Let's See How Far We've Come: 1985

Continuing our exploration of technological evolution, we now arrive at 1985. This year was a remarkable convergence of innovation, creativity, and transformation across industries. The technological landscape was rapidly evolving, and the leaps made in 1985 still resonate today. Looking back, it’s fascinating to see how the seeds planted in the earlier years had begun to flourish and how the groundwork was being laid for the tech revolution that would define the coming decades.

By 1985, personal computing had fully entered the cultural zeitgeist. IBM’s Personal Computer (PC) and its growing ecosystem of compatible software had cemented the concept of a home computer. In a major milestone, Microsoft introduced Windows 1.0, offering a graphical user interface (GUI) that made interacting with computers more intuitive than the command-line interfaces of the past. While clunky and limited by today’s standards, Windows 1.0 was a precursor to the operating systems that would dominate personal computing for decades. Apple, too, was innovating, following up its revolutionary Macintosh with a growing suite of software and hardware that emphasised design and user-friendliness.

The gaming industry was also undergoing significant changes. The home console market, which had faltered in the early 1980s due to oversaturation, was reborn thanks to Nintendo. The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), released in North America in 1985, redefined gaming with its iconic titles like "Super Mario Bros." The game’s tight controls, engaging levels, and memorable music turned Mario into a global phenomenon. Compared to the rudimentary games of the Atari era, the NES represented a leap in quality and scope, cementing video games as a mainstream form of entertainment.

Television technology in 1985 was on the cusp of dramatic transformation. Cable television had become more widespread, and specialised networks like MTV were shaping youth culture. Music videos were an art form unto themselves, with artists using the medium to create visually stunning and conceptually ambitious works. Remote controls had finally gone wireless, adding convenience to the viewing experience. Meanwhile, VHS had triumphed over Betamax in the home video format wars, firmly establishing itself as the standard for home movie viewing. The ability to record television shows and rent movies transformed how people consumed media, setting the stage for the on-demand culture we embrace today.

Music technology in 1985 continued its shift toward portability and personalisation. The Sony Walkman, still popular, had evolved with new models offering better sound quality and features like auto-reverse. Compact discs (CDs) were starting to gain traction, promising a leap in audio fidelity compared to cassettes and vinyl. Though CD players were expensive, their eventual affordability would revolutionise music consumption in the years to come. Synthesizers and drum machines, epitomised by devices like the Roland TR-808, were reshaping the music industry, enabling new genres like synth-pop and hip-hop to thrive.

In telecommunications, the landscape was shifting as mobile phones continued to develop. The Motorola DynaTAC 8000X, introduced earlier in the decade, remained a symbol of luxury, but advances in cellular networks were making mobile communication more feasible for a broader audience. Landline phones were still the primary means of communication, and answering machines had become common in homes and offices, changing how people managed missed calls. Meanwhile, fax machines were becoming an essential tool for businesses, representing the cutting edge of office communication.

The film industry in 1985 was marked by technical achievements and cultural milestones. "Back to the Future," directed by Robert Zemeckis, became an instant classic, blending cutting-edge special effects with a compelling narrative. Its use of visual effects to depict time travel was innovative, and the DeLorean time machine became an iconic symbol of the era. Meanwhile, films like "The Breakfast Club" and "St. Elmo’s Fire" captured the voice of a generation, addressing the complexities of adolescence and young adulthood. Advances in animatronics, computer graphics, and sound design were enabling filmmakers to tell more ambitious stories, pushing the boundaries of what cinema could achieve.

Television content in 1985 continued to evolve, with a mix of sitcoms, dramas, and news programming shaping public discourse. Shows like "The Golden Girls" debuted, offering sharp humour and a focus on older women’s lives that was groundbreaking for its time. In the UK, "EastEnders" premiered, bringing gritty, working-class drama to the forefront of British television. These shows—and many others—demonstrated the growing diversity in storytelling, reflecting a broader range of experiences and perspectives.

Comparing 1985 to today reveals how far we’ve come in refining and building upon the innovations of the past. Microsoft Windows 1.0 and the Apple Macintosh were the precursors to the modern operating systems that now power billions of devices. The NES laid the foundation for the massive gaming industry, which today spans consoles, PCs, and mobile platforms. The transition from analogue to digital media was just beginning, and its impact has been profound, influencing everything from music to film to communication.

One of the most striking aspects of 1985 is how it represents a transitional moment. Many of the technologies and trends that emerged that year were still in their infancy, but their potential was clear. The rise of portable music players hinted at the on-the-go lifestyles that would become the norm. The growing accessibility of personal computing foreshadowed the digital revolution that would define the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Reflecting on 1985 also brings an appreciation for the creativity and experimentation of the time. The limitations of technology often forced inventors, artists, and engineers to think outside the box, leading to innovations that might not have been possible otherwise. Today, we benefit from the results of their ingenuity, often taking for granted the convenience and sophistication of modern devices and systems.

As we continue this series, I’m excited to explore how these trends and technologies evolved in subsequent years. The journey from 1985 to the present is one of exponential growth and transformation, a testament to human curiosity and determination. Let’s see how far we’ve come.