Innovation moves fast, and what was once cutting-edge can quickly become obsolete. Decades ago, the 8-track tape revolutionized how people listened to music, only to be replaced by cassettes, CDs, and eventually streaming. Payphones were once a lifeline for travelers and city dwellers, but now they’re relics of a time before cell phones took over. These are just a few examples of cool inventions that had their moment in the spotlight before fading into history. Take a look back at the gadgets and gizmos that were once must-haves but are now all but forgotten.
The 8-Track
Although 8-tracks were basically extinct for a couple of decades, today many collectors are buying vintage tapes as a form of nostalgia. Better sound quality can be heard on cassettes, CD’s, and streaming services, but 8-tracks transport listeners back to a specific time of the past. Of course, the popularity of cassettes did not last long either as they were replaced by CDs, which were soon replaced by iTunes, which was then replaced by digital streaming. Although the idea of unlimited access to free music sounds ideal, some value is lost without the physical, tactile component of music. Younger generations are even realizing this same perception as vinyl sales have been on the rise the past few years. It seems there may always be use for tangible forms of music, even the unreliable eight-track.
Portable Record Players
Before the Walkman revolutionized portable music, companies attempted to create mobile record players. These devices, often battery-powered, allowed users to play vinyl on the go—if they could keep the needle from skipping. The concept was ambitious but flawed, as the technology wasn’t advanced enough to make portable players practical. The popularity of vinyl and the desire for mobility reflected the 60s and 70s shift toward personal entertainment, but the devices ultimately felt more gimmicky than revolutionary.
CB Radios
In the 70s, everyone thought they were a trucker. Citizens band (CB) radios became a nationwide craze, with people installing them in their cars and using trucker slang like “10-4” and “Breaker, breaker.” While it was fun to pretend you were part of the open road culture, the fad died out once the novelty wore off and cell phones took over. Now, CB radios are a quirky relic of a bygone era.
Public Pay Phones
Before cell phones, there was the public pay phone — a grimy staple of city corners, bus stations, and gas stations. You’d dig for change, wait in line, and hope no one had vandalized the receiver. If you didn’t have a quarter, you were out of luck. Worse yet, you had to remember everyone’s phone numbers (or carry a little black book with them all written down). The rise of mobile phones has made public pay phones nearly extinct, and we’re definitely not complaining. The convenience of having a phone in your pocket at all times has made pay phones feel like ancient history.
CRT Televisions
Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) televisions were a household staple, but they were massive, heavy, and prone to screen flickering. They could take up half the living room, and moving one was a two-person job. Today’s flat-screen, high-definition TVs make CRTs look downright clunky, and most households are happy to have moved on from these bulky devices.