Posted by: Aubrey Felix on July 5, 2023 at 2:01 pm
20 Years of Tech, Then vs Now:
TAZ Networks opened it’s doors on July 9th 2003. Since then technology has changed at an incredible pace. What was once considered cutting-edge technology is now obsolete, and new innovations are constantly emerging. Let’s take a look at how technology has changed in the last 20 years.
Computers
Then: In the early 2000s, computers were bulky and expensive. They had limited processing power and storage capacity, and they were not very user-friendly. The only plus side was being able to choose your favorite color for your Mac.
Now: Today, computers are much more powerful and affordable than they were 20 years ago. They have more processing power, storage capacity, and memory. They are also much more user-friendly, thanks to the development of graphical user interfaces (GUIs).
Internet
Then: The internet in the early 2000s was much slower than it is today. It was also less reliable, and there were fewer websites and online services available. And let’s not forget about dial up, the wait, the sounds… And if your family member picked up the phone you had to start it all over.
Now: The internet is now much faster and more reliable than it was before. The days of dial up are a thing of the past. There are also billions of websites and online services available, making it a vast resource of information and entertainment.
Cell Phones
Then: Cell phones in the early 2000s were also very basic. They could only make and receive calls, send text messages, and play a few simple games. But lets be honest, who didn’t love playing snake on the Nokia “brick” phone?
Now: Today, cell phones are vastly different. They have more features and power than ever before. They can do anything from making calls and sending text messages to browsing the web, taking photos and videos, and playing games. They can also connect to the internet, giving us access to streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. They are truly becoming pocket computers.
Cameras
Then: Cameras in the early 2000s were mostly film cameras. They were bulky and usually expensive. The film took time to develop, and you wouldn’t know if you got that amazing shot until your film came back. The cool kids had digital cameras. But even the better ones were only around 3-4 Megapixels.
Now: Today, cameras are mostly digital. They are small and affordable, and they can take pictures instantly. They can also connect to the internet, allowing us to share our photos with friends and family. Smart phones are stepping into the camera territory, and replacing the pocket sized, digital point and shoot. But if you still want to kick it old school, Amazon has 44 Megapixel point and shoot cameras for about $50.
Gaming
Then: Gaming in the early 2000s was mostly done on consoles like the Nintendo, PlayStation 2 and the Xbox. These consoles were limited in their capabilities, and they could only play a few games. There was also the world of PC gaming, but the graphics were poor and you usually had to own the discs to play.
Now: Today, gaming is mostly done on computers and smartphones. These devices are much more powerful than consoles, and they can play a wide variety of games. They moved from cartridges and discs to downloads and apps. The graphics have greatly improved as well.
Television
Then: Televisions in the early 2000s were mostly analog. They had low resolutions and poor picture quality. If you didn’t pay for cable your options were only local channels, or you could walk down to Blockbuster and rent a movie. Remember: “Be kind, rewind.”
Now: Today, televisions are mostly digital. They have high resolutions and excellent picture quality. They can also connect to the internet, giving us access to streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. We don’t need to leave the house to choose a movie, although there was something nice about picking out your favorite movie and snack at the same time.
Music Players
Then: Music players in the early 2000s were mostly CD players. They could only play CDs, and they were not very portable. (Unless you had one of those super stylish CD player satchels… We know you thought you looked cool.) Or you could have been sporting a Walkman with cassettes, or if you were really cool you had an MP3 Player. They were on the rise in the early 2000’s.
Now: Today, music players are mostly digital. They can play a variety of formats, including MP3, AAC, and FLAC. They are also very portable, making it easy to take our music with us wherever we go. Most people play music on their phones now, with apps like Spotify and Apple Music. Whatever you decide, music is right at your finger tips. Gone are the days of going to FYE to get your favorite CD.
The Impact of Technology on Our Lives
The changes in technology over the past 20 years have had a profound impact on our lives. We are now more connected than ever before, and we have access to more information and entertainment than ever before. Technology has also made our lives more efficient and convenient.
For example, we can now use our computers and cell phones to work from anywhere in the world. We can also use them to shop, bank, and pay bills online. Technology has also made it easier for us to stay in touch with friends and family who live far away.
It is impossible to say for sure what the future of technology holds. However, it is clear that technology will continue to evolve at a rapid pace. We can expect to see even more powerful and user-friendly computers, cell phones, and other devices in the years to come. Whatever the future holds, it is clear that tech will continue to play an increasingly important role in our lives.
Who knows… Maybe someone will read this article in 20 years to see what our tech was like.