In natural colour

Frequency Modulation for radio broadcasting had been delayed by the onset of World War Two; since all manufacturers were fully committed to the U.S. military, there were no civilian radio sets available.

Shortly before the end of hostilities, radio brands start advertising the new technology and this contrived ad sums it up.

"Carmen Miranda's voice in natural color..." - confusing? you bet!

"Carmen Miranda", 1945
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Portable Radio

A marvel of gadgetry in 1940; a portable two-way radio. According to this piece "it can be worn under a coat"

Lucky for us, the 5-pound beast and its unsightly harness was soon rendered obsolete by all the gadgetry invented during the Second World War. Like the walkie-talkie.

"Portable radio", 1940
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Enjoy music outdoors

Portable technology is nothing to rave about now, but in the early 20th Century it was cutting edge and big money.

You think iPod is cool music on the go? Wait until you meet the "Ozarka" from 1924- with a name that brings up images of summer days on a fishing trip in the back of beyond, this amazing portable radio set weighs only.... 10 pounds. 

Yes sire, 5 kilograms only. As batteries at that time were lead-acid (like car batteries) this is probably where the weight problem was. So if you wanted music on the go in 1924, you had to go to the gym first.

"Enjoy radio on vacation", 1924
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