Old vs. New Technology: 20 Examples (with pictures) - Electronic Products (2023)

In the world of technology, the motto appears to be “out with the old and in with the new.” New innovations keep coming, making our world more interesting and complicated to adapt to. The following technology explains its predecessors, and what vintage tech they replaced.

1. Polaroid cameras

Old vs. New Technology: 20 Examples (with pictures) - Electronic Products (1)

That gratifying feeling of developing your images instantly, and anticipating the appearance of the images you’ve captured on a neat little square. We all know how much we loved our Polaroid cameras. Polaroid stopped manufacturing the film in 2008 and digital cameras have been around since 1995.

Old vs. New Technology: 20 Examples (with pictures) - Electronic Products (2)

Then along came Instagram, making snapping instant photos much more convenient, creating an entire network of amateur photographers across the globe. As awesome as Instagram is, I still prefer my vintage Polaroid photos circa 1997 to the digital alternative.

2. Typewriters

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The existence of typewriters dates back to 1714, as described by Brit Henry Mill “an artificial machine or method for the impressing or transcribing of letters singly or progressively one after another” when he filed a patent for the description of the device. The typewriter was every writer’s dream.

The concept of having a device to type on was well received by the public, spurring the first electrical and digital programmable computers, the Turing Machine (considered to be the first “modern” computer), and computers that could successfully store data and perform functions. It’s incredible how early computer models could fill up an entire room, and now, smart devices can fit in your pocket.

3. Gameboy Color

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I was one of the first people I knew to have a Gameboy Color in 1997. I was completely overjoyed to have a portable gaming device in color that I could throw in my backpack and play anywhere. My grandfather waited on line for me to score one of those first highly coveted gaming system; he insisted, “you must have a Gameboy Color, because portable devices like this one will be the way of the future.” And for sure, his prediction was correct! Gameboys were early gateway portable devices to the digital world of technology for kids who grew up in the 1990s. They allowed kids to become acquainted with technical devices from an early age.

Old vs. New Technology: 20 Examples (with pictures) - Electronic Products (5)

Image via Apple

If you took a look at children’s’ holiday wish lists in our modern era, nearly everyone wouldinclude a portable Apple device like an iPod Touch or an iPad. People can access almost every game they desire by downloading apps, or accessing content on the Internet.

4. Nintendo 64

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Does Super Smash Bros. sound familiar, selecting your favorite Nintendo characters for action-packed rounds of battle? Nintendo 64 epitomizes old-school gaming to our modern era.

Old vs. New Technology: 20 Examples (with pictures) - Electronic Products (7)

Devices that have surpassed the capabilities of the Nintendo 64 are the Playstation 4 and Microsoft Kinect. The Xbox One even has vocal commands, and multitasking capabilities that were only dreamed about in 1997 when the N64 dropped. With these newer gaming consoles, users can even surf the web.

5. VHS Cassette

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VHS tapes started phasing out in 1996 when DVDs were invented. VCRs were a staple in every household for watching VHS recorded content. When DVDs appeared in the market, they were considered to be the latest technological advancement.

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Each DVD sector contains 2,418 bytes of data, where 2,048 bytes of that data is inputted by the user. A disc has a 10.5-nm laser reading mechanism. Recordable DVDs had the writing mechanism of 10.5 Mbits/s, where users could record onto blank discs or overwrite previously recorded material. Now, even DVDs are marginally obsolete because of Internet streaming services like Youtube and Netflix.

Old vs. New Technology: 20 Examples (with pictures) - Electronic Products (10)

Instead of renting from Blockbuster or purchasing the DVD, you can watch or listen to the digital form of practically every movie or TV show ever. The sales in the DVD industry have fallen from $10 billion to $4 billion since the start of Netflix. Some computers don’t even contain CD drives anymore.

6. Portable CD Player/ Walkman

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Image via wiretotheear.com

In 1979, Sony’s Walkman reached the market as the first portable music devicewith dualcapabilities of playing the radio andcassettes. Walkman released a CD player version in 2006, to jibe with the technological changes. In 2010, Walkman ceased production of further products. With iPods and phones that stream media, you don’t have to carry cumbersome CDs or cassette tapes wherever you go.

