This is a list of obsolete technology, superseded by newer technologies. Obsolescence is defined as the "transition from available to unavailable from the manufacturer in accordance with the original specification." Newer technologies can mostly be considered as disruptive innovation. Many older technologies co-exist with newer alternatives, or are still in use due to cost, convenience, personal preference or availability. Some people still use their existing CD collections or their old functional equipment. Some prefer the sound of vinyl records. Specialist or niche applications use technology that may have become commercially obsolete, like the vacuum tube. Historical societies may maintain a working knowledge of old machines.
Most experimental creations and conceptions, particularly in early development of technologies, like that of steam power, have also never been recorded. Technologies that were never successfully developed, may have disappeared completely. These are not contained in the following list. Also not included are spurious inventions - technologies which are generally considered to not possess their claimed capabilities, to be hoaxes, or to not have ever existed in the first place.
Co-existence
Older technologies substantially co-existing with newer technologies include: Analog watches are still widely used for reasons of fashion and personal preference despite the availability of digital watches which can be made much lighter and with smart watch capabilities. CDs are still used in addition to MP3 players, however Smartphones with apps such as Spotify are more commonly used. DVDs have not been displaced by Blu-rays Fireplaces are still used for primary heat in some houses in developed countries, though furnaces, electric heat, and other modern HVAC systems are less polluting, can be better controlled, and can also provide cooling. Ferry travel has not been completely displaced by bridgess, tunnels and airplanes Fords are still used for rural roads, though bridges have replaced them for most roads in most developed countries Hammers have not been displaced by nail guns Hot water bottles continue to be used along with electric blankets and heating pads. Landline telephones are still used, despite the advent of mobile phones, although majorly for people who may struggle with modern technology. Long-distance travel by railroads and highway has to some degree been displaced by airplane, but not entirely - especially in countries adopting high-speed rail Postal mail continues to be used alongside email, but with substantial decreases in personal correspondence outside of special occasions, due to the availability of text messages and email Pneumatic tubes for passenger transport have been used in atmospheric railway to provide motive power, like a cable car system. Vactrain systems, where the entire passenger compartment travels through an evacuated tube, never became operational, but are still being investigated for high-speed transport. Shields co-exist with bulletproof vests, and are used by riot police. Lighter-weight and stronger materials are available compared to ancient wooden and bronze shields, including clear plastic shields and bulletproof shields mounted on firing platforms.
See also
This list is by no means complete. Also look at the following: Fad List of lost inventions List of spurious inventions List of archaic technological nomenclature List of emerging technologies List of existing technologies predicted in science fiction List of hypothetical technologies History of technology Moore's law Sustainable design Obsolescence Planned obsolescence Disruptive innovation includes a long list of inventions. Digital transformation Legacy systems