Over the past several decades we have watched VCR’s turn into DVD players, the Walkman become an IPod, and computer monitors and TV screens shrink to the depth of a matchbox. But even with all of the technological advancements that we have made over time, it is strange to think that some of the gadgets and appliances we know and love today have been around since the earlier part of the 20th Century. Vacuum cleaners, microwave ovens and television sets all seem to have a lasting effect on our planet, but what exactly is it that keeps them around and sets them apart from gadgets that eventually fizz out? The key to lasting longer than 5-10 years is consistent advancement – continually bettering the product so that something else doesn’t replace it.

The passenger elevator has been around since 1860, and is still one of the most prominent forms of transportation from one floor to the next in office buildings, homes and practically anything with multiple stories. But what if elevators could only hold a few hundred pounds, were still suspended by rope and the elevator doors didn’t automatically stop when something was blocking the way? What if they were incredibly slow, couldn’t be customized to fit the décor of the building or only came equipped with scissor gates? If we weren’t consistently working to improve our products to meet the standards of modern technology, then the extinction of the elevator and the invention of something more practical would be inevitable.

Stair lifts are another home accessibility accessory that we still use today. They first started coming about in the 1930’s, and as we continue to develop the technology and strive to perfect it, people continue to purchase them. At ThyssenKrupp Access we are committed to inventing, building and researching innovative methods of home accessibility and with that approach it is difficult to foresee a future with the possibility of failure. To give you an idea of how common it is for popular products to fade away, take a look at some of the most recent items that may face an early exit.

Nobody ever saw it coming, or at least not this soon, but digital cameras have been on a steady decline since the arrival of the Android phones, which boasts an 8 megapixel camera, and the new iPhone 4 with its 5 megapixel, pixel-free resolution camera. If phone companies continue this trend, it may only be a matter of time before digital cameras “are so 2005.”

But it doesn’t stop there. Smartphones are creating their own electronic empire right in the palm of their hand…or in this case, your hand. TomTom announced the release of their iPhone application, and from then on the GPS market took a turn for the worse. It is predicted that by 2014, smartphones will have a nearly 160-million-unit edge on their competitors. And it doesn’t stop there.

In 2009 sales for the entire gaming industry dropped 8 percent, with console sales down 14 percent. Some may argue it’s just a tight economy, but when looking at the facts, there is no arguing that video-game units may only find themselves in further trouble. The iPhone 4 is specifically aimed at attracting gamers, with the new gyroscope technology. And Microsoft now offers Xbox games on its Windows Phone 7 through its Xbox Live service.

In the world today, no piece of technology is safe, no matter how long it has been around or how important it may seem. It is so crucial to always be thinking, always be creating and always be inventing. It is only a matter of time before teleporting is possible or some other form of floor-to-floor transportation. As we continue to grow and build new technology we hope that you will grow with us and embark on this great journey of endless possibilities.