7. Telegrams

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Electrical Telegraphs sent electrical signals across conductive wires, as patented in 1750 by Benjamin Franklin. This means of communication was developed to enable the transmission of messages without an actual physical exchange. Telegraphic communication was a predecessor to e-mail.

8. Physical Maps

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With GPS systems, maps no more. Perhaps schools don’t even teach mapping skills anymore due to GPS technology. From Mapquest to Google Maps, the concept of typing in your location and receiving directions to your destination is brilliant. Even better is when your phone uses location services to help you find your way.

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9. MTV music videos

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Why watch a video countdown when you can just search the video you’re looking for with the click of a button on Youtube.

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10. Landline phone service

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In between landlines and cell phones were pay phones, cordless home phones, and beepers.

11. Casio’s Infraceptor watch

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Casio’s Infraceptor watch was smart watch of sorts. It served as a phone book, infrared message sender, gaming device, and stopwatch. The IR beams the watch emitted also allowed users to verse other players in games on the watch. The phone book could storeup to ten people’s information. It retailed for $100 in the 1980s.

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Smart Watches from Pebble, Samsung, and Google are the new editions to the market of smart watches that can sync with your smartphone.

12. Rounded TV screens

Old vs. New Technology: 20 Examples (with pictures) - Electronic Products (20)

Older TVs operated from photons being fired from a photon gun in the back of the TV, hitting the screen in such a way to produce color pictures. The screens were rounded to provide ample distance from the electron gun (cathode) and the screen. Newer flatscreen models do not use this technology. Philips developed a flatscreen TV model, which sparked further developments like HDTVs, Ultra HDTVs, and 3D TVs.
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13. Dial-up internet connection

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AOL dial-up connection for Internet service took a painfully long time when connecting. Modems with wired connections (such as Ethernet) developed, enabling users to not connect via phone lines. In the 2000s, Wi-Fi started gaining popularity, revolutionizing how people use the web forever.

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14. Regular vacuuming

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Why manually vacuum when you can have a robot (like the iRobot) do all the dirty work for you?

15. Paper printing

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Computer printing was first meant to print on-screen images into a paper form. With 3D printing technology now allowing food and body prosthetics to be made, it is becoming possible to print virtually anything.

16. Board Games

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You can virtually play any board game through app versions. Classics like Scrabble, Monopoly, and The Game of Life are downloadable in virtual editions from online app stores.

17. Compression in music

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Digital range compression is a feature used by producers and sound engineers to alter howa song sounds. For example, when music is compressed, the softer parts of the song are altered to sound louder, and the louder parts are programmed to sound softer. The song will have an overall louder sound, forfeiting the sound quality for loudness. The main benefit of compressing music is that makes the sound become more uniform across all types of equipment, ranging from little earphones to concert-sized speakers.

18. Cars run by gas

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Car technology has made an effort to be environmentally conscious by developing vehicles that use electricity as their power source. To be environmentally efficient, many manufacturers have enabled hybrid technology in their vehicles, allowing cars to run as fully electric or semi-electric. Cars like the 2014 Volt: Hybrid Car from Chevrolet uses both gas and electric sources of power. Cars have become more like computers than automobiles in recent years. Perhaps in the future, oil burning cars will no longer exist.

19. Physical buttons on electronics

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Buttons are getting transitioned out of our everyday technological usage.Each newer device relies on graphical user interfaces through touch screen features. Keyboards, control panels, and more are now going the virtual route.

20. Furby

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Vintage Furby from the 90s

In theory, the Furby is supposed to be kid-friendly and fun. My Furby used to sing along to the radio, it was absolutely the most terrifying thing ever. It was so bizarre how the Furby knew the lyrics to the songs being played.

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Just in case you want to resurrect your ~favorite~ toy, you can purchase the new Furby Boom. With the corresponding Furby app, you can play games, raise virtual Furblings (Furby babies), and win virtual prizes.

