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Predict which old tech will be the next to make a comeback!

Posted by Ford James in Tech

This bounty idea comes courtesy of avrona who wants you folks to predict the next tech that will make a comeback and become popular again. After all, vinyls, cassettes, polaroids, flip phones, typewriters, arcade machines, and more have done the same in recent years, so what's next?

Pick some old tech and justify your chance in 50 words or more to win $2!

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This reward closed to entries at 10:59am on August 29, 2024 but you can still reply, react, and join the conversation below! If you’d like to enter other rewards which are still open, click here.

Created at 9:36am, 16th August, 2024. Page last updated at 11:58pm, 2nd September, 2024.
Deadline at 11:00pm, 28th August, 2024.

Limal 8/28/2024, 10:36:47 PM

Stainless steel body, bulky square sides, and those iconic gull-wing doors—just look at the Cybertruck! The new Hyundai Santa Fe and other manufacturers are embracing that '80s bulky style. It’s the perfect time for the DMC-12 to make a comeback!

I’m not talking about that recent DeLorean nonsense that looks more like a bar of soap than a car. I want simple, plain designs with rough edges—something futuristic, like the engineers of the '70s envisioned for the 21st century.

#NoToRoundSmoothCars!

PedroPato 8/28/2024, 8:52:21 PM

Sensorama

When I saw this post, I tried to remember some old technology, then I remembered a project I did for college about virtual reality, in which I had to delve deeper into the origins of VR.

Sensorama was an innovative technology at the time, it simulated an immersive and multi-sensory experience. The device is as the image above shows, you sat and glued to the screen inside where the experience of a motorcycle ride through the streets of Broklyn was simulated. And in the middle of this ride, the machine user could feel the wind on their face, the vibration of the motorcycle and even the smells of the city.

Sensorama is not actually a Virtual Reality device, but it is the predecessor of today's devices and concepts that we have about it, and I think that this idea of "feeling" through Virtual Reality is not far off, Sensorama was a rustic device from 1962 that didn't have much technology but had a very cool idea, which I believe will return soon, but I also have no doubt that something like this already exists.

Ford JamesMod8/29/2024, 11:01:16 AM

PedroPato

Hah, that is fascinating! Sort of like a 4D cinema but for solo use...

Asim 8/28/2024, 7:54:46 PM

I feel like physical media such as dvds and physical video games, we are in the era now where these are massively being phased out with streaming services and also the introduction of digital consoles, however we are also in the era where old digital services are being shut down, see 3ds Store, PS3 store, and some movies and tv series only stay on streaming services for a limited amount of time

I'll give it about 5-10 years and you'll start to see DVD's and physical video games start to make a comeback, there will be a big contraversy, e.g when PS4 online gets shut down and people are not happy about losing licences and access to games that we will realise the important of physical media!

avrona 8/28/2024, 10:24:31 AM

Optical drive bays in PCs! With how anti-consumer the modern video game industry is becoming, people are realising having their games on physical media is pretty smart! However, almost not modern PC cases even have 5.25" bays. That is why my rig uses the Fractal Pop Air, one of the few modern cases to still support the format. And with recent advances in tech making discs more spacious than ever, they can actually hold modern games in a reasonable amount of discs!

However, I don't think it will be just about optical drives. Hardware manufacturers are straining to find new and innovative PC hardware products, and the return of 5.25" bays in cases could allow manufacturers to explore this format again. We used to have awesome front panel audio interfaces, screens, and more, and the possibilities are truly endless about what else you could fit into your front disc drive bays that aren't ODDs.

LGR did an awesome video showcasing all the different panels companies used to make:

Ford JamesMod8/29/2024, 11:07:46 AM

avrona

Interesting! I don't disagree, but do you think we could see an alternate physical format surface that is a little more mindful of space? 5.25" bays are chunky, and smaller PC cases are generally becoming more favourable.

Lanah Tyra 8/29/2024, 11:18:48 AM

avrona

I prefer small cases, one of the reasons why for a long time I had external DVD player for my PC. I like the slim slots like laptops or the PS5 has. With cases where they try to hide a lot of cables and such I could imagine a solution where there is a slim disc slot at the bottom front of the PC and drive itself is hidden under the bottom panel like many power supplies are. I would totally buy one then.

Anakin_D2 8/28/2024, 9:08:25 AM

In my opinion, iPods should never have gone, they're the tech that should make a comeback. Here are some features that make that statement true:

- A headphone jack!

