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Banking Automation Reaches the Consumer
While the first ATM was likely put to use by Barclay's Bank in the UK in 1967, by 1970 the machines had become widespread in Europe and North America. Early ATMs would use a slightly radioactive paper, so the machine could read it. Banking systems would be upgraded and see rapid growth behind the scenes throughout the 1970's. -
Community Memory Terminal
Since computers are mostly inaccessible to ordinary people, this terminal was made to be used by anyone. It's purpose is for posting messages and announcements. -
Commodore introduces the VIC-20
In June of 1980 Commodore releases the VIC-20 home computer. The VIC-20 is the next-in-line after the Commodore PET personal computer. It is less expensive and was very successful. The VIC-20 was also the first computer to sell over a million units. -
The Amiga 1000 is released
The Amiga had audio and video capabilities beyond those found in most other personal computers. it developed a loyal following and add-on components allowed it to upgrade easily. -
Magneto-Optical Discs Introduced
In 1990 Magneto-Optical Disks were introduced. These disks were housed in cartridges and combined optical storage with magnetic storage. The disks could be rewritten up to a million times. They were quicker than DVD-RAMs and CD/RWs. -
The PlayStation is Released in North America
On December 3rd, 1994, Sony released the first PlayStation to a Japanese audience. Then close to a year later on the ninth of September in 1995, they released the system to a North American audience. Originally a collaboration between Sony and Nintendo to create a CD-ROM-based version of the Super Nintendo, Sony completed the production on the system and released it as the PlayStation. It sold over a hundred million units and was a huge success for Sony. -
First camera phone introduced
In November of 2000, a Japanese company named SoftBank released a Japan only phone called the J-Phone J-SH04. This was the first camera phone and it’s line was quickly expanded by SoftBank. Within a year many phone now had built in cameras. -
NASA Ames Research Center supercomputer Columbia
NASA’s super computer Columbia, named after the shuttle that broke up upon its re-entry, played a major role in their return to manned spaceflight after 2003. This super computer would be in use at NASA’s Ames Research Center until 2013. -
The Apple iPad is released
On April 3, 2010, Apple released the first IPad. The appeal of having many of the same functions as the IPhone but on a larger screen made the IPad a successful product. -
Apple Watch Released
On April 24, 2015, Apple released the first Apple Watch. The Apple Watch was not a new concept and the idea of a watch that was also a computer had been attempted before. However the announcement of the Apple Watch was met with great anticipation. People liked the idea of having Apple’s iOS available on their wrist and the Apple Watch sold almost a million units on it’s release date alone.