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New technology that could equip older vehicles to be self-driving

Here’s how to properly recycle, reuse, and reduce your old tech

Learn more about Electronic Products Magazine

FAQs

What is the difference between new technology and old technology? ›

Ten difference between old technology and modern technology:

Wired telephones replaced with smartphones. Handwritten letters sent via postal service replaced by emails that are delivered in seconds. Film cameras have made way for digital. Mapbook to figure out how to reach a destination changed to Google's Map.

What are the 5 technological products? ›

6 common types of technology
  • Television. Television sets transmit signals over which we can listen to and view audio and visual content. ...
  • Internet. ...
  • Cell phones. ...
  • Computers. ...
  • Circuitry. ...
  • Artificial intelligence. ...
  • Software. ...
  • Audio and visual technology.

What are the 7 technological ages in order? ›

  • 10,000 BCE. Paleolithic Age. The Paleolithic age was when everything was made out of stone, wood or bone.
  • 4000 BCE. Mesolithic Age. ...
  • 2300 BCE. Neolithic Age. ...
  • 2000 BCE. Chalcolithic Age. ...
  • 700 BCE. Bronze Age. ...
  • 450 BCE. Iron Age. ...
  • Jan 1, 1400. Middle Ages.
31 Dec 1969

What is a old technology used today? ›

Perhaps one of the oldest technologies still very much in use today is the mighty abacus. One of the most basic, and ancient mathematical machines, many people around the world still dote on it.

What are the 10 technologies that could be found during information age? ›

The Information Age was enabled by technology developed in the Digital Revolution, which was itself enabled by building on the developments of the Technological Revolution.
  • Transistors.
  • Computers.
  • Data.
  • Personal computers.
  • Optical networking.

What inventions are 40 years old? ›

UK: Inventions Created 40 Years Ago
  • Digital Cameras. As the name suggests, digital cameras allow images to be captured in digital memory, as opposed to on a physical photographic film. ...
  • Cyclonic Vacuum Cleaners. ...
  • Recombinant Human Insulin.
30 Jan 2018

What is the oldest example of technology? ›

Made nearly two million years ago, stone tools such as this are the first known technological invention. This chopping tool and others like it are the oldest objects in the British Museum.

What are the 6 common types of technology? ›

Construction • Transportation • Energy/Power • Communication • Manufacturing • Bio-Related • Name some technologies and let's put them in the right category.

What are 5 examples of technology that you use everyday? ›

Examples of everyday technology include phones, computers, washing machines, cars, toothbrushes, and coffee makers.

What are the 10 most technologically advanced countries? ›

Learn more about how countries are assessed in the Best Countries methodology.
  • Russia. ...
  • United Kingdom. ...
  • Singapore. ...
  • Germany. Technological Expertise Rank: 5. ...
  • United States. Technological Expertise Rank: 4. ...
  • China. Technological Expertise Rank: 3. ...
  • South Korea. Technological Expertise Rank: 2. ...
  • Japan. Technological Expertise Rank: 1.
27 Sept 2022

What is the new technology in 2022? ›

By 2022, multicore will be everywhere, from wearable systems and smartphones to cameras, games, automobiles, cloud servers, and exa-scale supercomputers. Silicon photonics will be a fundamental technology to address the bandwidth, latency, and energy challenges in the fabric of high-end systems.

What is the best technology for 2022? ›

Top Technologies To Adopt and Learn In 2022
  • Augmented Reality & Virtual Reality (AR & VR) ...
  • Cybersecurity. ...
  • 5G Network. ...
  • IoT (Internet of Things) ...
  • Machine Learning (ML) ...
  • Fintech. ...
  • Cloud Computing. ...
  • Voice Assistance. Voice assistance platforms and software are highly popular these days.

What are the 77 types of information technology? ›

77 Types of Information Technology
  • Accounting Packages. Accounting functionality such as accounts receivable, accounts payable, general ledger and bookkeeping. ...
  • Algorithms. ...
  • Analytics. ...
  • Architecture Software. ...
  • Artificial Intelligence. ...
  • Asset Management Software. ...
  • Big Data. ...
  • Business Relationship Management.
20 Dec 2015

What are the 4 main types of technology? ›

There are six main types of technology. They are: mechanical technology, medical technology, communications technology, electronic technology, and industrial and manufacturing technologies.

