13 Cool Gadgets From The ’70s That Kids Today Don’t Even Recognize
Nowadays, kids seem to be born with an iPhone in their hands. With all these sleek smartphones and virtual realities, it’s easy for today’s kids to overlook the simple gadgets of the ’70s. Young generations have instant access to a world of entertainment and information at their fingertips, along with super high-quality screens.
Due to this convenience, they may not appreciate, or even know, the simplicity and charm of devices like the Pocket Instamatic 110 or the Pong Home Console. The physical experience of winding film or operating dials to control a paddle might seem useless compared to the swipe-and-tap stuff they’re used to. Yet, these gadgets we’ll talk about today are what paved the way for the technologies they enjoy.Â
Pocket Instamatic 110
Kids nowadays are born with iPhones in their hands, so it’s hard for them to grasp the significance of gadgets like Kodak’s Pocket Instamatic 110. Despite being part of Kodak’s affordable Instamatic camera range, they didn’t instantly develop film, despite the “insta” in their name; instead, they were designed for quick snapshots. They also didn’t have Instagram compatibility.
Sound-About
The Sony Walkman is an iconic invention in audio history. At first, it doesn’t seem like a “forgotten innovation” to today’s youth, but it is usually linked with the ’80s rather than the ’70s. For some reason, many overlook the fact that this early media player emerged in the late ’70s.
Pong Home Console
In 1975, gaming history was made with the release of a console featuring just two dials, allowing players to experience the iconic game Pong in the comfort of their own homes. Despite only having the basic tablet-tennis mode, it sold quite well, setting the stage for future gaming consoles. Here’s a fun fact: Nintendo made a copycat version, the Color TV Game 15.
Popeil Pocket Fisherman
Synonymous with ’70s gadgetry, Ronco (also known as Popeil) unveiled the Popeil Pocket Fisherman. It was a compact fishing pole designed to fit snugly in a pocket. Most people prefer longer poles but this thing was pretty convenient.
Mattel Electronic Football
Before the era of Madden, there was Mattel Electronic Football, a handheld game that allowed the user to play American football. Despite its simplicity, it was nothing short of mind-blowing for its time. It sported LED football players zipping across the screen.
Commodore PET
Hot on the heels of the Apple II prototype, the Commodore PET burst onto the scene as a trailblazing personal computer. Featuring an integrated keyboard, monitor, and even a cassette tape drive, it was a marvel of modern technology. Though perhaps not as instantly recognizable as some of its counterparts, the PET series played a pivotal role in the computer revolution, laying the groundwork for future PC designs and innovations.
TRS-80
Ah, the TRS-80, affectionately known as the Tandy Radio Shack-80— one of the leaders of the microcomputer revolution. Released in 1977, this gem boasted a built-in keyboard and a monochrome display, making it a must-have for early computing enthusiasts. Its affordability and widespread availability in Radio Shack stores made it accessible to many, contributing significantly to the democratization of computing during that era.
Centronics 101 Dot Matrix Printer
Enter the Centronics 101 Dot Matrix Printer—a groundbreaking marvel of printing technology. Armed with a matrix of pins, it could churn out text and graphics on paper, albeit with a symphony of clattering noise. Though it may seem noisy and sluggish by today’s standards, it was an indispensable tool for businesses and home users alike, with the distinctive sound of dot matrix printers becoming synonymous with office work in the ’70s.
Magnavox Odyssey
Behold the Magnavox Odyssey, the granddaddy of all home video game consoles! Released in 1972, it holds the prestigious title of being the world’s first. Preceding even the illustrious Atari 2600, it introduced gamers to a whole new world of interactive entertainment.
Philips N1500
Here we have the Philips N1500—an early player in the world of videocassette recorders (VCRs). Sporting large, proprietary cassettes, it allowed users to record television programs for later viewing—a revolutionary concept at the time. While it may not have achieved the same level of success as later VCR formats, the N1500 marked a significant step forward.
Speak & Spell
In the 1970s, Speak & Spell by Texas Instruments was the talk of the town. It was a handheld electronic device designed to help children learn to spell and pronounce words. With its robotic voice and quirky games, it was both educational and entertaining.
Atari 2600
Before PlayStation and Xbox, there was the Atari 2600—the king of home video game consoles in the late ’70s and early ’80s. It revolutionized gaming with its interchangeable cartridges, allowing players to experience a variety of games from the comfort of their living rooms. The blocky graphics and simple controls may seem primitive now, but back then, it was the epitome of cutting-edge entertainment and fun.
Etch A Sketch Animator
Imagine a world before digital animation, where creativity was limited to a simple knob and a blank screen. Sounds crazy, right? There was the Etch A Sketch Animator, a handheld device that allowed people to create their own animations by turning knobs and pressing buttons. For kids of the ’70s, it was a window into the world of art and imagination.
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