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What 8 of the world's most popular tech gadgets looked like when they were first released
What 8 of the world's most popular tech gadgets looked like when they were first released
Meira GebelFeb 9, 2019, 18:00 IST
AP
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It seems like every other year, the latest iPhone kicks its predecessor to the curb, effectively making it obsolete.
But as technology encompasses more of our lives, we often forget the original gadgets that helped kick off the digital age.
Nintendo's GameBoy, which debuted in 1989, revolutionized hand-held gaming. Apple's Macintosh, the company's first personal computer, debuted to a skeptical public, but quickly made its way into homes across the world.
Take a look at some of today's popular tech gadget when they were first released.
In an age of technological overload, tech gadgets released two years ago can seem just as dated today as those that came out in the 1980s.
As a society, we have abandoned clunky, plastic cell phones with antennas for sleek iPhones made of glass; wired controllers for wireless virtual reality headsets.
Take, for example, Microsoft's Xbox: Released in 2001, the gaming console was big, bulky, and slow. And it didn't yet feature its most popular trait, Xbox Live.
Today, the console's design is much sleeker. It's moving further away from cords, wires, and even disc drives - in fact, it's rumored the console may soon abandon CDs completely.
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Here's how eight other tech gadgets have evolved from then to now:
Released in 2007, the iPhone revolutionized the way we use technology.
The iPhone effectively gave consumers access to their futuristic dream of having a computer in their pockets. When introducing the device, late Apple CEO Steve Jobs said, "We want to make it so easy to use that everyone can use it."
Considered peak innovation at the time, the iPhone has improved significantly in the last 12 years, both in style and substance.
Apple unveiled the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR in 2018, three new iterations of its popular smartphone.
The present-day devices are bigger, no doubt, and more difficult to fit in your back pocket. Yet, the features on the iPhone XS and iPhone XR (pronounced "ten ex" and "ten are") are ones none of us would've dreamed of in 2007.
You can now go anywhere without your wallet, thanks to Apple Pay; dual cameras help capture images with the quality of a seasoned pro; and to top it off, the Health app helps track everything from your sleep schedule, to nutrition, activity, and mindfulness.
Amazon's Kindle was released in 2007. It came only in white and had an E-Ink display that made reading easy on the eyes.
The first Kindle wasn't a touchscreen, but instead had a full keyboard and manual scroll wheel. The device offered access to 90,000 books at launch and started at $399. It sold out within 5.5. hours of being released.
Today, Amazon's Kindle starts at $80 and comes in varying styles and sizes.
Amazon currently offers three styles: Kindle, Kindle Paperwhite, and Kindle Oasis.
The current versions come with features like waterproofing, built-in Audible — Amazon's spoken entertainment programming — and WiFi and cellular connectivity.
Fast-forward nearly two decades, and Microsoft has sold more than 30 million Xbox One units.
Microsoft stopped releasing sales figures for its consoles, but less than two years ago, Variety reported that Microsoft had sold about 30 million consoles by the end of 2017. Microsoft disputed that figure, but didn't clarify how many consoles were sold.
While the console started off with cords and CD drives, its remotes are all wireless now, and there may be no disc drives at all in coming models — Microsoft is reportedly working on a new, strictly digital console that will launch this spring.
Today, Apple offers an array of personal computers and laptops, like the iMac and the MacBook.
While the 1984 Macintosh was limited in its scope by today's standards, Apple's latest line of personal computers have infinite capabilities: high-definition displays, 10 hours of battery life for laptops, and up to 4 terabytes of storage.
In 2019, Samsung is offering a line of televisions with smart capabilities — and even a monster, 219-inch TV called "The Wall."
Like most newer models of nearly all tech products, Samsung's current lineup of TVs is a lot sleeker, faster, and more vibrant — not to mention bigger.
Samsung's current range of TVs also offer smart capabilities, like built-in streaming apps, but TVs like the Wall can also be used to to display a picture, painting, or piece of framed art when the device is turned off.
Sony's PlayStation was released nearly 25 years ago.
PlayStation was Sony's first game console. Since then, the company has released a renewed version for those wanting to relive their childhood memories.
Apple released the first iPad nearly a decade ago, on April 3, 2010. At first, many people thought it would tank.
The iPad had rounded edges, a touchscreen display, and came in the company's now-famous space gray color. It wasn't the first-ever computer tablet, but Apple was able to sway its iPhone users by offering them the same feel with a bigger surface area.
And despite predictions by critics, more than 100 million total iPads were sold in just under two years.
Today, Apple's iPad Pro is pricey, starting at $799 for an 11-inch display.
The current iPad is slimmer and lighter than the original version. Plus, its screen is significantly larger, its software has become much more intuitive, and it works with wireless accessories like the Apple Pencil.
