The 1990s were a golden era of standalone tech—each function had its own gadget. You needed a Walkman for music, a camcorder to take videos, and an alarm clock to wake up. Fast-forward to today, and most of these tools live inside a single device: your smartphone. Many smartphone features we take for granted today were once cutting-edge standalone devices just a few decades ago.
Also Read: How to Build Exceptional Mobile User Experiences
Explore 5 gadgets that have been incorporated into smartphone features.
If you use any of the features on your phone, be thankful to the gadgets that once were commonplace in every household.
1. The Camera: From Camcorders to Pocket Photography
In the 90s, capturing a moment meant hauling around a bulky camcorder or point-and-shoot camera. Fast forward to today, and high-resolution cameras are one of the most sought-after smartphone features.
From professional-grade photo quality to 4K video recording and even AI-powered editing tools, modern smartphones make it easier than ever to capture life on the go.
2. Music Players: The Evolution from Walkman to Streaming
If you grew up in the 90s, you probably remember rewinding cassette tapes with a pencil or flipping a CD in your Discman. Today, streaming services are standard smartphone features, allowing you to carry millions of songs in your pocket.
Whether it’s Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube, smartphones have turned the need for a separate music player into a nostalgic memory.
3. GPS and Maps: From Road Atlases to Real-Time Navigation
Before smartphones, road trips required paper maps or a standalone GPS unit. Now, one of the most essential smartphone features is built-in GPS with real-time traffic updates, turn-by-turn voice navigation, and alternate route suggestions. It’s hard to imagine getting lost in the age of Google Maps and Apple Maps.
4. Communication Devices: From Pagers to Instant Messaging
Pagers were once the height of mobile communication. You’d receive a beep and head to the nearest payphone. Today, smartphones not only let you text but also video call, voice message, and even send GIFs or memes. Modern smartphone features like WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Messenger make staying connected instant and effortless.
5. Gaming Consoles: From Game Boys to Mobile Gaming
Remember the Game Boy or the Sega Game Gear? Handheld consoles dominated the 90s. Now, mobile games are one of the most addictive smartphone features. With powerful GPUs and access to thousands of titles via app stores, your phone is now a serious gaming device.
Bonus: A Torch to Light the Way
Power cuts were a frequent phenomenon for anyone growing up in the 90s. So, every household kept a torch hidden away in some corner. This has aptly been replaced by a torch on your smartphone.
Now, as long as your battery lasts, you can have the torch on with the portable device in your pocket.
Conclusion: The 90s in Your Pocket
The smartphone has become the ultimate tech convergence device. These smartphone features that started as standalone gadgets in the 90s now coexist in your pocket—streamlined, powerful, and more connected than ever.
