How Today's Technology Trends Have Changed Over The Years

Technology is growing and changing at a rapid pace that increases exponentially each year. While it can sometimes be hard to remember how far we've come, a look back even a few years shows some very different technologies.

Cell Phones

The first cell phone showed up in 1983 was literally about the size of a brick. Cell phones began more like car phones, since they were too large to fit in a pocket. The first real personal cell phone came around in 1993, followed by the first smart phone in 1996. For a long time, phones got progressively smaller, but lately the trend is for light weight phones with larger screens.

GPS

GPS started out as a tool for the military. Like GPS in your car, the military uses GPS technology for determining precise locations. Personal GPS devices later became available for cars, but the real revolution in this technology came in 1999 when GPS was first integrated into a cell phone. Now nearly everyone has a constantly updating map in their pocket.

Home Computers

We've all heard about the old computers that used to take up a whole room, but even home computers have trended toward a much smaller and sleeker design. The invention of laptops made our home computers small and portable, and the constantly advancing smart phone technology puts a more powerful computer in our pocket than the one that was used by NASA for the moon landing.

Prosthetic Devices

The modern trend in medicine includes high tech prosthetic devices. It is now possible to operate a prosthetic hand using only signals from your brain, while in early years such a device was more for appearances than functionality. Prosthetic legs are tailored to the activity they're needed for, allowing amputees to even compete in competitive running.

Robotics

For a long time, robotics was science fiction. Now small robots vacuum our floors while we're away and do the factory jobs that humans don't want. The newest trend is for self-driving cars. While these devices are still in testing, the implications could be significant, including the possible loss of many driving intensive jobs.

Genetic Engineering

In the early days, genetic engineering could only be accomplished through a long and careful breeding program with plants or animals. Now it is possible for scientists to change genetic codes directly. This has resulted in cold and pest resistant crops, larger, meatier livestock, and medical treatments for humans.

Technology is growing and changing rapidly. When you're frustrated with slow download speeds or a rumba that's not working right, it helps to take a look back and see how far we've come in a short period of time.