When it comes to tech gadgets, we tend to focus on their functionality and features. However, behind every gadget, there are fascinating technological facts that often go overlooked. Here is a look at some little-known tech trivia to satisfy your inner tech enthusiasts:
1. The smallest hard drive
The smallest hard drive ever made measures just 10 micrometers in size, which is about one-tenth the width of a human hair. Invented by scientists at IBM, this miniature hard drive could store up to 1,000,000 bits (125 kilobytes) of data, making it ideal for use in medical implants and other small devices.
2. The first cell phone
The first-ever cell phone was invented in 1973 by Martin Cooper, who was then working for Motorola. The handset weighed a whopping 2.5 pounds and had a battery life of just 20 minutes. It took another decade before cell phones became commercially available and affordable, thanks to advances in technology.
3. The world’s first computer programmer
Ada Lovelace is often credited as the world’s first computer programmer for her work on Charles Babbage’s “Analytical Engine” in the 19th century. Lovelace recognized that this device could be made to perform far more complex operations than its originator had envisaged and she wrote the first algorithm intended to be processed by such a machine.
4. The first computer virus
The very first computer virus was invented in 1971 by Bob Thomas, who was working for BBN technologies at the time. The virus, called Creeper, spread through the ARPANET computer network and displayed the message “I’m the creeper, catch me if you can!” on infected machines.
5. The speed of light
The speed of light is one of the constants of the universe and is the fastest speed at which energy and information can travel. The exact speed of light was measured in 1676 by Danish astronomer Ole Roemer, who used the eclipses of Jupiter’s moons to make the calculation. He determined that light travels at a speed of 220,000 kilometers per second.
6. The world’s first touch-screen device
The world’s first-ever touch-screen device was invented in 1965 by E.A. Johnson, while he was working on a radar system for the Royal Radar Establishment in the UK. Johnson’s device used capacitive touch technology which has now become the standard for most touch-screen devices.
7. The first-ever computer mouse
The computer mouse was invented by Doug Engelbart in 1963 while he was working at the Stanford Research Institute in California. The original mouse was made of wood and had just one button. Since then, the design has undergone several modifications and has become an essential part of computer usage.
In conclusion, these tech trivia facts give you a glimpse into the fascinating world of technology, reminding us that gadgets are powered by the bright minds behind them. For tech enthusiasts, learning about these discoveries can be both exciting and insightful, and create a renewed appreciation for the devices that have become integral parts of our lives.
