12 ‘Fancy’ Electronics From the 1970s That Were the Height of Innovation
It’s hard to imagine a world without the many modern conveniences we enjoy today. Can’t function without coffee? Just press a button and it’ll be on your doorstep in minutes. Lost in a new city? GPS is right at your fingertips. But how did people back in the day get by without all this tech? Well, 1970s electronics were actually quite groundbreaking, and transformed everyday life with gadgets that felt like they were straight out of a sci-fi film.
From clunky yet revolutionary home movie projectors to sleek digital watches that made telling time feel futuristic, these electronics were the ultimate status symbols of their time. Here are 12 “fancy” electronics that defined the 1970s.
1. Home Movie Projectors
Before doomscrolling was a thing, families captured memories on film reels and would gather around to watch them on these giant home movie projectors. The downside? The machines were bulky, required a dark room, and often needed some technical know-how to set up. But still, they turned living rooms into private theaters and were considered cutting-edge at the time.
Also, getting to witness your own life projected onto a big screen? We bet it felt magical.
2. Microwave Ovens
Though microwave ovens were introduced to the public in the late 1960s, they didn’t truly take off until the mid to late ’70s. Seen as a game-changer in the kitchen, these futuristic appliances meant no more waiting around for the oven to preheat or having to spend hours hovered over a stove — you could just zap those leftovers or defrost frozen food in minutes. Early models were pricey and bulky, but they quickly became a must-have symbol of “modern” living.
3. Digital Watches
Launched in 1972, digital watches became the ultimate tech accessory of the ’70s. With their glowing LED displays, they made traditional analog watches seem old-fashioned and, perhaps, a tad boring. These watches didn’t just tell time; some even included features like calculators and alarms, which we’re sure made people feel extra cool and futuristic.
4. 8-Track Players
Portable music took a groovy turn when 8-track players hit the scene in the early ’70s. These clunky devices played music from thicker magnetic tape cartridges, and portable version allowed users take their favorite tunes on the go. While they were eventually replaced by their sleeker cousin, the cassette tape, 8-tracks were a stepping stone in the evolution of music. Plus, there was something oddly satisfying about the “click” when the tape switched tracks.
5. Pocket Calculators
Before smartphones also doubled as calculators, these pocket calculators were the go-to tool for anything from simple calculations to more advanced math equations. Though early models were pricey (they retailed for about $300 – $400), they quickly became smaller, cheaper, and more powerful as technology advanced.
6. CB Radios
CB (Citizen Band) radios — not to be confused with Walkie-Talkies — were hugely popular in the ‘70s. Before the dawn of YouTube and streaming platforms, these gadgets served as social media by connecting truckers, hobbyists, and everyday folks over the airwaves. Complete with their own slang and codes (like “10-4” for “message received” and “What’s your 20?” for “What’s your location?”), CB radios helped create a stronger sense of community.
They were especially popular during the trucking craze, fueled by hits like “Convoy” and “Smokey and the Bandit.”
7. VCRs and VHS Tapes
Long before binge-watching and Friday night movie nights, the humble video cassette recorder (VCR) forever changed the world of entertainment. Made widely available in 1978, people could, for the first time, record their favorite TV shows and watch movies at home. No longer tied to TV timetables or beholden to the cinema, viewers could pause, rewind, and even fast-forward through commercials. The whirring sound of a tape on rewind was also oddly satisfying. Today, valuable VHS tapes can fetch mind-boggling prices.
8. Pong Consoles
Pong, the first home video game console, brought arcade fun into living rooms across the world. The premise was simple — just two paddles and a dot bouncing back and forth — but it was addictive and made for some friendly (or intense) competition. Pong also paved the way for the modern consoles we have today and proved that video games were not just a fad.
9. Cassette Decks
Before the Walkman took over in the late ’70s, people had to rely on these bulky devices known as cassette decks. While they let you take your music anywhere (as long as you weren’t embarrassed to lug this big ol’ thing around), they could only play one side of the tape at a time, requiring the user to manually flip it to hear the rest.
Despite their limitations, they were a hit with teens and music lovers who craved the freedom to listen to their favorite tunes on the go. Plus, they sparked the creation of the OG playlist (aka, the mixtape).
10. Electric Typewriters
Made popular in the ’70s, electric typewriters were seen as a huge upgrade from their manual counterparts. They were faster, quieter, and made typing more effortless. Writers, journalists, and office workers loved them for their efficiency and sleek design. They also paved the way for the word processors and computers that would dominate the tech industry in the ‘80s.
11. LED Desk Clocks
LED desk clocks were the epitome of futuristic design in the ‘70s and beyond. With their glowing red numbers, they looked like something straight out of a sci-fi movie. Sleek, modern, and effortlessly cool, they were the perfect accessory to add a touch of flair to any desk or nightstand. Plus, they were way easier to read in the dark compared to traditional clocks.
12. Polaroid Cameras
Though Polaroid cameras have been around since the late ‘40s, they became a cultural phenomenon in the 1970s and ’80s. The novelty of snapping a photo and watching it develop right before your eyes was a game-changer — and we bet not having to wait for the film to process was a real bonus. Whether it was a party, family gathering, or just a silly moment with friends, Polaroids turned photography into an interactive and tactile experience that everyone could enjoy.