It seems like the world of technology is advancing every single day. In fact, it kind of is. But wasn’t it just yesterday Motorola released the first mobile phone that looked and felt like a brick? Oh wait, no … that was 44 years ago. Still, who would have thought that in 44 years, technology would become such an integral part of our lives? Better yet, who could have imagined that in 44 years the world of technology could go from producing a brick-like mobile phone, to mobile phones that are so light-weight, compact and can do just about anything at the touch of a button (that only responds to your fingerprint, nonetheless!)
It cannot be denied that civilisation has come a long, long way in 44 years, with most of our advancement attributed to technological innovation. It was only 40 years ago that Fuji Xerox launched the first laser printer commercial, airing at Super Bowl XI and what would go on to become one of the most popular TV ads of all time. But just how much has the world changed thanks to technology? Before we take a look at technological innovations that have changed the world over the last 40 plus years – check out the most recent Xerox commercial to see just how far we’ve come in 40 years.
Mobile Phones
While the first mobile phone call was made from a Motorola phone in 1973, the technology to enable mobile phones to communicate from a base station was thought of in 1947. However, we did not possess the technology at that time. Today, there are more mobile devices in the world than there are people. That is a lot of mobile phones! For many people, smartphones are our lifelines – we use them to call, text, bank, shop, reminders and more.
Personal Computing
Microcomputers were introduced to the public in 1977 and the name ‘Personal Computer’ or PC appeared six years later. Before the prevalence and advancement of smartphones, PCs were our lifeline. We did the same things on them as we now do on our smartphones. Today, PCs offer some of the most advance features and are vital in helping keep many businesses running.
Satellite Communications
A lot of people don’t realise the importance of satellite communications – mostly because we can’t see them! Yet satellite communications are what make it possible for TV, radio, data and phone transmissions to be sent across the world. Satellites orbit the world and are powered by solar cells and batteries. The first communications satellite was launched on the 10 July, 1962.
The Internet
Honestly, where would we be without the good old internet? The latest Digital Australia report from Ernst & Young shows Australians spend on average 10 hours a day on internet connected devices. The first message sent electronically between two computers happened in 1968. However, the World Wide Web as we know it was suggested in 1989 by a British computer scientist. The first website was created in 1990.
3D Printing (and everyday printing!)
Having the ability to create a 3D solid object digitally has been around since the 1980s. These kinds of printers were limited to the automotive and aerospace industry but have recently become more widely available. However, everyday printing has likewise come a long way. People often take printers for granted because they are used by many people on a daily basis around the world. If you think back to the first ever print press, you’ll soon realise how far printing technology has come. Printers haven’t always been speedy and compact machines that easily fit on your desk. They used to be so large they required their own corner in the office. Not to mention how the speed of printing has greatly increased whilst hardware pricing has dropped, the introduction of wireless printing, affordable high quality colour printing, smart scanning, print-from and scan-to the cloud, and embedded solutions to enhance productivity and workflow … you get the idea.
At Fuji Xerox, we are constantly pushing the boundaries of technological innovation when it comes to printing. We’ve been doing it for 40 years and will continue to do so for 40 years to come.