This piece of technology establishes a direct audio connection between your headphones and your device, making it not only almost delete any delay, you also don't have to charge your headphones, as it's power comes from the phone! This crazy piece of technology is lacked in many modern devices, but was already a thing in this old tech!

- Dedicated music storage

You can get up to 256 gb of DEDICATED MUSIC STORAGE, nothing else, all music!

- Uninterrupted free viewing

Using softwares I won't cite, you can download your entire playlist, then you can throw that onto your iPod and watch it WHENEVER, WHEREVER you want, no ads, no pauses, the only thing you need to worry about is battery.

Please note that all this was written with experience using the third gen iPod touch.

Lanah Tyra 8/29/2024, 11:14:34 AM

Anakin_D2

I only had the iPod touch, before that I had mp3 players and I loved it how small it was and how much music you could store on them. And I prefer cabled headsets and miss the time when you got earphones with your phone, they don't do that anymore, why?

Sturmer 8/28/2024, 8:20:15 AM

It seems I'm getting signals from all over about a retro console comeback. Recently, I met developers creating games for ZX Spectrum and Atari—even in 2024! Dozens of new games are released each month, and there are even magazines dedicated to them. This trend caught my attention and made me want to do deeper research.

A few days later, I was invited to try out the new Atari 7800+, which is launching with ten games. While the gear looks retro, it’s equipped with modern tech like USB-C, HDMI, and wireless capabilities.

Sneak-peak photo from a hands-on

Retro gaming consoles could be the next tech to make a big comeback. The blend of nostalgic design with modern technology suggests they might soon gain popularity again.

Lanah Tyra 8/29/2024, 11:11:52 AM

Sturmer

Oh I'll definitely have to try this! I missed out on the Atari era as it was not very accessible in my country.

Sturmer 8/29/2024, 11:26:53 AM

Lanah Tyra

in the nearest weeks I'll drop an interview about Atari 7800+ so hand on

Noodlez 8/27/2024, 5:57:42 PM

I feel like smaller more handheld consoles will make a return at some point, we obviously have phones in our hands now but it'll be simular to why people still buy CD's with spotify around. Playing with everyones NDS on a school trip and not needing internet, or the game they had in order to play was amazing. Plus they are small enough to fit in literally any bag pocket!

Ford JamesMod8/29/2024, 11:10:46 AM

Noodlez

Agreed. There are plenty out there at the moment, but they're still not super popular. It's a competitive market though, especially when plenty of folks are happy to just emulate on their phones! The only problem with that is the lack of physical buttons.

Lanah Tyra 8/27/2024, 1:06:55 PM

I would love to see the comeback of the home-entertainment systems. There used to be one with vinyl, cassette and radio player, this could pick up a new form with including CD as well and maybe have a built-in connection for streaming platforms as well, so you could play your favourite Spotify playlist on the big sound system. You can still buy these but the quality (especially the turntable) is not as good as it used to be, I would be scared to put some of my collectors vinyl into the cheap stuff you can buy. They would have to be from the old, trusted brands.

Gaypengwing 🔜 Ren Faire Uk 8/27/2024, 5:24:53 AM

I never really got rid of mine because I love having physical copies but with the unpredictability of digital and streaming services, dvds/game disks are going to make a strong comeback soon and a lot of people are going to regret getting rid of them all.

I still have my very large collection of dvds and my favourite games in physical copy and sure, occasionally they might get scratched or just decide that I watched it too much. But I won’t wake up one day to find out that overnight all of them disappeared from my collection 🤷🏼‍♀️

Shovel 8/26/2024, 6:50:39 PM

Not sure if we’ve had this one yet, but I think we’re gonna see the return of the good old iPod shuffle. Youngsters are getting a massive kick out of having time outs and phone detox’s - even looking at switching to much simpler devices. As tech is on the rise, attention span is at an all time low. So having youngest have those time outs and picking up a secondary device to do just a singular job is becoming more attractive.

We’re already seeing it with CD players and even Cassette tapes with artists releasing cassettes again for new albums. And even with cameras, I have a sister who is 17 and loves using a digital camera over a phone camera.

So because of this, I think naturally the next step for them would be a device that can just play music and even podcasts at a push.

Makster 8/23/2024, 5:36:05 AM

CRT TV

Just as Vinyl made a come back due to nostalgia value, and 'sound quality', I believe CRT TVs will also. Whilst I don't think this will replace the main TV in a family's den, I think this will be for the retro game hunters that are not satisfied with the framemeister upscalers and prefer to game on more authentic hardware.

