7 old technologies that are (or aren’t) better than current ones

Technology often involves equipment or services that evolve and are replaced with more modern versions. In this sense, old products lose their popularity or disappear completely.

But not all of these updates are unanimous. Many people miss this and argue that some technology from years ago was better. This defense, which is much more than nostalgia, has very convincing arguments.

In this April 1 special, TecMundo It brought together classic technologies that, although discarded today, should be valued because they do the same thing in a simpler and, some would say, even more efficient way as modern alternatives.

1. Clock radio is better than Alexa

Nowadays, smart speakers are the best companion for many people, used to chat, spend time, wake up, play music and even joke. But weren’t some of these tasks as well done as a good old clock radio and its stations?

This device was much more objective, reporting only the time and not random information about the weather or random curiosities. The clock radio also doesn’t accidentally activate while you’re talking to someone; A speaker like Alexa does this simply because it listens to everything you say.

Moreover, to our knowledge, no cat has ever purchased a meat board worth approximately R$ 300 using a clock radio.

2. Rental store is better than streaming

With digital media and streaming platforms, the era of movie or game rental stores is over. Advocates of the current scenario say that anything is possible without leaving home, but is the situation really that positive?

For starters, digital media almost doesn’t belong to the user. Since it is a “rental” it all depends on the goodwill of the publication or digital store owner. There are many cases of apps, games and movies disappearing completely.

The physical layout may seem old-fashioned, but it has its advantages. Choosing a movie in video stores takes less time than searching in a digital catalog, and we don’t even have to pay an ever-increasing monthly fee just to enter the store.

And going to the video store was a ritual. You talk to a person and get recommendations on what to watch, without having to rely on an algorithm. And there wasn’t a collection separated by service: Have you ever thought about going from one rental store to another until you find which one has the movie you want?

3. MSN Messenger is better than WhatsApp

Good old MSN, which later became Windows Live Messenger, was Brazilians’ favorite chat application for years. WhatsApp currently occupies this position, but Microsoft’s program was more attractive and interesting.

You can grab your friends’ attention without stopping just on MSN, play games without opening Steam, or let everyone know what you’re listening to by adding music to your status. There are popular stickers on WhatsApp, but the ones who walked so they could run were the ones who winked.

Another point that makes MSN superior is that you can be online only when you want; You can hide or just close the program using the “Appear offline” option. Today, we are available 24 hours a day via WhatsApp via PC or mobile phone and always receive messages.

5. Robo Ed is better than ChatGPT

Chatbots are on the rise, but the Brazilian public was introduced to a very similar artificial intelligence service years ago. A sensation in the early 2000s was this: ed robotIt was initiated by the Petrobras program.

No comparison: Robot Ed was educational and wanted to teach you about oil, natural gas, and renewable energy.. It’s nothing compared to the current chatbots that are accused of wanting to rule the world.

Moreover, Ed was polite and acknowledged when he didn’t know anything about a topic; He did so with conviction, unlike ChatGPT, which could “hallucinate” and provide misleading or even disrespectful information. Want another infallible argument? Ed was a national product, so it was Brazilian technology that should be valued.

6. Vacuum cleaner is better than robot vacuum cleaner

Forget your own Roomba dream: Only those who have never vacuumed the house with a good broom with fine bristles and an ergonomic handle dare to use a robot vacuum cleaner for any cleaning task.

A good old broom is ideal for picking up that fine dust around the house, no matter the floor, the size of the house, or any obstacles in the way. This rustic piece of equipment has existed in nearly the same format for centuries, reinforcing the old adage that if one team is winning, don’t move.

On the other hand, there is a risk that the robot vacuum cleaner may break down, lose its charge in the middle of cleaning, run over your pet, or in the worst case scenario, even record your intimate images; like a good old broom. I would never do it.

7. Metal coins are better than cryptocurrency

What happens to cryptocurrencies if the power goes out? But what if you need to pay for something and your cell phone or computer isn’t nearby? Although increasingly rare, traditional currency is still used to buy small things of value: public transport tickets, snacks or a cup of coffee.

Security is also important here. Robberies happen, but almost no one carries large amounts of money in their pockets. Large amounts of virtual money are stolen within minutes.

Can Cryptocurrency Make You Rich Overnight? Yes, but it could also reduce its value or be a fraudulent scheme that disappears without a trace. And let’s not even get into NFTs: they Doesn’t even compare to the World Cup sticker album phenomenon Every four years.