The technology of today had made enormous changes in our lives. From these changes for the convenience of many, we sometimes wonder what’s stored for us in the coming years if people are indulged with the current technology. However, if we think more about it, we’re just the same people thinking about what technology will be innovated to further improve our daily lives in the past.

A lot of developments and innovations were indeed made to the past technology used by people then. Some technology was able to maintain its original function but had a few upgrades on the design and materials used, while other innovations had a major overhaul to make it more user-friendly and a lot cheaper. Below are some of the technologies that had a major makeover over the years and still used by people.

Floppy Disk and Flash Drives

When computers were introduced in the 70s and had a major debut on the 80s, storage of data became essential. Back in the days, you’ll need a floppy disk to store important files. This storage device is composed of flexible and thin magnetic storage medium which is sealed in a rectangular plastic lined with a fabric to prevent and remove any dust particles that can damage the disk. These are read and written using a floppy disk drive (FDD).

Yet, as computers were upgraded, the volume of the files needed also increases which require more storage. From floppy disks that have a capacity of 1.2mb, the people of today now enjoy big data saved on handy flash drives that can store as big as 2 terabytes (TB). Flash drives bought in physical and online stores include flash memory with an integrated universal serial bus interface covered and protected by either hard plastic or metal as its outer shell.

With this technology, people can now save not only document files but also movies, music and software installers.

Television and UHDTV

Back in the days, people were watching their favorite shows in black and white screens. They take pleasure on watching silent films of Charlie Chaplin and follow Shirley Temple’s career by watching on big and bulky television sets that have no remote but a knob which you have to turn if you want to change channels.

In the 1980s, the television made a great leap when NHK, a Japanese broadcasting company, introduced HDTV which offers a more vivid motion picture. It was in the 90s when HD television became a big hit in the US and Europe. Today, people are watching their Netflix series in sleek, ultra-high-definition televisions (UHDTV) that comes with 3,840 by 2,160 pixels as its minimum resolution.

Videocam and HD Video Recorder

In the 1960s, people were able to take pictures and record videos of the momentous events of their life with cameras that contain film cartridges. The cameras in the past can also record videos up to 2.5 minutes with 24 frames per second. It became popular, especially to travelers when disposable cameras were introduced in the market which can capture pictures up to 60 shots and longer video playtime.

However, this type of video camera did not last long, because when the world entered the 2000s, HD video recorders were introduced with GoPro HD that allows its users to save pictures and videos on a 32-GB SD Card. Upgrades made on such cameras is that it can record 1080p for a maximum length of 4 hours and 21 minutes or 30 frames per second.

Mobile phone and Smartphone

The first wireless handset was first introduced in 1973 by John F. Mitchell and Martin Cooper of Motorola. In 1979, the Nippon Telegraph and Telephone (NTT) launched their very first cellular network in Japan. And in 1983, the DynaTAC 8000x mobile phone became commercially available. In those times, communication became easy because people were able to bring their mobile phones anywhere and anytime they want.

However, when the world enters the new millennium, the mobile phones were upgraded to smartphones that not only allow people to send text and call but also check their emails, watch videos, take pictures, play games and surf the internet. It’s like bringing your pc right in your pocket. The fact of the matter is, in the first quarter of 2016 there are already 3 major brands that are leaders in innovating smartphones, namely Samsung, Apple, and Huawei.

Portable Computer and Compact Laptops

In 1975, IBM 5100 was the very first portable computer sold followed by Osborne 1 in 1981, and Compaq portable in 1983. However, due to the external power source that this portable computer lacks, laptops in lighter models were introduced.

Laptops became well known in the 2000s because of its convenience for mobile use. You no longer have to bring separate accessories as laptops have built-in keyboards, think LCD monitors and touchpad. Some modern laptops have built-in webcams, microphones, and touch screen monitors. These are powered by an internal battery and external power coming from the AC adapter. With the convenience of bringing a laptop anywhere because of its sleek design, working anywhere whether you are traveling or waiting for your bus ride, became possible.