The Evolution of Media Arts

  • Electrical Microphones

    Electrical Microphones

    In the 1920s, Joseph Maxwell introduced electrical microphones. These devices were used to broadcast and record news and audio, especially on radio broadcasts. Later on, Western Electric (an electrical engineering company) released an upgraded version of Maxwell's carbon microphone, having features like being spring mounted and double buttoned.
  • Disney's first coloured movie

    Disney's first coloured movie

    The first coloured movie from Disney was the movie, 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs'. Eventually, this film became one of the most successful films in the world. Although Disney had colour in one of their other films that got released, 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs' was the first full-length movie (not animated short) to be released.
  • First large automatic digital computer

    First large automatic digital computer

    In 1944, the first large automatic digital computer was built by Harvard University. The computer stood at 8 ft high, and 50 ft long. This computer was named 'Mark I', designed by Howard Aiken, and was able to perform math problems, like subtraction, addition, multiplication, and division.
  • VHS/VCRs are created

    VHS/VCRs are created

    VHS tapes were a device used to record shows and movies on television back then. They were very expensive at the start, but now get much less recognition as they are being phased out and getting replaced by much newer technology. These tapes got upgraded over time to be able to hold/play two hours of a recording.
  • Audio Cassettes

    Audio Cassettes

    In 1963, the famous audio cassette, more commonly known as a cassette tape, came out. This new invention allowed people to record audio and then playback the same recorded audio. This audio cassette was developed in Belgium by the Dutch company, Phillips. Audio cassettes later made their debut in 1966, when they became very popular.
  • The Email is introduced

    The Email is introduced

    In 1971, a computer engineer named Ray Tomlinson comes up with an idea that allows computer users to send messages back and forth using the @ symbol to identify the recipient. Now, the world knows it as Email. In 1997, over 10 million users around the world had email accounts, making it a universal messaging software.
  • First Microsoft Windows is launched

    First Microsoft Windows is launched

    In 1985, the first Microsoft Windows software is launched, created by Bill Gates; Microsoft's founder. The first Windows program allowed users to paint using a simple graphics program, and use many other applications included in the launch. The program also included a clock, notepad, control panel, clipboard, and other features.
  • Amazon launches online shopping

    Amazon launches online shopping

    In July of 1995, the famous and big selling website we all know as 'Amazon', opens for business. Originally, in 1995 the store opened as a bookstore, and strictly shipped and sold books. The store shipped to all 50 U.S. states, and all 45 countries. In 1998, Amazon started selling other things rather than books, like music CDs.
  • The iPod is released

    The iPod is released

    In 2001, a big breakthrough was made when Apple released the first iPod. The first version of the iPod allowed people to listen to 1000 songs, whenever and wherever they chose. The iPod was completely white, with a sleek black finish on the back. Users plug in wired headphones and listen to the music of their choice.
  • Spotify is released

    Spotify is released

    Spotify, now one of the top music services in the world, was originally created as an idea in 2006. It was created in Sweden, by Daniel Ek Martin Lorentzon and then released in 2008. Now, Spotify has over 82 million tracks and will keep on growing.
  • Instagram is launched

    Instagram is launched

    In October of 2010, the app 'Instagram' was launched, created by Kevin Systrom. The app was originally called 'Bourbn', which Systrom originally made to share photos and post users' plans. Systrom made and developed the now famous app 'Instagram' with co-partner Mike Krieger. Instagram quickly became very popular, even on day one, getting 25,000 downloads.