos and videos in 3D or use it as an interactive computer screen that integrates into the physical environment.
