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Leonard Kleinrock publishes the first paper on packet switching.
Kleinrock’s work laid the foundation for modern digital communications, enabling data to be split into packets and transmitted efficiently across networks. -
Creation of ARPANET, the precursor to the internet.
The Advanced Research Projects Agency Network (ARPANET) is established by the U.S. Department of Defense, becoming the first operational packet-switching network. -
First email sent by Ray Tomlinson over ARPANET.
Ray Tomlinson sends the first email using ARPANET, marking a new way for people to communicate over networks. -
ARPANET goes global with the addition of nodes in Norway and England.
ARPANET becomes the first global computer network, connecting international nodes in Europe. -
Martin Cooper makes the first handheld mobile phone call (Motorola).
Martin Cooper of Motorola makes the first-ever mobile phone call, marking a key milestone in mobile communications. -
Vint Cerf and Bob Kahn propose the TCP protocol.
The Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), later combined with Internet Protocol (IP), becomes the fundamental protocol of the internet. -
Motorola DynaTAC 8000X is the first commercially available mobile phone.
The Motorola DynaTAC 8000X becomes the first mobile phone sold to consumers, though it was bulky and expensive. -
ARPANET adopts TCP/IP, marking the birth of the modern internet.
With ARPANET's switch to TCP/IP, the framework for the global internet is established, allowing networks to connect freely. -
Domain Name System (DNS) is introduced.
DNS creates a hierarchical system for naming websites, allowing users to access websites using easy-to-remember domain names instead of numeric IP addresses. -
Tim Berners-Lee invents the World Wide Web (WWW).
Tim Berners-Lee develops the World Wide Web, a system of interlinked hypertext documents accessible via the internet. -
Berners-Lee releases the first website, bringing the web into public use.
The first website is launched, providing public access to information and demonstrating the potential of the web for sharing knowledge. -
The launch of the 2G network (GSM), introducing digital calls and SMS.
The introduction of 2G networks allows for digital phone calls and the sending of text messages, marking a major shift in mobile technology. -
The first SMS ("Merry Christmas") is sent.
The first-ever text message is sent, revolutionizing how people communicate on mobile phones. -
Mosaic, the first graphical web browser, is launched.
Mosaic popularizes the web by making it easier to navigate with a graphical user interface, setting the stage for widespread internet adoption. -
The first online retail transaction takes place (NetMarket).
NetMarket enables the first secure retail transaction over the web, laying the groundwork for e-commerce. -
Amazon and eBay launch as major online retailers.
Amazon and eBay debut as pioneers in online shopping, revolutionizing how people buy and sell products. -
Launch of Java, enabling interactive content on the web.
The Java programming language is introduced, allowing for more dynamic and interactive web experiences. -
Hotmail launches as the first free web-based email service.
Hotmail’s introduction marks a major shift in email services, offering users free and accessible email accounts through the web. -
Nokia 9000 Communicator, the first smartphone, is introduced.
The Nokia 9000 Communicator combines mobile phone capabilities with a personal digital assistant (PDA), making it the first smartphone. -
Google is founded, revolutionizing web search.
Google launches with an innovative search algorithm that changes the way people find information online. -
BlackBerry launches the first mobile email device.
BlackBerry introduces a device that allows users to access their email on the go, becoming a favorite among business professionals. -
Napster introduces peer-to-peer file sharing, popularizing online music sharing.
Napster’s file-sharing service disrupts the music industry and demonstrates the internet’s power for sharing digital content. -
Japan introduces the first mobile internet service, NTT DoCoMo's i-mode.
NTT DoCoMo launches i-mode, the first mobile internet service, giving users access to websites from their phones. -
Wikipedia launches, starting the age of user-generated online content.
Wikipedia becomes the first major online encyclopedia where users can collaboratively write and edit articles. -
The first mobile camera phone (Sharp J-SH04) is released.
Sharp’s J-SH04 introduces the ability to take pictures with a mobile phone, starting the mobile photography trend. -
The first 3G networks are launched, enabling faster data transfer.
3G networks offer faster mobile internet speeds, paving the way for more advanced mobile applications. -
MySpace becomes the largest social networking site.
MySpace leads the early rise of social networking, enabling users to create profiles, connect, and share content. -
Facebook is launched by Mark Zuckerberg.
Facebook starts as a social network for students and quickly becomes a global platform for communication and social interaction. -
Motorola RAZR V3 becomes the best-selling mobile phone of the year.
The slim, stylish design of the Motorola RAZR makes it a global bestseller, setting a new standard for mobile phone aesthetics. -
YouTube is founded, changing online video forever.
YouTube revolutionizes video sharing, making it easy for users to upload, view, and share videos online. -
Twitter is launched.
Twitter introduces the concept of microblogging, allowing users to share short, real-time updates. -
The iPhone introduces a new era of mobile browsing.
Apple’s iPhone revolutionizes mobile technology by providing a full browsing experience on a mobile device. -
The iPhone launches, introducing the era of smartphones with touchscreens.
Apple’s iPhone revolutionizes mobile technology with its touchscreen, internet capabilities, and app store. -
Google launches the Android OS and the first Android phone (HTC Dream).
Google enters the mobile space with the Android operating system, which quickly becomes a major competitor to Apple’s iOS. -
Google Chrome is released.
Google releases Chrome, a fast, secure web browser that quickly gains market share. -
4G LTE networks are launched, enabling faster mobile internet.
4G LTE offers significantly faster internet speeds for mobile users, enabling better video streaming and data-heavy apps. -
Instagram launches as a mobile-first photo-sharing app.
Instagram’s simple interface and photo filters make it an instant success in mobile photo sharing. -
Snapchat enters the scene with disappearing messages.
Snapchat popularizes ephemeral messaging, where content disappears after a short time, changing how people share online. -
Apple introduces Siri, the first major voice assistant on a smartphone.
Siri debuts as the first widely-used voice assistant, allowing users to interact with their phones using voice commands. -
Apple releases the Apple Watch, starting the era of wearable tech.
The Apple Watch brings wearable technology into the mainstream, with fitness tracking and notifications from the wrist. -
Facebook surpasses 1.5 billion active users.
Facebook continues its dominance as the world’s largest social network, connecting billions of users globally. -
Google introduces its Google Assistant for Android phones.
Google Assistant provides users with AI-powered assistance, competing with Apple’s Siri. -
The introduction of 5G networks begins.
The rollout of 5G networks promises faster speeds and more reliable connections for mobile and internet users. -
Introduction of foldable phones (Samsung Galaxy Fold).
Samsung releases the Galaxy Fold, a phone with a flexible screen that can fold in half, offering a new form factor for mobile devices. -
5G networks begin widespread rollout.
5G networks begin to roll out globally, offering even faster speeds and more reliable connections for mobile devices. -
Mobile payment services like Apple Pay and Google Pay become mainstream.
Mobile payment systems gain popularity, allowing users to make secure payments with their smartphones. -
COVID-19 accelerates internet use, with online meetings booming (Zoom, Microsoft Teams).
The global pandemic forces businesses and schools online, leading to explosive growth in online meeting platforms like Zoom. -
Mobile phones surpass 6 billion users globally.
Mobile phone adoption reaches a global milestone, with more than 6 billion users worldwide. -
Global internet users surpass 5 billion.
The internet reaches more than half of the world’s population, becoming an essential part of daily life. -
AI assistants
like ChatGPT and Alexa, integrate deeply with mobile ecosystems.