Technology Use Progression - 2000-2010

By maggievphillips

  • Professor Paul Blenkhorn invented Microsoft Narrator.

    Professor Paul Blenkhorn invented Microsoft Narrator.
    Narrator is a free screen reader utility that has been included with every Windows version released since 2000. This is an accessibility tool that makes it possible to use the computer without a mouse - this is impactful for the visually impaired. The program can interact with text and buttons, and read text from the screen.

  • Safari is released.

    Safari is released.
    Safari was introduced in 2003 for Mac OS on PC, and was pre-installed as a web browser. Prior to its release, Mac used a downloaded version of Internet Explorer for browsing.

  • Google Maps is launched.

    Google Maps is launched.
    Google Maps was originally developed by Lars and Jens Rasmussen of Where 2 Technologies. In 2004, Google bought the company and converted it for web application, which launched in 2005.

  • The First iPhone is Released.

    The First iPhone is Released.
    The iPhone is the first smartphone released by Apple. Apple CEO Steve Jobs envisioned the idea and introduced it in January 2007 at the Macworld Conference & Expo. It was released in the United States on June 29, 2007.

  • Pinterest was founded by Ben Silbermann.

    Pinterest was founded by Ben Silbermann.
    Pinterest launched in March 2010, by invitation only. The site allowed people to share photos and create collections with themes. The site is designed to have a pinboard design, where users can browse other boards and "pin" images into their own collections.