Inventions & Breakthroughs of December 1999
Gadgets, lab surprises, odd bets, and future-shocks from this slice of the calendar.
1 
Smartphone Platform
2 
Wi-Fi Standard Expansion (802.11b)
3 
Online Payment Platform
4 
Search Engine Advertising Model
5 
MP3 Player Ecosystem
6 
Peer-to-Peer File Sharing
7 
Digital Video Recorder (DVR)
8 
Voice over IP Services
9 
Location-Based Services
10 
Online Gaming Platforms
The Sounds of
Popular recordings and roots/country selections associated with the year
HEADLINES ON December 3, 1999
Full News Archive
- Headline: Labor Standards Agenda at WTO Fails. Impact: The failure to add labor standards sparked a domino effect, leading to the eventual rise of 'Labor Day' becoming a day for barbecues and sales rather than actual labor rights discussions. This laxity also resulted in the invention of the 'Pajama Workday' in offices across the nation.. Fact: Did you know that labor standards are like unicorns? Everyone talks about them, but most people have never actually seen one in action..
- Headline: NORTHERN IRELAND PICKS UP THE REINS OF ITS GOVERNMENT. Impact: This pivotal moment in Northern Ireland's history set off a wave of self-determination movements across the globe. Ironically, it also inspired a popular reality show featuring politicians trying to govern while bickering over who gets the last biscuit in meetings.. Fact: Northern Ireland's government re-establishment marked a significant step towards peace. It’s a reminder that sometimes, even the most complex situations can be resolved over a cup of tea—if only we could remember that on a global scale..
- Headline: G.O.P. Figure In Suffolk Is Convicted. Impact: John Powell's conviction sent shockwaves through local politics, leading to a long-lasting distrust in public figures. This eventually resulted in the rise of the 'Accountability App,' which allows citizens to vote on their officials' lunch choices—because why not?. Fact: Did you know that conspiracy and extortion are like the double cheeseburger of political crimes? They always come together, and just like that meal, they leave a bad taste in everyone’s mouth..
Wall Street Time Machine
The Right Call: If you'd invested $1,000 in any one of these companies in 1999, here's what the stored 2025 dataset estimates.
Rank #2
AAPL
Apple
Price in 1999
$0.31
2025 dataset value
$880,068
Apple - If you invested $1,000 in 1999, it would be worth $880,068 today (880.1x return)
🦸 Top 5 Comics
Batman: Harley Quinn #1
$35.00
The Authority #1
$75
Planetary #1
$1,200
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace #1
$200
Bluntman and Chronic #1
$15
🧸 Top 5 Toys
LEGO Star Wars Sets
$150.00
Pokemon Trading Card Game
$150.00
Furby
$30.00
Razor Scooter
$150.00
Beyblade
$700.00
🎮 Top 5 Video Games
Super Smash Bros.
$500.00
Silent Hill
$147.48
Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings
$750.00
Final Fantasy VIII
$200.00
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater
$200.00
⚾ Top 5 Trading Cards
1999 Pokémon Base Set 1st Edition Charizard Holo #4
$1,655
1999 Bandai Dragon Ball Z Japanese Prism Card #PP-06 (Son Goku Super Saiyan)
Unknown
1999 Sports Illustrated for Kids Tiger Woods #536
$20,400
1999 Wizards of the Coast Magic: The Gathering 'Urza's Legacy' Foil Grim Monolith
$250
1999 Pokémon Japanese Promo Tropical Mega Battle Tropical Wind
$65,100