This Is What the World Was Like When the Final Harry Potter Book Was Published

J.K. Rowling is set to release a new story

Ahhh, 2007. What a time to be alive.

On July 31, also known to Harry Potter fans as Harry Potter's birthday, author J.K. Rowling will be releasing an eighth Harry Potter story that coincides with the play Rowling co-wrote, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Instead of a sequel, Rowling's new story will follow Harry's son, Albus, 19 years after the last book ended as he navigates the world as the son of the Boy Who Lived.

While the story takes place 19 years later, the last book of the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, was released 9 years ago on July 21. In honor of the newest story coming out this week, let's look back at what the world was like in 2007. It was definitely a year of ups and downs.

Tragically, Anna Nicole Smith passed away on Feb. 8, 2007. The former Playboy model died of an accidental overdose of prescription drugs. She was ultimately buried next to her son, Daniel, in the Bahamas in March. 

On a lighter note, Barack Obama declared his candidacy for presidency. Not only would he go on to win, but he'd win twice! Fast forward and now Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump are facing off against each other.

2007 also saw Leonardo DiCaprio getting robbed of an Oscar again for his work in The Departed, but that all came to an end at the 2016 Academy Awards when he finally took home the coveted golden trophy for The Revenant. Thankfully we can say the new Harry Potter installment comes at time when Leo can be called an Oscar winner.

In other talk show news, Whoopi Goldberg officially joined The View after Rosie O'Donnell's departure. The long-running co-host recently signed her contract for another year, which means she has been on the show a very long time.

Bob Barker hosted his last episode of The Price Is Right, thereby putting an end to an era of reminding people to neuter and spay their pets. Comedian Drew Carey took over and still hosts the game show to this day.

Perhaps most surprisingly, the first iPhone made its debut. Rounder edges, advanced technology and touch screen made this cell phone make all the headlines. Yes, there was a time before everyone seemed to have this smartphone! Looking back, we're sure the software on the first iPhone was pretty basic considering the features Apple's cell phone has now, but it was a big deal at the time. Like we said, 2007 was quite the year.