What are the 5 most common types of business technology? ›

Here are 5 common types of business technology to know:
  1. Productivity Software. Every successful company thrives on a streamlined workflow to meet important timelines. ...
  2. Inventory Control System. ...
  3. Financial Accounting System. ...
  4. Customer Relationship Management Systems (CRMS) ...
  5. Business Intelligence (BI) Tools.
19 Mar 2021

What are the 9 ages of technology? ›

What Was the First Technology?
  • The Paleolithic. The Paleolithic period stretches roughly between 3.3 million years ago and 10,000 BC. ...
  • The Mesolithic. The Mesolithic period approximately began in 10,000 BC and ended in 4,000 BC. ...
  • The Neolithic. ...
  • The Chalcolithic. ...
  • The Bronze Age. ...
  • The Iron Age. ...
  • The Classical Age. ...
  • The Middle Ages.
31 May 2022

How has technology helped the world 10 examples? ›

Without these advancements, everything from deadly illnesses to identity theft would be much more prevalent.
  • Improved healthcare. ...
  • Safer online payments. ...
  • Online grocery shopping. ...
  • The rise of smart cities. ...
  • Reduce wasted resources with used items. ...
  • Exercise incentive. ...
  • Telecommuting opportunities. ...
  • Instant answers to everything.

What are 3 ages of computer? ›

There are three ages of computer Dark age Middle age Modern age.

What are some technologies that have developed over the past 30 years? ›

The list is fascinating for its non-IT innovations, too, many of which have also changed our lives. These include: DNA testing and sequencing, laser surgery, GPS systems and stents.
...
Top Tech Innovations in the Last 30 Years
  • Internet, broadband, WWW (browser and html)
  • PC/laptop computers.
  • Mobile phones.
  • E-mail.

How technology has changed from old to new? ›

Modern technology has paved the way for multi-functional devices like the smartwatch and the smartphone. Computers are increasingly faster, more portable, and higher-powered than ever before. With all of these revolutions, technology has also made our lives easier, faster, better, and more fun.

What is a new technology? ›

Technology that radically alters the way something is produced or performed, especially by labour-saving automation or computerization; an instance of such technology.

What are the 21st technologies? ›

Since the beginning of the new millennium, the world has witnessed the emergence of social media, smartphones, self-driving cars, and autonomous flying vehicles. There have also been huge leaps in energy storage, artificial intelligence, and medical science.

What are the new technologies in electronics? ›

Electronics, IT, and communications
Emerging technologyStatus
Quantum computingExperiments, commercialization
Quantum cryptographyCommercialization
Quantum radarPrototypes
Radio-frequency identificationDiffusion of high cost
35 more rows

What new technologies will be available in 5 years? ›

Technologies that will disrupt in the next 5 years
  • Artificial intelligence: ...
  • Insurtech: ...
  • RPA(Robotic process automation): ...
  • Blockchain: ...
  • IoT (Internet of things): ...
  • Augmented Reality (AR) & Virtual Reality (VR):

What technology has been invented in the last 10 years? ›

iPads, smartwatches, fitness trackers, true wireless earphones, electric cars—the list of innovations from this decade is a long one. Sci-fi tropes like universal translators and virtual reality games became very real. And virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa changed how we interact with technology in our homes.

Is there are 5 types of Information Age? ›

they are as follows: Five different information ages in the field of technology Stone age Iron age The middle ages The industrial age Electronic age THESTONE AGE This was the prehistoric period during where stone was widely used to make implements with a sharp edge, a point or a percussion surfaces.

What was the most important technology innovation in the last 20 years? ›

Google revolutionized the way that people search for information online. Every hour there are more than 228 million Google searches. Today Google is part of Alphabet Inc., a company that offers dozens of services such as translations, Gmail, Docs, Chrome web browser, and more.

What is the oldest computer technology? ›

Antikythera mechanism is believed to be the world's oldest computer. The mechanism has been described as an astronomical calculator as well as the world's first analogue computer. It is made of bronze and includes dozens of gears.

