Top 21+ Forgotten, But Beloved Gadgets From the '70s and '80s
- 1. Coleco Telstar
- 2. The Bell Picturephone
- 3. The Magnavox Odyssey
- 4. The Sony Walkman
- 5. The Eight-Track Tape Player
- 6. The Clapper
- 7. Mattel Electronic Football
- 8. The Clairol Pretty Power Hair Dryer
- 9. The Speak & Spell
- 10. The HP-35
- 11. The Pulsar Time Computer
- 12. The Laserdisc
- 13. The Kodak Pocket Instamatic 110
- 14. The Atari Pong Console
- 15. The VHS Recorder
- 16. The CB Radio
- 17. Betamax
- 18. The Sebring-Vanguard City Car
- 19. The Atari 2600

Do you remember these 21 inventions that were popular in the '70s and '80s?
1. Coleco Telstar

Released in 1976, the Coleco Telstar was a pioneering home video game console that brought simple yet addictive tennis and paddle games to living rooms. Its sleek design and accessible gameplay helped introduce many families to the excitement of interactive electronic entertainment.
2. The Bell Picturephone

The Bell Picturephone was a revolutionary device that allowed video calling by combining a standard telephone with a small video screen. Although it was technically advanced at the time, it faced challenges with connectivity and high costs, leading to limited adoption. Still, those who got the chance to use it were amazed by its futuristic concept.
3. The Magnavox Odyssey

The Magnavox Odyssey, released in 1972, was the first home video game console. It was known for its simplistic graphics and gameplay. Families gathered around their television sets to play interactive games, helping to foster a new culture of home entertainment.
4. The Sony Walkman

The Sony Walkman, released in the United States in 1980, one year after its initial release in Japan on July 1, 1979, brought portable music to the masses, allowing users to listen to their favorite cassette tapes on the go. Its compact design and headphones truly transformed the way people experienced music.
5. The Eight-Track Tape Player

The eight-track tape player, introduced to the market in 1965, was a popular audio format that enabled users to listen to music in their cars and homes. It featured a continuous loop of audio tape that provided convenience and a wide selection of music. It was particularly popular from the mid-'60s until the early '80s.
6. The Clapper

The Clapper was an innovative sound-activated device that allowed people to turn lights and appliances on or off by clapping. Released in 1984, it added convenience to home living, especially for those seeking hands-free operation.
7. Mattel Electronic Football

Mattel Electronic Football was a handheld gaming device released in 1977 that simulated football gameplay using blinking lights and simple controls. Players maneuvered tiny dots on the screen, strategizing plays while attempting to score. Its portable design made it a favorite pastime.
8. The Clairol Pretty Power Hair Dryer

Compact, colorful, and undeniably chic, the Clairol Pretty Power Hair Dryer was a beauty essential in many ’70s and '80s homes. Its sleek design, paired with great performance, made it both fashionable and functional.
9. The Speak & Spell

The Speak & Spell was a groundbreaking educational toy that helped children learn spelling and vocabulary through phonetic pronunciation. Released in 1978, its distinctive voice and engaging format made learning fun.
10. The HP-35

The HP-35 was one of the first scientific calculators capable of performing advanced functions, such as exponential and trigonometric calculations. Engineers, scientists, and students embraced this gadget, which streamlined complex calculations. It was released in 1972.
11. The Pulsar Time Computer

The Pulsar Time Computer was a breakthrough in watch design, debuting in 1972 as one of the first digital timepieces with an LED display that lit up by pushing a button. Sleek and futuristic, it appealed to tech-savvy consumers of the ’70s.
12. The Laserdisc

Laserdisc technology introduced high-fidelity video playback to the home entertainment market in 1978. With improved picture and sound quality, it became a beloved medium for film enthusiasts. Although people enjoyed collecting their favorite films, the format ultimately fell out of favor due to shortcomings in scanning technology and the rise of VHS.
13. The Kodak Pocket Instamatic 110

The Kodak Pocket Instamatic 110 was a compact camera designed for casual photography. Introduced in 1972, its easy-to-use features made capturing memories accessible to everyday users.
14. The Atari Pong Console

The Atari Pong Console, released in 1975, introduced the thrill of arcade gaming to living rooms across America. It marked the beginning of home video gaming and launched Atari into pop culture stardom.
15. The VHS Recorder

The VHS recorder allowed users to record and play back television shows and movies at home. Families could create their own libraries of favorite programs, changing how people consumed media. It was released in 1977.
16. The CB Radio

CB radios were released for public use in the United States following the establishment of the Citizens Band radio service by the FCC in 1945. However, they only gained popularity in the '70s, particularly among truck drivers and hobbyists. They allowed users to connect with others over long distances, transforming how people interacted when traveling.
17. Betamax

Released in 1975, Betamax was an early home video format known for its superior picture quality compared to VHS. Even though it ultimately lost the format war to VHS, many enthusiasts praised its reliability and performance.
18. The Sebring-Vanguard City Car

Compact and quirky, the Sebring-Vanguard City Car was an early attempt at electric transportation. Designed for short urban commutes, it appealed to drivers looking for eco-friendly alternatives when it was released in 1974.
19. The Atari 2600

The Atari 2600 was a groundbreaking home video game console that brought arcade-quality gaming into living rooms. With various cartridge games, it captivated gamers of all ages after it was released in 1977. It without a doubt established a foundation for the modern gaming industry.