Just like a Vinyl set up with a receiver, speaker, and of course turntable, I can imagine little corners of man-caves dedicated to those cathode tube screens with a selection of NES to PS2 era consoles, library of games, and accessories for those that want to relive Friday/ Saturday nights spent trying to get through Ghost n' Goblins or going endless rounds on Street Fighter Alpha 2.

Josh B 8/17/2024, 9:28:49 AM

Air fryers have become increasingly popular over the past few years due to financial pressures and the classic oven taking a battering in terms of it's reputation for costs to use.

The pressure cooker could be next up and see a but of a renaissance.

I see influencers and social media pushing this one for its cheap usage and quick cooking times!

Hopefully a more modern version than the design than the one below though!

Lanah Tyra 8/27/2024, 12:55:18 PM

Josh B

It's interesting because we always had these in Hungary:

was strange for me when I moved to the UK that people didn't know what it was. On the other hand I had no idea what a slow cooker was and I don't think I'ld ever use one. Just seems wild to leave something there to cook while you sleep or are not even at home.

CMDR Henckes 8/27/2024, 6:06:36 PM

Lanah Tyra

Here in Brazil is super common as well, specially when we have to prepare beans that have a really long cooking time.

Sneaky_Prawn 8/18/2024, 9:18:22 AM

Polaroid Cameras: Instant cameras have made a comeback, appealing to those who enjoy the novelty of having physical photos immediately. The unpredictability and unique aesthetic of Polaroid pictures offer a contrast to the polished digital photos we're used to.

I recently attended a wedding where the bride made a Polaroid available to the guests.
We later pasted all the photos in a scrapbook for her

Lanah Tyra 8/27/2024, 12:56:39 PM

Sneaky_Prawn

I was thinking to get one for the same reason, to be able to take some shots which would go straight into my photo album. With the digital photos it feels like I have to many and then it's always a hassle to get them printed out.

SIRCAM 8/16/2024, 8:15:21 PM

We all love music, we miss retro tech, so i predict a sort of Sony Walkman that can play Cassettes, the dream of a lot of audiophile. 🙂

Kane Carnifex 8/18/2024, 9:12:24 AM

Portable CD Player with Bluetooth

I didn´t knew there is a market for but holy moly look at this:

I assumed with Streaming, this gets kind of obsolet.
But here i am burning my next Playlist "Summer is not over yet"

xD

mar1gold 8/19/2024, 12:12:35 AM

I think since people are getting a bit sick of smartphones, we will see a comeback of the flip-phone of phones with similar levels of functionality.

There are already multiple brands i've heard of who are creating phones to fill this niche. However, I could totally see people just getting an older phone for super cheap just for messaging and calling!

Doc 8/19/2024, 1:26:06 PM

My guess is the Pager. The Pager tech concept is being developed into new mesh communication devices, with makers already prototyping with Arduino.

Braulio M Lara 🔹8/21/2024, 8:13:02 PM

Hi people 😊

because so many people want it in the auto motor world the colapsable light in cars 🚙 will comeback, yes l know that long time ago stop using because aerodynamic and safety grounds make it disappear

but l trust that in one way or another will comeback

God Bless you all 🤗

Roypedd 8/22/2024, 1:01:13 PM

After vinyl and cassettes, I think the same will happen with analog radio. It's morning; you get up and go to the kitchen to make breakfast. Meanwhile, you turn on the radio, find a station, and enjoy your coffee.

JophisBontan 8/22/2024, 6:13:23 PM

I think because 35mm film has been making a decent sized comeback due to its vintage style and simplicity, maybe medium format film will start to make a comeback with the people who already are starting to love 35mm.

FUN INC 8/23/2024, 1:44:45 PM

Cassettes!

I used to do quite a bit of tape trading, and i'll be honest, I miss it. Yes it is a redundant format now, what with sstreaming services and the instant accessibility of it, however you really cannot beat "making a mix tape" - it is a n artform, lost to the sands of time! - i would love for cassettes to come back in fashion. I've still got my tape deck and everything! :D

SpecialEffectLiam 8/24/2024, 8:06:27 PM

I keep predicting the return of owning physical media.. so I’ve got this suspicion DVD players are going to come back for some reason

JHenckes 8/26/2024, 3:01:48 AM

RETRO VIDEO GAMES CONSOLES

Why Retro Video Game Consoles?

