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29 March 2024

10 every-day items that should have gone

Published
By Amal Al Jabry

Out with the old technology, in with the new.

That’s exactly one of the things that was evident during Gitex Technology Week at the Dubai World Trade Centre, which showcased the latest innovations.

But how soon would the older versions disappear from the market?

We’ve gathered a list of items around us today that should have been outdated by now, with some slowly on the brink of being obsolete.

Fax machines

This one is highly debatable. Many consider this machine ideal for documents too large to email. But with emails and scanners doing the job, are people still depending on faxes?

Yes, in fact, law firms, insurance offices and banks still use them though they’re known to be costly, inconvenient and of low-resolution.

But many say it’s a great option for people with no email addresses.

Wait, hold on. What? Yes there are, believe it or not, still folks out there today who don’t own an email address, and there’s nothing wrong with that.

Camera film

Looks like traditional photographers still prefer the old school technique as opposed to digital cameras.

But plenty of factors come in, particularly having the option of checking each picture once clicked (and immediately deleting the ones you don’t look good in), having extra copies saved instead of just having one set of negatives (which could get lost or be destroyed), and an easier way of sending images to others.

DVDs and Blu-Ray discs


No debate here. Its digital downloads versus physical products.

And with services such as Netflix, the popularity of online movies is soaring. Downloaders say it’s more convenient, while not worrying about storing DVDs and scratches.

But true collectors would say otherwise.

CDs

With direct downloading options such as iTunes and digital players such as the iPod, it’s pretty clear where these discs are headed after some time.

Car keys

Now there’s a thought, since most cars don’t even require you to fit the key into the ignition anymore with the key-less entry.

Long-distance phone calls


Why the need for this when we have a variety of online chat and voice over internet protocol [VoIP] options?

Well, to be fair they’re all free for now, but when compared to the money spent on calling cards, the difference is colossal.

Alarm clocks

Do people still use traditional alarm clocks? Apparently they do! Even though smartphones are equipped with a cluster of useful gears such as the calculator, diary, timer, maps.

Whereas alarm clocks are comforting in a way, your smartphone can personalize your morning alarm. And a favourite song choice would sound much more pleasant to wake up to.

Maps

In a country where new roads are being built and old roads renovated, many wonder why we have paper maps around.

Especially with the updated Google maps and GPS…

VHS Cassettes & Rewinders

These devices are still around, and you can get yourself one from Amazon with prices up to $149.99.

Public phone booths

Where do we start…?

(Image courtesy: Shutterstock)