People who lived during the 1980s and ’90s were lucky enough to see countless technological transformations. They may have witnessed the transition between analog to digital formats. They saw the world’s first purchases of personal computers, CD players, and DVD players. Anyone who loves technology should consider its history and development over several decades.
The personal computer
The world’s first personal computer, released in 1974, was called the Altair and came built-in with the Intel 8080 microprocessor. It was a microcomputer that was the first widely sold personal computer.
Web browser
Cello was one of the first Web browsers that were invented in 1992 and released in 1993. It was also the first browser to run on the Windows OS. A student-made browser known as Erwise contained a graphical user interface, but it was discontinued in 1994, two years after its invention.
Cell phone
The first portable, handheld cellular phone was the Motorola DynaTAC 8000X, which was released for sale in 1983. Many companies were developing cellular phones during the ’80s. The Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) was developed in 1988 and set worldwide standards for mobile communication networks.
Smartphone
A smartphone combines features from a computer and a mobile phone. Many people mistakenly believe that smartphones are very recent inventions that began in the 2000s. However, the first smartphone with a graphical, touch-screen interface was being sold in 1993. By the 21st century, smartphones were built to function more like computers with Internet access, downloadable apps, music players, gaming, and many other features.
Phone app
The mobile phone application, or app, is synonymous with the smartphone. It is a smaller version of a computer software program that is fit for a phone’s size. The first app was released in 1997 as a built-in feature of the Nokia 6110.
CGI
Computer-generated imagery (CGI) is often found in blockbuster movies. It is a three-dimensional form of animation that is made using computer graphics. The early 1970s saw the first appearances of CGI in films.
Every major industry has undergone stages of development. From the first computer to the first computer game, the technology industry has seen countless inventions and “firsts” that have originated and improved upon years later. During its entire evolution, the main goals of technology inventors have been to connect the unconnected, build smarter functions and create a more unified world.