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The Telephone
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The Telephone is Invented by Alexander Graham Bell
SourceThe first telephone was magnetic, with a transmitter, receiver, and a magnet. The transmitter and receiver had diaphragms, or metal disks. The vibrations of the voice caused the transmitter diaphragm to move, which was transferred along the line to the other diaphragm, which vibrated and produced sound. Telephones spread quickly and inspired many other inventions. By 1880, there were 47900 telephones in the US. -
The Candlestick Phone Patented by Alexander Graham Bell
SourceThe candlestick telephone consisted of a base, stem, mouthpiece, and receiver. At first, it had wooden receivers and bases, but later had nickel-plated brass or rubber parts and were later replaced by glass or porcelain. At first, these phones only had a switch for the operator, but later had dials. These phones allowed for the caller to listen and talk at the same time. Phones were used more often in the home and work. -
Touch Tone Telephone Installed in Baltimore, Maryland
SourceThe touch tone telephones used tones rather than pulses from rotary dials. This allowed for the caller to increase the speed of dialing. However, it was too expensive. In the early 1960s, cheaper transistor and circuit components allowed these phones to be used in the home. In addition, commercial touch-tones were a big hit in 1962 at the World Fair. This allowed for more and easier use of telephones. -
The Cordless Phone
SourceThese phones didn't have a cord. The first cordless phones invented gave little privacy and poor quality. As time went on, more frequencies were used, and call quality became better as did battery life. In 1994, digital phones were introduced and increased privacy.
This allowed for more people to move as they talked, which increased access and use of phones. By this time, phones were a vital part of people's lives. -
First Commercial Cellphone
SourceThe first cell phone available for consumers use, DynatACs, were made by Motorola. It weighed 0.8 kg and its battery lasted 8 hours.
However, due to its large size, clunkiness, and the large cost, not many people bought it. Though it was not used by many, it set the stage for future cellphones, including the smartphone. -
The First Smartphone
SourceThe first smartphone, Simon, was 8 in long by 2.5 in wide by 1.5 in thick and weight about a pound. It was the first commercially available phone with a touchscreen and used a stylus. It included an address book, calculator, calendar, fax, filer, mail, note and sketch pad, time, and to do.
Though it was advanced, it had a weak battery. More people enjoyed other phones, so while it was important, it did not impact society. -
The Original Apple iPhone
SourceThe Apple iPhone was one of the most important steps in revolutionizing smartphones. With the iPhone, users were able to make calls, connect to the Web, get emails, and buy apps and music, all with the touch of a finger. It gave easier access and allowed for users to do even more on their phones.
With the iPhone, the phones became a part of everyday life, permanently.
