As technology evolves faster and faster through the years, certain things are overtaken, outgrown, and become obsolete. For instance, though vinyl records are making a comeback, no one hardly use cassette tapes and CDs anymore. Even DVDs, Blu-Ray, and video discs are making their way to digital space and are facing near obsolescence. The smartphone alone has suddenly rendered many technologies obsolete, starting with ordinary cell phones.So, what devices, gadgets, gadgets, and technology are now facing extinction in the business world?
Traditional Landline Phones
Sure, you could say that hospitals, call centers, emergency and police services, and sales offices still needed landline phones, but as mobile devices and smartphones improve, these can take the place of the landline phone. And if there are laptops and PCs around, think VoIP services that are cheaper than landlines.
Standalone GPS Navigation System
Smartphones are rendering standalone GPS navigation system almost unnecessary, especially if GPS is widely used for business purposes such as in trucking and delivery services or for construction vehicles. Some vehicles today are sold factory fresh with their own GPS systems that can easily hook up with any smartphone. And of course, with the improvement of Google Maps and Apple Maps, you don't need to pay a monthly fee for GPS functionality.
Alarm Clocks
Some may argue how is this business related? Well, what have you been using to wake you up in the morning to get to work? However, chances are, in the last 5 years or so, you no longer use a standalone alarm clock, instead relying on your cell phone and then later on your smartphone. With a smartphone, you can even choose your favorite tune.
Dial-up Internet Access
With today's technology, it's hard to see why anyone would use a phone line to connect to the Internet when there are so many feasible alternatives. Dial-up may seem to belong with smoke signals and carrier pigeons on the communication scrap heap, but back in the late 90s and early 2000s remember that it was all the rage.
Wristwatches
Again you could argue that professionals still wear a wristwatch to work, but let's be honest since these people grew up with watches; now watch the younger generation. Honestly, the younger ones know that smartphone and iPads or tablets can tell the time when you're out and about, and virtually every appliance in your home - from your refrigerator to your coffeemaker to your television to your DVD player - has a clock.
Business-related gadgets and devices actually are the first to become obsolete, and all you need to do is remember, when was the last time you saw a manual or electric typewriter, a fax machine, or sales professional using a beeper? These are all gone by now. Recently, aside from those listed above, even the USB Flash Drive is going to be obsolete because of cloud storage services on the Internet. Also, let's not forget the short lifespan of the PDA or Personal Digital Assistant that incorporated note taking, voice memos, and calendars, and given the fact that they used a stylus, they just disappeared pronto from the business scene.
