Watch a Man Who Spent the Past 44 Years in Prison Discover Modern Technology For the First Time

Otis Johnson went to prison when he was 25, and hasn't been a part of regular society for 44 years. He was released last summer, and the 69-year-old has had a hard time adjusting to the modern world. Watching him discover technology is like watching someone time travel.

"I had seen that everybody, or the majority of the people, were talking to themselves," he says. "Then I looked closer and they seemed to have things in their ears." ​​He first thought they were CIA agent with wires in their ears, until he learned about the iPhone.​

Al-Jazeera English followed Johnson around New York City as he marvels at new food products at the grocery store and deals with the sensory overload of Times Square. Even the few pay phones around have changed, now charging $1 instead of 25 cents.

Johnson was behind bars for the attempted murder of a police officer, and was released with an ID, documents about his case, $40, and two bus tickets. He didn't have any family to rely on, so he connected with a nonprofit that helps former prisoners. These days, he people-watches, meditates in the park, and dreams about opening a women's shelter, but is having a hard time getting money because of his lack of credit history. "Being in society is a good feeling," he said. "I like being in the sun and also observing people. It's nice to be free."

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