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Cassette Tape
The first cassette tape was invented by Lou Ottens. The latest in audio storage technology, it was developed in a race with other electronics manufacturers around the globe. Despite the low sound quality, cassettes made audio recording much more accessible. Players and tapes soared in popularity, and became an industry worth hundreds of millions of dollars by the end of the decade. -
Light Emitting Diode
More commonly known as LED, this invention led by Nick Holonyak would go on to be incorporated into almost every element of computers we know today. It allows for slender, lightweight screen displays, and is used in remote control signals and design of the optical mouse. Many of these relied in earlier iterations on mechanical components to perform the same tasks - LED made them more reliable and easier to maintain. -
Computer Mouse
Invented by Douglas Engelbart, the first computer mouse used mechanical wheels to track motion on an x and y axis. Today, the trackpad and touchscreen has built on this foundational invention that defined how we interact with graphic interfaces. -
BASIC Computer Language
By prioritizing ease of use, this language expanded access to computer programming beyond highly specialized mathematicians and scientists. Even the foundational software of Microsoft was based on a dialect of the BASIC language, launching the popularity of the corporation we still know today. -
Handheld Calculator
Jack Kilby was leader of the Texas Instruments team that made the earliest prototype handheld calculator. As one of the first easily portable electronic devices, this invention laid the groundwork for what would become essential for high school math classes decades in the future.
