The world we live in is digital, and the real estate industry is no exception. But it seems that as fast as new technology appears, the old technology fades away. Technology has an expiration date and even our favorite gadgets from years past get pushed to the side. Here are a few devices that real estate agents may need to consider retiring before 2023, if you haven’t already:
Dashboard-mounted GPS devices
Dashboard GPS units have faded away, but the technology is still crucial when it comes to navigating, especially if you’re a busy REALTOR® on the go. GPS navigation is now available in both smartphones and vehicles’ consoles. If you’re using your smartphone, popular navigation apps include Waze, Google Maps and Apple Maps.
3G-connected devices
In 2022, wireless carriers started shutting down their 3G data networks to make room for the new and improved 4G and 5G services. This not only impacts phones, but all devices that rely on the 3G data, like home security devices, driving assistance systems and more. Staying connected is part of a REALTOR®’s job, so check with your wireless provider to see when your device will be affected and make the switch over to 5G.
BlackBerry
In January, BlackBerry finally said goodbye to its handset software. This means anyone who still uses the operating system and software will no longer be able to send texts, make calls or access data. Some people love the physical keyboard, and while it’s still possible to purchase devices, the BlackBerry we once knew is officially obsolete.
Wired audio devices
“Where did the headphone jack go?” You may have said this as you opened that new iPhone and went to listen to music. With the popularity of Bluetooth comes the demise of headphones and speakers. As more wireless products pop up, people are ditching their corded devices—which can look cleaner in homes and involves less detangling on the go.
External hard drives
These days, it’s all about the cloud. Though you may prefer a hard drive or thumb drive, for many they end up just lying around the house or office. Cloud storage of your documents, photos and videos on platforms like Google Drive, iCloud or Microsoft OneDrive allows you to access your content from anywhere, whether you’re in the car or at an open house. Another bonus to cloud storage is not having to worry about device crashes or malfunctions.
Point-and-shoot digital cameras
From the convenience of being able to take a quick selfie, to the seamless integration of endless editing apps, smartphones are an obvious choice for everyday photography. Many models can take high-resolution photos, and manufacturers have been developing more features for photography every year. No matter how good your camera phone is, it will never have the versatility of a digital camera—but when it comes to convenience, ease of use, time-savings and price, it may be the better business choice for agents.
Passwords
While the practice of typing in your password won’t vanish, it’s becoming outdated. Many computers and phones are using biometric recognition to confirm an identity, which tends to be faster and easier. The traditional use of passwords will likely fade further as more devices use two-factor authentication codes.
Join Matthew Rathbun, CRS, on January 4, 2023, as he discusses which tech tools and apps will become more prevalent in 2023, available at CRS.com/webinars.
Photo: iStock.com/frender
