11 things you didnt know that were invented in the 1980s

The 1980s were a transformative decade for technology and innovation. Many iconic inventions first appeared during this vibrant era, from personal computers to portable music players.

Did you know that the first camcorder, CD player, and disposable cameras were all introduced in the 80s?

These 1980s inventions revolutionized how people captured memories, listened to music, and shared experiences. The decade’s technological advancements didn’t stop; the 80s technology set the stage for many gadgets we can’t live without today. For those curious about what was invented in 1980, the list includes groundbreaking innovations in home entertainment and communication that changed everyday life forever.

11 things you didnt know that were invented in the 1980s

Disney Channel 1983

The Disney Channel first aired in 1983, quickly becoming a popular destination for families looking for quality entertainment. The channel featured a mix of live-action and animated programming, including original series like “The Mickey Mouse Club” and “DuckTales.”

In addition to original content, the Disney Channel also aired reruns of classic Disney shows like “The Hardy Boys” and “Zorro.” Today, the Disney Channel remains a popular choice for families, thanks to its new and classic programming mix. Shows like “Hannah Montana” and “Phineas and Ferb” have become contemporary classics, while more unique offerings like “Descendants” continue to attract viewers of all ages.

Cell phone 1983

The first cell phone was created in 1973 by Motorola inventor Martin Cooper. Can you believe that the chunky, gray brick cell phone seen in 80s movies was once considered cutting-edge technology? It might seem ancient now, but this phone was only released to the public in 1983. It’s amazing to see how far cell phone technology has come in such a short time.

Nowadays, we take our phones for granted. We can do anything we want with them, from simple tasks like putting them in our pockets to more advanced feats like taking pictures and videos. Just think, 20 years ago, people were excited to get their hands on these bulky devices!

Music video 1981

The 1980s was a great decade for inventions. MTV launched the first music video, which changed music’s face forever. It gave new upcoming artists a platform to showcase their talents to the world. The 24-hour video station was a game changer, and the first Video played on national TV was by the Buggles, an English band. Their song Video Killed the Radio Star accurately predicted how big of an impact MTV would have on pop culture.

World Wide Web 1989

Who knew that the 1980s were such a revolutionary decade for inventions? While we may not have had the internet as we know it today without Tim Berners-Lee leading the foundations for what would become the World Wide Web. His work in the late 1980s paved the way for more efficient processing of data and an official launch in the 1990s and until now.

Without his groundbreaking invention, who knows where we would be today? The internet has become a staple in our lives – we use it to search for information, ask questions, and stay connected with friends and family. So next time you’re surfing the web, take a moment to think about how this incredible tool was created thanks to one man’s vision in the 1980s.

Related article: Computer from the 80s| Timeline

GPS 1980

GPS was first created in 1973 for use by military agents. In the 1980s, the prototype of GPS was allowed to be used during the Civil War. However, it wasn’t officially released to the public until late 1990. The invention of GPS has made life much easier for many people. Now, people can use their phones as a GPS, which is much more convenient than buying a separate GPS device for their car.

Walkman 1980

The Walkman was a game-changer when it came to music listening. Suddenly, people could carry their tunes wherever they went and listen to whatever they wanted. Before the Walkman, portable radios were the only way to listen to music on the go, but they limited users to what we were playing on the radio then.

The Walkman changed all that by allowing people to listen to cassettes of their favorite songs. This portable cassette player quickly became one of the most popular 80s inventions. This 1980s invention helped people enjoy music like never before. It allowed people to take their music with them wherever they went. The Walkman was probably an unknown 80s invention that forever changed how people listen to music.

I’ve personally reviewed the walkmen myself. So you can learn more about the Walkman. 

CD player 1984

The 1980s saw the CD player’s invention, revolutionizing how people listened to music. Gone were the days of having to rewind tapes or deal with tangled threads; all you had to do was pop in a CD and press play. However, CDs could quickly become scratched, which caused them to skip. But the CD’s superior sound quality made it a popular choice for music lovers. Philips and Sony invented the CD in 1980. The first CDs were read-only, meaning you could not record data on them. However, in 1984, the first writable CDs were introduced, which allowed users to record their data onto a blank CD.

