If you ever doubted how continuously and fast technology evolves, just look at how we listen to music. The phonograph was first invented in 1877 but it took nearly 50 years for the high-tech Victrola phonograph to hit the market in 1925. Vinyl LP records appeared in 1931 but it took until 1948 for consumers to really start buying them. Another generation came and went before cassette tapes became popular in the 1960s and 8-track tapes in the 1970s. In 1979, the super-portable Sony Walkman changed how we listened to music and, while the compact disc was introduced only 3 years later, it took most of the 80s for CDs to kill off vinyl and cassettes good. In 1995, the MP3 appeared on the market but it was really the arrival of the Apple iPod in 2001 that helped the MP3 format take off. Soon enough, in 2007, SoundCloud appeared and the music streaming revolution we’re currently in began.
Today, a whole flurry of technologies is changing how we work, live and play – from transportation and food delivery phone apps like Uber and Wi-Fi-enabled thermostats like Nest to DNA genetic testing, solar power and electric cars and, in the next decade, self-driving ones too.
So, how do we keep up?
While some of us get really excited by new technologies and a few are a bit apprehensive, the key to staying up to date may be in taking a more rational and less emotional approach that begins with asking yourself a few questions:
- What do I need? Notice, we said “need", not “want" because, while we often crave these new technologies like a big bowl of ice cream, the fact is we may or may not need the newest phone or a portable 3D printer. As with any other major purchase for you or your home, lay out the benefits and the costs and avoid any rash purchasing decisions.
- Who can I ask? Start with your family and friends, in person or on Facebook. They may not be experts on the technology you’re interested in, but they’ll be a good sounding board to help you decide whether it’s just a silly fad or something you truly want to invest in.
- Who do I trust? The internet is teeming with information and “facts" that may or may not be helpful about informing you about a technology’s true benefits. Seek out unbiased product review sites like Consumer Reports, as well as reports from respected newspapers, magazines, books, online user groups and other sites.
What technologies are you excited – or wary – about? Share your comments and concerns in the Shop Talk blog community forum!
Did you know? Billions and billions
It’s estimated that, in just over a generation, technology will be a billion times more advanced than today, with bio, nano and robotic technology a regular part of our lives. (Source)
Love it
I’m worried about losing our privacy. It is great to view everything in real time. But, don’t tell me that everyone hasn’t done things that they were glad that nobody had seen. Even our constitutional rights are at risk.
Yes I could Definitely use some help.
I don’t keep up with new technology I usually wait until it is in use a while before I try it. I didn’t even has a smart phone until 2 years ago. I do have a Google Home mini which I received as a gift. So far I use it for an alarm to wake up and I listen to music on it.
I’m interested in learning about technology breakthroughs as well as all kinds of other things. Thank you for sharing the information.
There was a time in my life when I was absolutely petrified of using a computer. What if I were to push the wrong button? The whole thing would no doubt explode, important data would be lost and somehow it meant the end of the world! At least as I knew it then. Nowadays I just cannot seem to get away from those darned things! Everywhere before me is today’s ME Generation looking down instead of up, talking and taking selfies! There is a whole new language and world to go along with it. And now it has infected the food chain as well. That is what techies would call a virus! My, how times have changed people!
Always evolving and changing with the times.
It’s mind boggling to try to keep up and I can not afford to buy all the latest devices and I really can’t use most of what I have seen. I hope that all the old school is not tossed away.I love new but I also want my grandkids to know about the past too. Sometimes more is just more ! Thanks for keeping me updated even if I can’t buy them I will know what they do and how to operate them.
So on point! Technology today could be this but even just tomorrow things can change. But, like the basic foods their will always be the basic principles of technology.
It’s a good article. Sometimes technology simply overwhelms me. Thanks!