The 1970s were a time when bell-bottoms and disco ruled. However, it was also an era of groundbreaking gadgets that laid the foundation for today's tech-savvy world. Portable music players, the first home video game consoles, and more—these innovations transformed how we entertained ourselves and managed daily tasks. Let’s check out some of these pioneering devices below.
Bell System Picturephone
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In 1963, video calls were something out of a sci-fi movie, but Bell System made them a reality. The Picturephone allowed people to see each other while talking, which seemed like the future of communication. Unfortunately, the high price kept it out of most homes. While it never took off, it paved the way for modern video chatting.
Polaroid Polavision
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Recording home movies was exciting, but waiting for the film to develop made it less magical. In 1977, Polaroid Polavision changed that by letting people watch their short films almost instantly. Instead of sending reels off for processing, users could view their creations at home. The idea was revolutionary, but VHS and camcorders quickly eventually stole the spotlight.
IBM 5100 Portable Computer
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In 1975, it wasn't easy to carry a computer, so IBM tried the 5100. Considering that it weighed 55 pounds, this so-called portable device was more of a desktop with a handle. It still made computing more accessible and hinted at a future where powerful machines could fit into smaller spaces. Laptops owe a lot to this early attempt at mobility.
Sebring-Vanguard City Car
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Gasoline-powered cars ruled the roads before an electric alternative quietly rolled in in 1974. The Sebring-Vanguard City Car promised a cleaner way to drive, even though it looked like a futuristic golf cart. This tiny two-seater ran on batteries long before electric vehicles became a trend. It never became mainstream, but it showed that gas-powered cars weren't the only option.
IBM 3800 Laser Printer
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Businesses relied on slow and noisy printing methods before the IBM 3800 arrived in 1976. This high-speed laser printer changed everything by producing clear and professional documents at a speed never seen before. Offices could print in bulk without dealing with messy ink ribbons. It became the foundation for modern laser printers that handle massive workloads with ease.
Texas Instruments Speak & Spell
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In 1978, Texas Instruments upgraded vocabulary lessons by introducing a talking teacher in a toy. Speak & Spell used speech synthesis to pronounce words with the aim of helping kids learn in a new and exciting way. The robotic voice became instantly recognizable, and many credit this gadget for sparking an interest in educational technology.
Digital Wristwatches
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Digital wristwatches changed the way people saw time in the early 1970s–quite literally. Instead of hands ticking around a dial, numbers lit up with the push of a button. It felt like something from a spy movie, although early models drained batteries quickly.
Panasonic Automatic Bread Maker
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Baking bread from scratch takes time and effort, but Panasonic made it easier in 1987. Their automatic bread maker allowed people to enjoy fresh loaves without kneading, rising, or guesswork. All they had to do was toss in the ingredients, press a button, and wait for the smell of warm bread to fill the kitchen.
Motorola Dynatac
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Motorola made it possible to make a call from anywhere with the introduction of the Dynatac in 1983. This massive mobile phone looked more like a brick than a sleek device, but it worked. People who could afford it no longer had to stay near a landline.
Sony TR-610
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Radios weren't really considered portable until Sony released the TR-610 in 1958. This tiny device fit in a pocket and gave people access to music and news wherever they went. It lacked a screen but was an early step toward entertainment on the go.
Broxodent Electric Toothbrush
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Before the Broxodent electric toothbrush, brushing your teeth was a chore. Instead of scrubbing manually, people could let the bristles do the work for them. The vibrations removed plaque effectively and made dental hygiene feel somewhat high-tech.
Sony Walkman
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Sony’s Walkman was the first device to make listening to music private. Cassette players were already popular, but they were bulky and required speakers. This compact device let people take their favorite songs anywhere without disturbing anyone around them.
Polaroid SX-70
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When Polaroid released the SX-70, instant photography completely changed. Instead of waiting for film to develop, people could snap a picture and watch it appear within minutes. The camera folded into a sleek shape, which made it easy to carry. It became a must-have for photographers who wanted instant memories without the hassle of a darkroom.
Cuisinart Food Processor
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In 1973, Cuisinart introduced a game-changing food processor. Chopping, slicing, and mixing suddenly became quick and effortless. Home chefs could prepare meals faster without spending hours handling ingredients by hand. The Cuisinart food processor earned a permanent spot on kitchen counters.
Sinclair Pocket Calculator
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The Sinclair Executive, launched in 1972, was the world’s first slimline pocket calculator. It was smaller and lighter than earlier calculators and helped transition away from bulky mechanical devices. It had never been easier to crunch your numbers as a student.