Camcorder 1983

In the 1980s, Sony was the first company to release a camcorder. This product was quickly followed by Kodak’s release of an 8mm camera. To stay ahead of the competition, Sony released another 8mm camera later that year. By 1984, all major brands had a camcorder version that used VHS cassette tapes. However, Sony continued to be the leading innovator in this space by releasing an updated and improved version of their camcorder. To this day, many people believe that Sony is still the best brand for camcorders.

Disposable camera 1986

In the 1980s, disposable cameras became all the rage. These little devices let people take pictures without worrying about film or development costs. And since they were disposable, there was no need to worry about losing or damaging them. As a result, the first disposable cameras became a popular way to capture memories of special occasions like weddings and vacations.

In 1987, Fuji introduced the first mass-produced disposable camera. This innovative new product quickly became a hit with consumers and helped to make disposable cameras a household name. Disposable cameras are still widely used and popular for capturing casual moments and snapshots.

Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)

Nintendo Game Boy 1989

The 1980s were a golden era for handheld gaming, and the Gameboy was at the forefront of this revolution. The original Gameboy was released by Sega and quickly sold out due to its popularity. First released in 1989, many people were fascinated by the idea of being able to play games on a portable device, and the Gameboy became one of the most popular gadgets of the decade. One of the critical likes was its mobile design and affordable price; it was accessible to kids of all ages.

And with a library of classic games like Super Mario Land and Tetris, there was always something to play. The Gameboy was so successful that it remained in production until 2003, making it one of the longest-running gaming devices in history. Even today, nearly thirty years after its release, the Gameboy continues to be a beloved part of pop culture.

The Internet Protocol Suite (TCP/IP)

Microsoft word 1983

There were significant technological advancements in the 80s, and was one of the 80s gadgets that changed the world. It was one of the most important inventions of the era was the first version of Microsoft Word. Word quickly became the standard word-processing software and remains hugely popular today. The first version of Word—released in 1983, boasted many revolutionary features at the time.

These included the ability to display different fonts and text sizes, as well as the ability to insert pictures and other graphics. Word also proved highly user-friendly, thanks to its familiar WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) interface. Microsoft Word has undergone many changes and improvements in the decades since its release, but it remains one of the most essential 1980s inventions.

Without the invention of Microsoft Word, we couldn’t type or create documents on a computer. This 1980s invention has had a lasting impact on the way we work and communicate. Charles Simonyi and Richard Brodie are the masterminds behind this incredible software.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What were some major inventions of the 1980s?

The 1980s saw numerous groundbreaking inventions, including personal computers, camcorders, CD players, and disposable cameras. These innovations changed how people captured memories, listened to music, and connected with others.

How did ’80s technology influence today’s gadgets?

Many of today’s gadgets have roots in ’80s technology. Personal computers paved the way for modern laptops and smartphones, while early camcorders inspired today’s video recording devices and streaming tech.

What was the biggest tech innovation of the 1980s?

Personal computers were perhaps the biggest tech innovation of the 1980s, making computing accessible to households and setting the foundation for the digital age.

Did virtual reality exist in the 1980s?

Yes, the concept of virtual reality was introduced in films like Tron. While the technology was rudimentary, it laid the groundwork for our VR headsets and systems.

Did You Know?

• The first camcorder was introduced in 1983, changing home movies forever.

• The CD player debuted in 1982, and soon after, CDs became the preferred way to listen to music.

• The Sony Walkman became a cultural icon of the 80s, revolutionizing how people experienced music on the go.

• Disposable cameras were first marketed in the late 80s, making photography accessible to everyone, not just professionals.

Conclusion

This is just a glimpse of what technology was invented in the 1980s. But innovations such as the Walkman, CD player, camcorder, disposable camera, Nintendo Gameboy, and Microsoft Word revolutionized the world of technology and changed our lives forever.

These pioneering 80s inventions have had a lasting impact on our society and are still used today. Whether you enjoy listening to music on the Walkman, capturing memories with a disposable camera, or using Microsoft Word to create documents, it’s hard to deny the game-changing innovations from the 1980s. This decade was one of the great technological advancements that laid the foundation for many iconic pieces of technology we use daily.