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Real Estate Agents and MLS Subscribers! We here at MLS Now have received calls pertaining to Obsolete Technology. Please check with your provider if you begin to notice a drop in performance quality among your electronic devices, as your technology may no longer be supported by it’s developers. Obsolete meaning that the product’s developer has discontinued a particular model from sales AND is no longer supporting the software needed to keep these devices up to date and functioning properly with new and updated applications. Vintage meaning that the device is no longer in circulation but is still being provided software updates from the parent company but may no longer be compatible with certain features. This applies across the board, from Apple products, Android, and even Google-based devices all fall behind in updates in favor of the newest model. Technology hardware, and some software, will not be maintained indefinitely. Even phone networks such as AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile are planning to shut down their older 3G networks starting as early as January 2022. As an industry, we must recognize and adapt to reality. To maintain relevance in today’s technological market, you will have to update your devices to keep your tech clean and lively. With the rapid advancement of technology, many vintage devices quickly become “Outdated” in today’s market. These devices may still have value, even if they are not the newest model to hit the market. However, when tech companies stop putting out software patches it’s time you should begin to look for alternatives. From hardware just generally becoming slower, to keeping clean and accurate files, or even protecting against fraud, updating to the newest device is less of a trend and more of a necessity in today’s rapidly advancing technological market. Devices that lack developer support are not as effective against hackers due to their built-in security system being outdated. Once software support of those devices ends, anything that is valuable on those systems is easily vulnerable to hackers, making it quite easy for your information to be stolen and misused. Staying informed on when updates to your devices occur and being aware of the most current system available is the best way to stay relevant, prevent data corruption, and protect against fraud.

Below is a list of commonly used obsolete and vintage technology.

iPhone
- iPhone
- iPhone 3 (all models)
- iPhone 4 (all models)
- iPhone 5 (all models)
- iPhone 6 (Vintage)
- iPhone 6 Plus (Vintage)

iPad
- iPad (all models)
- iPad 3rd Generation (all models)
- iPad 2 (all models)
- iPad 4th Generation

Mac Devices
- iMac
  - 5-inch (Mid 2011 – Early 2013)
  - 27-inch (Mid 2011 – Late 2012)
- Macbook Air
  - 11-inch (Late 2010 – Early 2014)
  - 13-inch (Mid 2011 – Early 2011)
- Macbook Pro
  - 13-inch Regular and Retina (Late 2011 – Mid 2014)
  - 15-inch (Early 2011 – Mid 2012)
  - 17-inch (Early 2011 – Late 2012)
- Mac Mini (and server)
  - Late 2012
  - Mid 2010 – Mid 2011
- Mac Pro
  - 2012

Samsung Products
- Android Phones
  - LG X style
  - Sony Xperia Z3
  - Sony Xperia XA
  - Samsung Galaxy S7, S6, S5 and J5
  - Samsung Galaxy Note 5
  - Huawei Mate 8
  - LG G4 BEAT
  - Lenovo Moto G4
  - LG G5
  - Huawei P8
  - Huawei G7
  - Nexus 5, 6, and 7

Android Operating Systems
- Android 1.0 – 1.6
- Android 2.0 – 2.3.7
- Android 3.0 – 3.2.6
- Android 4.0 – 4.4.4
- Android 5.0 – 5.1.1
- Android 6.0 – 6.0.1

Windows Operating Systems
- Windows 1.0 through 95
- Windows NT 3.1 through 4.0
- Windows 98 and Windows 98 SE
- Windows 2000
- Windows Me
- Windows XP, Windows XP Professional, and Windows XP 64-Bit Edition
- Windows Vista
- Windows Server 2003, Windows Home Server, and Windows Home Server 2011
- Windows 7
- Windows 8

Obsolete technology may still have its uses outside of a workplace environment. Phones can become cameras, tablets can be e-readers, and laptops can store family photos or used for home activities. Remember to deactivate any credit cards and remove sensitive information from older devices to eliminate the chance of hackers taking advantage of your unused devices. With technology changing faster than most can keep up with, it is important to learn how to be adapt with it. The world cannot and will not stop for us as an industry to catch up, we must stay current, relevant, and adjustable to match it. Not only to keep our businesses running effectively, but to also keep ourselves and our data safe in the greater digital world. It has never been easier to be taken advantage of or mislead than it is today. Do your due diligence and inform yourself on the issues that matter today. Remember to stay current, up to date, and in the Now.

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