11 Apps That Have Replaced Classic Technology

Featured article by Erik Winther, Independent Technology Writer

What are the apps that have replaced classic technology? A few years ago, a device known as the VHS player was the trending electrical appliance. Most people watched home movies on these devices. After a while, the DVD player joined the party, and the VHS cassette tape soon became obsolete. Today –the overwhelming popularity of watching series and movies online is threatening the use of the DVD.

The birth of smartphone apps has revolutionized the way we play, communicate, think, and surf the internet. Technology is becoming more efficient, smaller, and better with every new app. Today we’ll explore apps that have replaced classic technology:

1. The Analogue Camera

Mobile camera apps have slowly usurped the role of both digital and analogue cameras. The days of point-and-shoot cameras are now numbered. Smartphone users are going crazy over apps like Snapchat and Instagram, and more and more people are choosing goofy filters over plain old cameras.

This disruption was also prompted by the belief that the best camera is one you carry along with you. In this case, smartphone apps won the fight.

2. The Walkman

Try to remember when last you picked up your Walkman or even your iPod. Smartphone apps have taken over the role of music players too, with the last mainstay of music players being tiny fitness-focused devices. Since smartphones are now lighter and durable enough to be used while jogging, the reign of the Sansa Clip or iPod have come to an end.

3. Telescopes for Kids

Today, kids can learn about the galaxy through various mobile apps. They can be taught to identify the stars, the planets and more. However, professional telescopes for kids are among the few technologies that will never be completely replaced by apps.

4. Pocket Calculators

We now have basic calculators on apps, as well as scientific calculators that can handle so much more than push-button calculators. Few people still carry pocket calculators. As a matter of fact, schools represent their last bastions, because smartphones aren’t allowed in exam halls.

5. Watches

Smartphones apps tell the time. They are always accurate since they’re updated directly from mobile networks – and do not need adjusting for daylight savings. Quite a few individuals have stopped wearing watches. They simply take out their smartphone to check the time.

Non-jewelry watches are like a dying breed today. As if apps weren’t enough to endanger the role of watches, wearables are also gaining ground. More and more users are moving away from traditional watches to high-tech smartwatches.

6. Alarm clock

Alarm clocks have also been replaced with native mobile apps that have powerful features such as snooze, sleep cycles, and customized ring tones. Sleep-tracking apps know when to wake us up and when it’s time to hit the sack.

7. Satnavs

Satnavs were actually a thing once, but modern mobile apps have become much better at navigating. Even manufacturers such as Garmin, TomTom, and Navigon have realized that the multi-function, the connected tool is the future, and have released satellite navigation apps.

Together with great, free tools such as Apple Maps and Google, complete with live reports, outmoded personal navigation devices have joined the items.

8. Medical Equipment

Apps also have medical monitors. Attachments for checking blood glucose levels for diabetic patients and cholesterol for individuals at risk of having heart disease are already replacing the bulky and painful tools.

9. Portable Gaming Machines

Like other classic tech mentioned here, the days of gaming consoles are numbered, as mobile apps are becoming more powerful. The last stronghold for the Game Boy seems to be its physical controls such as buttons, joysticks, and D-pads that are better than touchscreen controls in some games.

10. Wallets

Digital wallets just came into the scene, and they have taken over the market to handling cash. Smartphone apps will be the single device for all loyalty cards, payments, and tickets.
Lots of banks already have these mobile apps, and some allow its users to pay other customers as well as a few stores.

Also, smartphones apps can be used to make payments for transport on tubes, buses, and rail. Many countries have already embraced this new technology, and more are joining in the mobile app trend.

11. Taxi meters

Uber’s disruption of the cab industry has been extensively documented, and it hinges on smartphone apps being used as the main method for monitoring trips. It’ll be a long while before every taxi meter is replaced by smartphone apps, but Uber and some other services have already started pushing at the gate.

These apps that have replaced classic technology make life a lot easier and more apps should be expected in the coming years.

 About the Author

Erik Winther is a video producer that has a great interest in science. Although he enjoys technology, Erik loves the old school gadgets. Camping and hiking are two of his favourite activities.

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