The physical handbrake lever used to be a common feature in every car, but lately they've been replaced with push buttons. What caused the change?

The physical handbrake lever used to be a common feature in every car, but lately they've been replaced with push buttons. What caused the change?

Chokes, cassette players and wind-up windows are relics rarely seen in cars nowadays, and now the traditional handbrake could be the next familiar feature to disappear.

Cars used to have that lever known as the handbrake. These days, it has been replaced by an electric switch. How does this work and can I use it in an emergency?