Smartphones: The first commercially available smartphone, the IBM Simon, was not introduced until 1994, meaning smartphones as we know them today did not exist 40 years ago.
Internet as We Know It: While the internet itself existed in a limited form as ARPANET and other early networks, the World Wide Web, as we know it today with graphical interfaces and widespread public access, did not exist until the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Social Media: Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram did not exist 40 years ago. The concept of social networking and sharing content online became popularized in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Digital Cameras: While the first digital camera prototype was developed in the 1970s, digital cameras did not become widely available to consumers until the late 1990s and early 2000s.
GPS Navigation Systems: GPS technology was developed in the 1970s for military use but was not available for civilian use until the late 1980s and early 1990s. GPS navigation systems for cars and smartphones became popularized in the 2000s.
Streaming Services: Video streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video did not exist 40 years ago. The widespread adoption of high-speed internet and advancements in digital media technology.
Wireless Earbuds: Wireless earbuds, such as Apple AirPods, were not available 40 years ago. The development of Bluetooth technology and miniaturization of electronics in the late 20th and early 21st centuries led to the popularity of wireless audio devices.
Electric Vehicles (EVs): While electric cars were experimented with in the early 20th century, modern electric vehicles like the Tesla Model S and Nissan Leaf did not exist 40 years ago.