High-tech: Then
calling feature: three-way calling, +best tech of the decade, Sony Walkman cassette player.
Then: Conventional electric fan Now: Bladeless fan electric fan
The latest innovation in fan technology, the bladeless fan, is one cool gadget. Rather than featuring rotating blades like a conventional electric fan, the bladeless fan uses this method to exert its cool, refreshing breezes.
The Coandă effect,
Then: Hoover Constellation Now: iRobot Roomba
Introduced in the '50s, the Hoover Constellation was the latest in vacuum cleaner technology. Rather than having to push it, the Constellation glided like a hovercraft across the carpet. Nowadays, people can kick up their feet and let modern robot vacuums do the work for them.
Hoover Constellation, iRobot Roomba
Then: Floppy disks Now: USB flash drives
From their commercial release in 1971 through the late '90s, floppy disks were the best way to store and transfer computer files. The plastic squares have since been replaced with USB flash drives that, though much smaller, can hold up to 256 gigabytes of data.
floppy disk, USB Flash Drives, Universal Serial Bus, define gigabyte
Then: Cassette boombox Now: MP3 docks
The cassette boombox was a classic feature of the '80s. Though quite bulky compared to today's small mp3 docks, people were not deterred from carrying the music players on their shoulders.
retro boombox, mp3 docking station, ghetto blaster
Then: Fax machines Now: Email and cloud computing
It is almost impossible to imagine the world of today without email. Yet it was not until the mid-1990s that email became common in offices and homes. Before email, fax machines were the way to send documents. Today, it's simply a matter of attaching a file to an email or sharing documents and files "in the cloud."
Fax Machine, email, cloud computing, Hotmail introduced in 1996, cloud file sharing
Then: VCR Now: TiVo
Before VCRs, you had to plan your life around the network schedule. Before DVRs (shop for one), you had to program a timer or ask a friend or family member to insert a blank VHS tape into the VCR and press the record button just before the show aired. Now, it's so easy to record hours of TV that "TiVo" has become a verb.
Then: Atari 2600 Now: Xbox Kinect
When compared with the Xbox Kinect's facial recognition and motion capture capabilities, the Atari 2600, with its joy-sticks and metal switches, seems so basic. Back in 1977 when it was released, the Atari was a groundbreaking, must-have item.
Leo Sayer,
Then: Walkman Now: Portable Media Players
Music fans have this company to thank for paving the way in portable media players. A must-have gadget of the '80s, the Walkman made family road trips, gym workouts and afterschool paper routes so much more bearable.
Sony Walkman '80s, original Sony Walkman, Portable Media Players, sony,
Then: IBM 5100 Now: Sleek Laptops
Over the years, clunky old computers like the IBM 5100 that looked like cash registers have been replaced with thinner, sleeker models.
IBM 5100, Light-weight laptops, best lightweight laptops
Then: Electro Gyrocator Now: Portable Sat-Navs
Modern portable satellite navigation systems have had people throwing away their roadmaps over the last decade. However, they weren't always so reliable. The first automotive navigation system, the Electro Gyrocator, used this tool to navigate whereas modern versions use GPS.
Electro Gyrocator, Portable Sat-Nav, free road maps filling stations, GPS
Then: PYE Cube Tube TV Now: 3D TV
Long before there were 3D TVs, there was the PYE Cube Tube. The six-sided television set was an all-in-one TV, clock radio and cassette player.
PYE Cube Tube, 3D TV, PYE Cube Tube TV
Then: Betamax camcorder Now: Pocket video cameras
The ability to make movies in your own home with the Betamax camcorder was a groundbreaking moment in modern technology. Today, capturing video footage is as simple as reaching into your pocket and pressing a button.
Betamax camcorder, Pocket Video Cameras
Then: VHS camcorder tape adapter Now: YouTube
Before the Internet, sharing funny home videos required you to have a VHS camcorder tape adapter. Now, you can simply upload videos to YouTube and share them with millions of people across the globe.
VHS Camcorder Tape Adapter,
Then: Motorola DynaTac Now: Smart Phones
It's hard to believe that the Motorola DynaTac was once a hot new gadget. When compared with the BlackBerry, Android and Windows 7 phone, it really looks like something from a cheap sci-fi movie.
Motorola DynaTac, Smart Phones
Then: Kodak Tele Disc camera Now: SLR digital cameras
In the late '80s, the Kodak Tele Disc and its cool zoom feature made it a must-have item. Since then, digital camera technology has changed the game. Today, the quality and affordability of SLR Digital Cameras allows even the most amateur photographers to take professional-looking snaps.
Kodak Tele Disc Camera, SLR Digital Cameras
Then: 3-way calling Now: Skype video conferencing
Three-way calling was a major hit in the late '80s, but conference calling has gotten even better with Skype's video call capabilities. Now, a group of people can talk as if they were in the same room.
Skype video conferencing, Skype and Facebook
Then: Chat rooms Now: Social networking websites
Back before hashtags and profile pictures, chat rooms were a major hub of social interaction on the Internet. These virtual rooms still exist, though they've mainly been replaced with more modern social networking sites and text messaging. Still, some things haven't changed.
Social Networking Websites, how to use hashtags, no one knows you're a dog
Then: Ninetendo Game Boy Now: Nintendo DSi XL
Though hand-held video gaming consoles have clearly progressed over the years, what's remained constant is their popularity. Over 100 million Game Boys have sold in the years since its 1989 release and the Ninetindo DSi's release in 2008 inspired several midnight launch events at gaming stores across the country.
Ninetendo Game Boy, Nintendo DSi XL, Nintendo DSi launch
Then: CD-ROM encyclopedias Now: Search engines
Search engines have become so ingrained in our lives that it's hard to remember a time when they weren't around. Back before Bing, you had to hunt for your answers in CD-ROM encyclopedias, such as Microsoft Encarta.
CD-ROM Encyclopedia, Search Engine, the history of search engines, +Compact Disc Read-only memory, Microsoft Encarta
Then: Dial-up modem Now: Internet dongle
There was once a time when connecting to the Internet meant having to listen to a high-pitched dial-up tone. With today's wireless dongles, people can take the Internet with them anywhere they go and they'll never have to hear a dial-up tone again.
Internet Dongle, dial up modem sound
Then: Apple Newton Now: Modern tablet computers
Though they've been advanced in recent years, tablet computers aren't an entirely new invention. A tablet computer called "Newton" was introduced in the late '80s and touted as a "personal digital assistant."
Apple Newton, Tablet Computers, Apple Newton, personal digital assistant
Source: msn