12 Retro Gadgets That Were Surprisingly Ahead of Their Time
These once-forgotten gadgets introduced features and concepts that would later become mainstream, proving they were years ahead of the curve.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
There are certain gadgets that seem to have come too soon. Although many of these vintage devices vanished before the world was prepared to accept them, they pushed the envelope with their cutting-edge technology. In hindsight, it is evident that they were innovators who cleared the path for contemporary technology.
1. Apple Newton (1993)
National Museum of American History on Wikimedia Commons
Apple’s Newton was one of the first personal digital assistants (PDAs), featuring handwriting recognition and mobile note-taking. Though clunky and expensive, it laid the foundation for future touchscreen devices.
2. Sony Glasstron (1997)
Samuel Zeller on Wikimedia Commons
Long before VR headsets were mainstream, Sony introduced the Glasstron, a wearable display that simulated a large screen. It provided an immersive viewing experience, but the bulky design and high cost kept it from mass adoption.
3. Nokia N-Gage (2003)
Evan-Amos on Wikimedia Commons
The Nokia N-Gage was a hybrid gaming console and mobile phone, aiming to merge handheld gaming with communication. It featured a unique taco-shaped design and impressive graphics for its time.
4. Palm Pilot (1996)
Ndiggity on Wikimedia Commons
Before smartphones, the Palm Pilot was the go-to gadget for professionals needing digital organization. It offered touchscreen input, calendar management, and even early wireless syncing.
5. Sony MiniDisc (1992)
Retired electrician on Wikimedia Commons
Sony’s MiniDisc was a compact, high-quality alternative to CDs and cassettes, offering digital audio before MP3 players took off. It featured skip-free playback and rewritable storage, making it a music lover’s dream.
6. Microsoft SPOT Watch (2004)
sean dreilinger on Flickr
Long before the Apple Watch, Microsoft’s SPOT (Smart Personal Object Technology) Watch delivered news, weather, and messages. It used FM radio signals to stay connected but lacked widespread appeal due to its reliance on a subscription service.
7. Sega Dreamcast (1999)
Evan-Amos on Wikimedia Commons
The Dreamcast was a powerhouse gaming console that introduced online multiplayer and downloadable content before they became industry standards. It had a built-in modem, an innovative controller with a mini-display, and cutting-edge graphics.
8. IBM Simon Personal Communicator (1994)
Bcos47 on Wikimedia Commons
The IBM Simon was the world’s first smartphone, featuring a touchscreen, email capabilities, and apps decades before iPhones took over. It combined a PDA with a mobile phone, offering functionality beyond its era.
9. RIM BlackBerry 850 (1999)
Rderijcke on Wikimedia Commons
Before the iPhone, the BlackBerry 850 revolutionized business communication with its mobile email capabilities. It introduced the iconic QWERTY keyboard, making typing on the go much easier.
10. Phillips CD-i (1991)
Evan-Amos on Wikimedia Commons
The Philips CD-i was an interactive multimedia console that blended gaming, education, and digital media in one device. It even supported internet browsing and video playback years before those features were standard.
11. GoPro Hero 35mm (1999)
Mliu92 on Wikimedia Commons
Before action cameras became essential for adventure sports, the first GoPro used film to capture extreme moments. It allowed athletes to record hands-free footage, setting the stage for the digital GoPro empire that followed.
12. Archos Jukebox 6000 (2000)
Wikimedia Commons
The Archos Jukebox was an early MP3 player with a built-in hard drive, holding thousands of songs long before the iPod. While it lacked Apple’s sleek design, it was one of the first portable devices to embrace digital music storage.