If you could walk into an average home in 1985, many things would look familiar. You would see a television, a camera, music, video games, and probably a computer. But look a little closer, and almost everything worked differently than it does today.
Over the past four decades, technology has made everyday objects smaller and faster. Some things have almost completely disappeared, while others changed so much that their 1985 versions now look ancient. Next are 15 everyday things that look nothing like they did back in 1985.
1. Telephones
In 1985, telephones were connected to the wall, and if you wanted privacy, you might have to stretch a very long cord into another room. Today’s smartphones are cameras, maps, music players, televisions, and phones all in one.
2. Televisions
A television in 1985 was a heavy box with a small screen. Modern TVs are thin enough to hang on a wall and can offer high-resolution images.
3. Cameras
Most people in 1985 used film cameras and could not immediately see whether a picture turned out well. Today, smartphones let us take hundreds of photos, edit them instantly, and share them in seconds.
4. Cassette Players
Portable cassette players made it possible to carry music around, but you still needed physical tapes. Now, a smartphone can hold or stream access to millions of songs.
5. Computers
Home computers in 1985 had small screens, storage was limited, and many tasks required typing commands. Modern laptops are thin, fast, and more powerful.
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6. Cars
Cars in 1985 had fewer electronic features. Drivers relied on printed maps, physical keys, and their own sense of direction. Today’s cars include navigation systems, backup cameras, and advanced safety technology.
7. Maps
Before GPS, getting lost could turn into a real problem. Today, phones can even warn drivers about traffic ahead.
8. Alarm Clock
The alarm clock had one main job: wake you up. Many people now use their smartphones instead. One small device has replaced the alarm clock, calendar, timer, and more.
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9. Video Games
Video games in 1985 were very simple in appearance. Modern games can create very realistic images and characters and allow us to connect with people around the world.
10. Movie Rentals
Watching a movie at home meant visiting a rental store and choosing a VHS tape from the shelves. Streaming changed all of that.
11. Office Desks
A busy office desk in 1985 could be covered with paper, folders, calendars, Rolodexes, and typewriters. Files that filled entire cabinets can now be stored digitally.
12. Shopping
Shopping in 1985 meant going to a store or ordering from catalogs. Today, people can compare hundreds of products online in minutes and have purchases delivered to their homes.
13. Banking
People wrote checks and visited banks to handle everyday transactions. Now, many people transfer money, pay bills, and check their balance through a phone.
14. Encyclopedias
A full encyclopedia set was a valuable source of information. If a child had a school project, those large books might be the first place to look. Today, the internet provides access to an enormous amount of information instantly.
15. Mail
Photos, invitations, and important messages commonly traveled through the mail. Today, a message that once took several days to arrive can now cross the world in seconds.
Want more vintage content?
Check out 33 Nostalgic Photos From 1985 to see what everyday life looked like that year, and do not miss From Queen to Madonna: 15 Iconic Photos From the 1985 Live Aid Concert for the most unforgettable moments from that historic show. And if you’re craving some grocery store nostalgia, 15 Grocery Store Items That Quietly Disappeared From Shelves takes a look back at the products that one day just vanished from the shelves.
