What’s Next in Line to Become Outdated?
- Fahad Bin Khalid
- October 21, 2024
- 2:27 pm
- 33
- Technology
As technology evolves, many once-essential items are disappearing from our lives. We've seen many gadgets decline, from CDs and DVDs to desktop computers. Now, other products are becoming less relevant as digital innovation grows.
This article looks at five products. They may soon be outdated due to new technology. These items may still be in use today, but their days are likely numbered.
Landline Telephones
There was a time when landline telephones were a necessity in every household. Families relied on the familiar ringing of the phone to stay connected with loved ones. Today, mobile phones and the internet have made landlines nearly obsolete. Smartphones and apps like WhatsApp and Zoom are very convenient. So, the need for a fixed-line phone is fading.
In Pakistan, this shift is already visible. The PTA says Pakistan has a mobile teledensity of 79.41% and 193 million cellular subscribers. In contrast, only 3 million people have landlines. That's just 1.06% of the population. As mobile technology continues to advance, landline telephones may soon become obsolete.
Checkbooks
Checkbooks were once a crucial tool for making financial transactions, but their relevance is fading in the digital age. Online banking, mobile apps, and digital transfers have made finances easier. Writing a check now feels slow and pointless.
In Pakistan, banks are offering better mobile apps. They let customers do various tasks, from paying bills to transferring money. As digital solutions gain popularity, checkbooks are used less in daily transactions. While they might still hold value in formal financial dealings, the routine use of checkbooks is quickly becoming a relic of the past.
Cigarettes
Cigarettes have long been a staple in the lives of many, but their future is uncertain. As awareness of smoking's health risks grows, nicotine pouches are gaining popularity. Nicotine pouches deliver a nicotine fix without harmful smoke or the smell of traditional cigarettes.
Countries like New Zealand and Sweden have cut smoking rates. They promoted safer alternatives, called Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR). Products like Zyn and Velo have gained popularity as more people turn to smoke-free options. The global push for THR may make cigarettes seem outdated. Future generations may see them as relics of a bygone era.
Wired Earphones
Remember the frustration of untangling wired earphones? Once a must-have accessory for music lovers, wired earphones are being phased out in favor of wireless options. Bluetooth earphones, like Apple’s AirPods, are tangle-free. They offer a seamless listening experience with better sound and longer battery life.
Many smartphone makers are removing headphone jacks. This signals the end of wired earphones. As wireless tech improves, consumers are embracing cordless audio's convenience. It’s only a matter of time before wired earphones join other obsolete tech in history.
Cash
In Pakistan, cash still plays a significant role in everyday transactions. However, the world is moving rapidly toward digital payments. In many countries, people prefer mobile wallets, contactless cards, and cryptocurrencies. According to Statista, the global digital payments market is expected to reach a transaction value of $11.53 trillion in 2024.
Locally, digital payment methods are also on the rise. The State Bank of Pakistan reported a surge in digital retail payments. In FY24, transaction volume grew from 4.7 billion to 6.4 billion.
Transaction value increased from Rs403 trillion to Rs547 trillion. This 35% growth reflects Pakistan's gradual shift toward a cashless economy. Countries such as Sweden are already well on their way to becoming cashless societies. In the near future, cash may be rare. It could end up in museums, alongside ancient coins and paper bills.
The Future of Outdated Objects
As technology continues to advance, we’ll likely see more everyday items becoming obsolete. Better, faster, and more efficient products may soon replace those we rely on. For now, landlines, checkbooks, cigarettes, wired earphones, and cash are at the forefront of this shift. They will soon be relics of a bygone era.
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