The revolutionizing powers of the tech industry haven't just been summoned as a middleman between you and local restaurants. No, Silicon Valley has also marshaled its intellectual superiority to put apps between you and local laundromats. New York magazine recently traveled to California to investigate this democratic tide (of delivery).

Silicon Valley alchemy doesn't just create dazzling new things—it dazzles us into thinking mundane old ideas are new again. Take the idea of hauling away someone's dirty clothes: at LA startup Washio, you're actually a "kickass laundry ninja." What a difference a smartphone makes.