Something like Scratch to build/modify our own firmware, we could update via usb connection. It’d make it easier for the rest of.
Hopefully going away from USB ports. Instead going into the weatherproof magnetic charger direction. Better tir optics.
Gps locator to find it when you loose it. Could be very nice specially for expensive flashlights… (It will not work inside a house or inside a cave… But will work in the desert or maybe the forest with not much trees… I think…)
Or bluetooth locator… It will be good for close range…
Or a combination of both… Gps for outdoors and bluetooth for indoors
You pull it out of its belt holster, point it at something in the dark, and click the ranging switch.
The flashlight acquires its target, spins up its rotors and flies over to illuminate whatever that thing is.
You click the optional marker button and the flashlight discharges a load of phosphorescent dust, permanently making the target glow in the dark.
+1 for optics.
I also believe battery tech will have more of an impact than anything else.
Not necessarily smaller, but more output for longer periods.
One can dream, 
Really combination of battery and flashlight technology.
Increased battery life, much faster charging without shortening life of battery (some graphene batteries look promissing). Full charge in 10 minutes or less (4000mAh).
LCD screen showing voltage/current, Wifi smart video enabled flashlights with TF card slot as backup (catch the action). Also for tracking battery/flashlight performance data. GPS. Full data acquisition with mobile phone sync.
Matrix LED/laser allows user selectable flood/throw using redirectable LED and tiny mirror reflectors. No more loss of lumens with push/pull style lenses.
Quiet - liquid/peltier cooling - for fanless heat dissipation active cooling - longer turbo run times.
I hope that the next continuous short and long term steps in flashlight development are enhanced battery technology, enhanced emitter technology, etc, all combining to cause continued significant increase in performance/size ratio.
I think flashlights with small OLED displays showing lots of useful data will be more common in the future.
Better cooling for higher lumen run times.
“Siri, turn on my flashlight…”
“Alexa, switch to turbo.”
:person_facepalming:
It’s already getting to the point people won’t know what a wall-switch is for their room-lights, now they’ll be able to use an app to do that for their flashlights??
In the War With The Machines, I’ll bet The Machines won’t even have to fire a shot, because the Eloi will be totally indolent and dependent on apps to do everything.
I’d be happy with a UI that doesn’t include blinkies.
Radical idea, I know…
I agree.
These will be good for zoomies as well.
Compact lights will push out sustainable 2000+ lumens without getting warm due to super efficient LEDs and battery tech that keeps it going for hours.
We’ll have lights with adjustable color temp so you can set it to anything between 2700K-6500K. CRI will be 90+ at all temps.
Advanced optics will allow you to choose between flood or throw with no loss in lumens and still have a high IP rating.
Lights with internal selectable filters that can be changed instantly.
Wish list for future modern light:
1) USB-C socket. I know it’s more expensive than micro-USB. But I am very willing to pay the extra $0.50
2) Flashable firmware. This would allow the user to keep the light updated with better firmware without changing the hardware. Similar to flashing custom ROMs on an Android phone.
3) Configurable firmware via a computer. Kind of extension of item #2. If the firmware is user-flashable, why not make it configurable? Either via a config file or a more advanced UI with checkbox.
Another idea: Add more physical buttons for non-expert users:
- An On-Off switch, which has ONLY the function ON or OFF. Ideally designed in such a way which prevent accidental turning on. The light is turned on at the last used mode.
- An Up-Down switch: for scrolling through various modes. Designed to change lighting mode only when the user needs.
Better yet. Make the firmware flashable through the USB-c port. So usb-c supports both charging and data. USB-c to USB-c support.
Some flashlights do have a dual switch design. Take the TN12 for example. Tail button for on/off and the side button for changing modes. Another flashlight that may appeal to you is the Nitecore MT10C.
[quote=YogibearAl]
Obviously, this has to be through USB-C. Otherwise this would not be user-friendly.
I’m betting on flashlights and weapons lights with built in face recognition tied to police or homeland databases.
https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2020/01/modern_mass_sur.html
I would think the next step is either better battery technology, or better LED efficiency so the high settings can run for much longer.