What are 5 technologies from ancient cultures? ›

6 Innovative Technologies Invented by Ancient Civilizations
  • Central Heating. Thousands of years ago, while ancient Greece was a powerful nation, central heating was invented. ...
  • Sewer Systems. ...
  • The Steam Turbine. ...
  • The Battery. ...
  • The Compass. ...
  • The Alarm Clock.
17 Sept 2021

What is the oldest gadget? ›

Before the world had electronic calculators, smartphones, the Google search bar, or even paper -- there was the abacus. The simple rectangular gadget doesn't require batteries, RAM, or the internet to run.

What are the 8 areas of technology? ›

They include: artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), blockchain, drones, Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, 3D printing and virtual reality (VR).

What are the latest technological products? ›

13 Exciting New And Emerging Consumer-Facing Tech Products And Applications
  1. Virtual And Augmented Realities. ...
  2. 3D Printing. ...
  3. Apple AirTag. ...
  4. Advanced Health Wearables. ...
  5. EKG And Insulin Monitors. ...
  6. AR Glasses. ...
  7. Programming 'Toys' ...
  8. Amazon Astro.
19 Oct 2022

Who is No 1 technology in world? ›

Top 20 Most Technologically Advanced Countries - aggregate rankings (10 sources)
Aggregate RankCountryAverage Rank
1Japan2.1
2United States3.2
3South Korea3.1
4Germany5.6
16 more rows

What new technologies are available? ›

Chatbots, logistics, self-driving cars, virtual nursing assistants, personalized textbooks and tutors, and even artificial creativity: These are just a few of the applications that narrow AI can improve or bring to light in the coming years.

What are the 10 applications of information technology? ›

So, let's take a look at all the applications of Information technology in various aspects and industries around the world.
  • Healthcare. With a simple definition, healthcare is a massive and complex industry. ...
  • Education. ...
  • Communications. ...
  • Employment. ...
  • Security. ...
  • Governance.
20 Jun 2022

What are the products of technology? ›

Technological products are material objects that have been designed by people and developed through technological practice to serve particular functions. A crucial relationship between the (chemical) composition and structure of the materials used and their performance properties exists in every technological product.

What are 5 examples of products? ›

Examples of products
  • Magazines.
  • Toothpaste.
  • Food.
  • Candy.
  • Laundry detergent.
  • Shampoo.
3 Jan 2022

What are the names of products that comes from technology? ›

The makers of these 10 tech products -- the iPod, the BlackBerry, Firefox, Twitter, Windows 7, ThinkPad, Android, Wikipedia, Mac OS X and the "big cats," and Red Hat Linux -- all have displayed certain amounts marketing savvy, common sense and fun-loving spirit in settling on their products' names.

What are the 10 products or goods that you use daily? ›

Daily Life Product List
  • Kitchen utensils.
  • Sanitary products.
  • Miscellaneous goods.
  • Containers & wrapping.
  • Dyestuffs.
  • Public hygiene products.
  • Agents for control of infectious diseases.
  • Wood preservatives.

What are examples of new product? ›

The alternative expression for new-to-the-world products (really new products) already indicates that this is what most people would define as a new product. These products are inventions that create a whole new market. Examples: Polaroid camera, the iPod and iPad, the laser printer and so on.

What are the 6 products? ›

Types of Products – 6 Major Types: Differentiated Product, Customised Product, Potential Product, Core Product, Actual Product and Augmented Product.

What are some types of technology you use at home? ›

Types of domestic technology
  • Cleaning equipment.
  • Electric lighting.
  • Cooking appliances.
  • Food storage and preservation.
  • Home maintenance.
  • Air conditioning.
  • Computer systems.
  • Power generation.

What are 4 examples of technology? ›

Whether it's practical (like washing machines, tumble dryers, refrigerators, cars, flooring materials, windows, or door handles) or for leisure (like televisions, Blu-ray players, games consoles, reclining chairs, or toys), all these things are examples of technology.

What are 5 new inventions? ›

10 Best New Technologies in 2022
  • COVID-19 Breathalyzer Test.
  • Humanoid Robot.
  • Foldable Tech Devices.
  • Color Changing Cars.
  • Digital Twins.
  • Health Body Scans.
  • Smart Bathing.
  • Solar Roof Shingles.
8 Mar 2022

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