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C++
Inventor: Bjarne Stroustrup
C++ is a general purpose computer language, which was created as an extension of the programming language "C".
It has influenced the world of computer programming by allowing for more control, speed, and accuracy. -
The Apple Lisa
Inventor: Apple
The Lisa is one of the first personal computers to sport a GUI. It took part in changing our idea of personal computers and how we operate them. -
The Fax Machine
Inventor: Xerox Corporation (1964)
While fax machines weren't technically invented in the 80's, they were widely used during the decade and well into the 90s. They have since been rendered obsolete (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fax).
The fax machine impacted humanity at the cross-section of 'paperless' and 'communication'. It is an example of how computer technology has had to let go of traditional understanding to continue moving forward. -
VCR/VHS
Inventor: Charles Ginsburg (1950s) / Sony (1971)
The VCR is a video tape that is manufactured to be able to hold more footage than a traditional cassette. It changed the entertainment industry by allowing movies to be sold on tape and gave rise to things like video rental stores and home theatres. Their popularity rose during the decade due to costs dropping into affordable prices. (https://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/other-gadgets/80s-tech.htm#pt2). -
The Game Boy
Inventor: Nintendo
The Game Boy is a handheld video game console with an 8-bit Z80 processor, monochrome LCD display, and 4-channel stereo sound (https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/search/object/nmah_1253117).
The 80's exploded gaming culture with the introduction of handheld and tabletop gaming devices. The transition away from arcades and towards personal/handheld gaming devices has developed a space for gaming in both entertainment and sport.