Nostalgia Factor:
- Retro consoles evoke fond memories of childhood and early gaming experiences. The nostalgic appeal of classic games and the consoles they ran on is powerful, drawing both former gamers and new enthusiasts.
Revival of Classic Games:
- Many classic games have been re-released or remastered, and there's a growing interest in playing them on original hardware. Companies are even producing new games for old systems, fueling interest in retro consoles.
Collectibility:
- Vintage consoles and games have become valuable collector's items. Their rarity and historical significance make them highly sought after, especially among collectors and gaming enthusiasts.
Emulation and Homebrew:
- The rise of emulation and homebrew communities has made it easier to experience retro games. While emulation is popular, there’s also a trend towards using original hardware for a more authentic experience.
Miniature and Reproduction Models:
- Manufacturers have capitalized on the retro trend by releasing miniature versions of classic consoles, such as the NES Classic Edition or the Sega Genesis Mini. These modern reproductions make it easier to enjoy classic games without needing to find or maintain original hardware.
Gaming Culture and Community:
- Retro gaming has a strong community with conventions, online forums, and fan groups dedicated to preserving and celebrating classic gaming. This vibrant culture helps keep interest in old consoles alive.

Retro video game consoles are making a significant comeback due to their nostalgic value, the revival of classic games, and their collectible status. Whether through original hardware, mini consoles, or homebrew games, the charm of old-school gaming continues to captivate new and returning players alike.

Toretto 70 8/27/2024, 10:52:51 PM

Jetpack

I think this technology launced to soon, this is a future stuf and in the past we have it and discontinued maybe for some reason. and I 100% certain it will be have by many people in future

CMDR Henckes 8/26/2024, 8:59:02 PM

I've bee seeing a lot of vintage stuffs getting certain moments of comeback, some take longer others not so much. And I have never seen a comeback of Dial Rotary Phones and I think it's moment is near, especially as a decoration than a useful phone (for some people it can be useful) since we have portable ones now.

JHenckes 8/28/2024, 10:04:02 PM

CMDR Henckes

This one it's a thing that I'll make sure to lose my money 😅

Lew_William 8/27/2024, 3:09:12 PM

Palmpilot

Mommy 8/27/2024, 3:53:11 PM

Nokia phones

NotAValveGame 8/27/2024, 4:42:53 PM

old fashioned neon lights something about their aesthetic really makes them so pretty. They fit into tons of places and are easy to use.

Larrix43 8/27/2024, 4:56:13 PM

In the age of Old tech Renaissance, I humbly believe that cassette based technology will come back in niche, interesting ways like beta max where indie film makers can really capture the aesthetic of a bygone era. musicians releasing their EPs on cassette,heck even A Track!! With well over 40 years of use, I'm sure artists can find a way to max out the benefits

yan57436 8/27/2024, 5:24:18 PM

Flip phones

Flip phones might just be the antidote to our hyperconnected lives. They’re a nostalgic throwback to a time when phones were for calling, not constant checking. There’s something deeply satisfying about snapping a flip phone shut—like physically closing off the world for a moment. In a culture where screens dominate our attention, flip phones offer a refreshing simplicity. They strip away the distractions, leaving just the essentials: calls and texts. It’s a small, powerful rebellion against the digital overload, reminding us that sometimes less really is more. A flip phone comeback wouldn’t just be about retro style; it would be a conscious choice to reclaim our time and attention.

CMDR Henckes 8/27/2024, 5:56:41 PM

yan57436

Flip phones were a thing back in 2000's its a shame that the reinterpretation of them are so expensive nowadays.

Lanah Tyra 8/27/2024, 10:36:22 PM

CMDR Henckes

It's not just the price what holds me back from buying one, saw some videos of how easily the screen can break where you fold it, even if you are careful and just simply fold the phone as you should. I loved my original Motorola Razr!

JHenckes 8/28/2024, 10:02:32 PM

yan57436

What a good idea! Flip phones come back really strong nowadays!

TheRealGamer1YT 8/27/2024, 8:35:47 PM

Record players.

Pnut8989 8/28/2024, 12:46:36 AM

I feel like a Polaroid camera will make a comeback, it's like a classic and I've seen a trend recently where people take polaroid cameras on trips and take very nice pictures.

Emotional 8/28/2024, 3:05:45 PM

Flip phones surely

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