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Only for Telephone Operators
In 1881 headphones were not intended to be used as an accessory to most technology. They were used for telephone operators. They bulky and heavy, consisting of a single earpiece and they rested on the shoulders.
http://www.ligo.co.uk/blog/headphones-then-and-now/ -
The Electrophone
With no radios, the spreading of news depended on the daily newspaper. The Electrophone system made it easier for people to listen to music from their own home. But like most new technology, these headphones were sold at a heavy price, which meant they were used by rich and powerful people. The electrophone shared the similar appearance of the stethoscope.
http://www.ligo.co.uk/blog/headphones-then-and-now/
http://coolmaterial.com/roundup/history-of-headphones/ -
Introducing the "Modern headphones"
Nathaniel Baldwin began the production of the 1st modern headphones. He did this the comfort of his kitchen and managed to all of them to the U.S. Navy. They included the ''can" design that is popular today. Despite his huge success he ignored the Navy's advice of patenting his product design.
(http://www.ligo.co.uk/blog/headphones-then-and-now/)
(http://coolmaterial.com/roundup/history-of-headphones/)
(http://www.brighthub.com/computing/hardware/articles/31558.aspx#) -
The dynamic headphones
The DT 48 is the oldest model within the beyerdynamic headphone product range. It was invented in 1937 by Eugen Beyer, which still stands up to today.
The stability is caused by the metal casing and the spring steel hand bow.
http://www.expandore.com/professional-audio/Beyerdynamic/Headphones_Monitoring/Monitor_11.htm -
The Beatlephones
In 1958 John C. Koss invented personal listening with the world’s first SP/3 stereophone. The original SP/3 stereophone allowed listeners to experience sound as they had never before, bringing them closer to the music they love.
https://www.koss.com/history -
The walkman
The Sony Walkman completely changed the way people listened to their music in the 1980s and 1990s. In 1979, portable headphones came with the Walkman, and gave people a way to listen to cassette tapes when they were out and about. The MDL-3L2 headphones became a huge seller, and soon other companies began to develop the portable headphones that we know and love today.
http://www.ligo.co.uk/blog/headphones-then-and-now/ -
The iPod
The first iPod was released in 2001, the way people listened to music changed again. The iPod made earphone fashionable again. EarbudS earphones still allowed you to style your hair without having to worry about it being flattened by bulky headphones, and differed from the black earphones. Over 300 million iPods have been sold since 2001 using the same design.
http://www.ligo.co.uk/blog/headphones-then-and-now/
https://www.apple.com/pr/products/ipodhistory/ -
Beats by Dr Dre
Beats were introduced in 2006. designed by Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine. Beats introduced an entirely new generation to the possibilities of premium sound entertainment. Beats was acquired by Apple Inc. in July 2014.
http://www.beatsbydre.com/aboutus