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Jan 20, 1439
Printing Press
Moveable type and paper originated in China, but it is Johannes Gutenberg who is credited with the invention of the mechanized printing press in 1439. Wood presses were dominant for over 300 years. These could only produce 250 sheets per hour, on one side. Metal presses came about in the late 18th century and allowed for 8,000 sheets per hour. Offset press was the most widely used at the beginning of the 21st century, and was good for color printing and things like books and magazines. -
Telegraph
In 1837, Samuel F.B. Morse conducted the first successful experiment with a telegraph. He independently developed and patented his electrical device, which became known as the "Morse telegraph". This device was important because it could transmit and receive messages across long distances. The goal was always to increase sending rates so more messages could be sent to reach more people. -
Telephone
The first telephone was patented in 1876 by Alexander Graham Bell. This was the first time two or more people could directly talk across long distances. Rotary dial and "candlestick" telephones were some commonly used types until the 1970s. Before mobile phones were invented, landlines were also very popular. A pair of wires connected a telephone to a network this way. -
Radio
Guglielmo Marconi, although there were many other experimenters, had the first complete and commercially successful radio system in 1895. This was an exciting development because information, in the form of sound, could now reach anyone through radio waves. -
Television
Shortly after the telephone, ideas for television were sketched as early as 1878. It wasn't until the 1920s, however, that televisions were made commercially available. Many people had a hand in the invention of the TV. These include Paul Gottilieb Nipkow, John Logie Baird, Philo Farnsworth, and Vladimir Zworykin. Televisions were not manufactured on a large scale until after World War II. Aside from entertainment, they offered a great new way to advertise and spread news. -
Computer
George Stibitz is considered the father of the modern (modern computers can be programmed) digital computer. He completed the "Model K" in 1937 that could do binary addition. Computers then continued to be made in the 1930s and 40s and were available by the 1950s. Originals were the size of a room. Computers have allowed for programs like Microsoft Word and web browsers, which everyone uses today to communicate for various reasons. -
Email
The term "email" was first used to describe any electronic document transmission, such as a fax. It was first used in the 1970s by networks like ARPANET. -
Internet
By the end of 1971, 15 sites were connected to ARPANET. ARPANET was a research agency that was also known for using email. The world wide web was established in 1989. The mid 90s held the most influence because that's when things such as modern email, instant messages, and video calling began to really take shape. -
Cell Phones
The cell phone was first demonstrated by John F. Mitchell and Dr. Martin Cooper in 1973. They became commercially available 10 years later in 1983. Cell phones have gradually built up to our multitude of uses for them today. We use them for personal reasons like keeping in touch with friends and family (texting!), listening to music, and accessing the internet. They are useful for business reasons as well: keeping contacts, web programs. viewing calendars or schedules. -
Facebook
Facebook was created by Mark Zuckerberg and fellow Harvard students. It was launched in February of 2004. As of September 2012, the site had over one billion active users, more than half of them accessing it on a mobile device. Facebook has become a way of life in itself. It is the most popular way to see what others are doing and to let them know what you're up to. It has also become a useful marketing tool, as many businesses and bands have their own Facebook pages and encourage "Likes".
