History of Technology

QWERTY Keyboard Invented

Jan 17, 1930

SourceQWERTY is the most common modern-day keyboard layout for Latin script. The name comes from reading the first six keys appearing on the top left letter row of the keyboard from left to right.

ENIAC Invented

Feb 14, 1946

SourceThe first electronic computer invented by the U.S. Army during WWII. The ENIAC cost about $500,000 to build, and was 1,800 square feet.

SWAC INVENTED

Jul 2, 1950

Source An early electronic digital computer. A small-scale interim computer designed to be built quickly and put into operation while the NBS waited for more powerful computers to be completed. It was designed by Harry Huskey.

Mouse Invented

Apr 20, 1964

SourceIn computing, a mouse is a pointing device that detects two-dimensional motion relative to a surface. This motion is typically translated into the motion of a pointer on a display, which allows for fine control of a graphical user interface.

PDP-8 Invented

Mar 22, 1965

SourceThe first successful commercial minicomputer. Sold more than 50,000 systems, the most of any computer up to that date.

ARPANET Invented

Oct 29, 1969

SourceWas one of the world's first operational packet switching networks, and the progenitor of what was to become the global Internet.

Ethernet Released

May 22, 1973

SourceEthernet is a family of computer networking technologies for local area and larger networks. It was commercially introduced in 1980, and has since been refined to support higher bit rates and longer link distances.

Commodore 64 Invented

Aug 12, 1982

Source An 8-bit home computer introduced by Commodore International. Listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the highest-selling single computer model of all time, Independent estimates place the actual number sold between 10 and 17 million units.

Nintendo Created

Sep 23, 1989

SourceIt is a Japanese multinational consumer electronics company headquartered in Kyoto, Japan. Nintendo is the world's largest video game company by revenue.

First SmartPhone Released

Jan 1, 1992

SourceA smartphone is a mobile phone with more advanced computing capability and connectivity than basic feature phones. Currently, about 90% of handset sales worldwide are for devices driven by Google's Android and Apple's iOS mobile operating systems.

BlueTooth Invented

Jul 24, 1994

SourceBluetooth is a wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances, from fixed and mobile devices, and building personal area networks. Invented by telecom vendor Ericsson in 1994. It can connect several devices, overcoming problems of synchronization

Apple II Series Released

Jun 10, 1997

SourceBy the end of production in 1993, somewhere between five and six million Apple II series computers. The Apple II was one of the longest running mass produced home computers, being in production just under 17 years.

Razer Founded

Apr 18, 1998

SourceRazer was founded in 1998 by a team of marketers, Gabe Newell, and engineers to develop and market a high end computer gaming mouse. Razer is a company specializing in products specifically marketed to gamers.

Play Station 3 Released

Nov 11, 2006

SourceThe PlayStation 3 (PS3) is a home video game console produced by Sony Computer Entertainment. The console was first officially announced at the Electronic Entertainment Expo 2005, and was released at the end of 2006.

IPad Released

Jan 27, 2010

Source The first-generation iPad is a tablet computer designed and marketed by Apple Inc. The device features an Apple A4 processor, a 9.7" touchscreen display and the capability of accessing Cellular networks, though the latter is only available on certain variants of the first generation iPad.