19 GADGETS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD IN THE LAST 19 YEARS

The past 19 years, from 2006 to 2025, have witnessed an unprecedented wave of technological innovation, with gadgets reshaping how we live, work, communicate, and interact with the world.

- Words By: Shintu Dhang

These devices have not only introduced new functionalities but have also redefined societal norms, economies, and industries. From the rise of smartphones to the integration of artificial intelligence in everyday objects, these 19 gadgets have left an unforgettable mark on the world over the last 19 years, each representing a leap forward in human ingenuity.

01 iPhone (2007)

The launch of the first iPhone by Apple in 2007 was a significant technological moment. The iPhone introduced the modern smartphone era by combining a phone, an iPod, and an internet communicator into one touchscreen device. Its intuitive interface, App Store, and sleek design set mobile device standards. The iPhone's impact is deep, and it revolutionized communication, given the rise of the app economy, and transformed industries like photography, gaming, and retail. Today, smartphones are everywhere, with billions of users worldwide, largely thanks to the iPhone's pioneering influence.

02 Amazon Kindle (2007)

The Amazon Kindle, released in 2007, transformed the publishing industry by popularizing e-readers. With its e-ink display, the Kindle offered a digital reading experience that mimicked paper, allowing users to carry thousands of books in one device. It disrupted traditional publishing, empowered self-publishing authors, and paved the way for digital libraries. The Kindle’s legacy continues as e-readers remain a staple for book lovers, and its influence extends to tablets and digital content consumption.

03 Fitbit (2009)