9 Devices and Technologies That Will Soon Be Obsolete
Credit: Sorbis / ShutterstockOut with the old and in with the new as we truck through 2021. We've already seen a slew of new devices earlier this year at the virtual version of CES 2021 – and now it's time to say goodbye to older products on their way out. Continue reading to browse nine devices and technologies that'll soon become obsolete.
Corded Headphones
True wireless headphones deliver freedom of movement that people just won't give up. Most consumers won't go back to corded headphones that snag on doorknobs and cause you to trip on the treadmill. Corded headphones are so outdated that Apple even stopped bundling its EarPods with its iPhone 12. Go out and buy a pair of wireless headphones, you can thank us later.
Physical Storage
Most people have a hard drive or thumb drive kicking around their house, but these physical storage devices are likely collecting dust. Almost everyone now collaborates online using Google Docs, iCloud, or Microsoft Office 360. Why worry about a hard drive or thumb drive when you can store all of your information in the cloud?
Point-and-Shoot Digital Cameras
The iPhone camera is so advanced that even accomplished photographers are ditching their digital cameras for their smartphones. While the DSLR camera may still have a place in your camera bag, those clunky point-and-shoot cameras are on their way out.
Analog Watches
The Apple Watch and competing smartwatches are exploding in popularity. With prices starting under $100 for some models, there is little reason to purchase an analog watch. If you want to make a fashion statement, go ahead and drop money on an analog watch. Otherwise, just grab a smartwatch.
Lightning and USB-C Charging Cables
Apple made a big move towards wireless charging with its MagSafe charger and iPhone 12 series. This is only the beginning. We expect to see the company expand this technology to other devices and gradually phase out the traditional charging cable.
Standalone GPS Devices
GPS is here to stay, but most people now turn to their cars or smartphone for navigation on the roads and in the woods. Most modern vehicles have an infotainment system with integrated GPS navigation. Even older car owners are ditching their Garmin GPS and turning to Google Maps and Apple Maps, both of which provide outstanding directions. For folks who like to wander off the beaten path, apps like AllTrails and Gaia GPS have you covered in the backcountry.
Passwords
Typing in passwords will become passe in 2021 thanks to fingerprint, eye, and facial scanning. Everything from your Mac to your iPhone and your Apple Watch will use biometric recognition to authenticate your identity and enter passwords on your behalf.
We're almost there already in the Apple ecosystem with Face ID on the iPhone and the Touch Bar on the MacBook Pro. We still are waiting on the Apple Watch to get some form of Touch ID. Touch ID was rumored to be landing on the Apple Watch Series 6, but that never materialized. Perhaps, it will make its grand debut on the Watch Series 7.
The Home Button
Apple moved away from the Home button when it introduced the iPhone X in 2017. The company has all but eliminated the Home button, keeping it only for the iPhone SE 2020, the iPad 10.2, iPad mini, and some older iOS devices. We would not be surprised if the company chose to remove the Home button from all of its devices this year, opting to use facial recognition instead.
The Apple iPod
It's 2021, and Apple is still selling the iPod touch. Twenty years ago, Apple unveiled its first iPod model, kicking off a revolution in the portable music player market. Now the standalone music player has been replaced by the iPhone for on-the-go music. We won't be surprised if the iPod quietly disappears from the company's website soon.