You probably know that your smartphone has a lot of cool features. But did you know that it can also identify stars in the sky, or that it has a hidden keyboard?
Technology has come a long way in a short amount of time, and there are some pretty amazing things about it that most people don't know. In this article, we'll share 20 little-known facts about technology that will surprise and amaze you.
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The First Email Was Sent in 1971
Did you know that the first email was sent in 1971? It was a simple test message between two computer systems, and it took up just 0.06% of the total volume of data sent across ARPANET that day.
Email has come a long way since then, and it's now an essential part of our lives. We use it to stay in touch with friends and family, to do our work, and to keep up with the news. It's hard to imagine a world without email, and we can only imagine what the next 40 years will bring.
Steganography Is the Practice of Hiding Messages in Plain Sight
Did you know that steganography is the practice of hiding messages in plain sight? It's true! And it's a technique that's been around for centuries.
There are all sorts of ways to do this, but one of the most common is to hide a message in an image. This can be done by adding secret text to an image file, or by altering the image itself so that the message is hidden in plain sight.
Another way to hide a message is to use code words or symbols. This is a technique that's been used for centuries, and it's still popular today. In fact, there are even apps that allow you to send coded messages!
So why do people use steganography? Mostly, it's because it's a way to keep messages safe from prying eyes. If someone intercepts your message, they won't be able to understand it without the right decoder.
The First Computer Bug Was a Real Bug
You probably didn't know this, but the first computer bug was a real bug.
In 1947, computer scientist and mathematician John von Neumann was working on a new type of computer that could store and process data simultaneously. But while testing the machine, a moth became trapped in one of the electronic valves, causing it to malfunction. Von Neumann named the glitch "the first computer bug."
While this might sound like a harmless mistake, it actually set off a chain of events that led to the development of debugging tools and procedures. So if you've ever had to debug your computer, you have John von Neumann to thank for that!
The World's First Digital Camera Was Invented in 1975
You might not know this, but the first digital camera was invented way back in 1975 by Steve Sasson, an engineer at Eastman Kodak. It was a pretty primitive device, weighing in at 8 pounds (3.6 kilograms) and it took 23 seconds to capture an image that was just black and white and 10 pixels by 10 pixels.
The images were stored on cassette tapes, and it took about an hour to transfer them onto a computer. Oh, and did I mention that the camera cost a whopping $150,000?
Thankfully, digital cameras have come a long way since then. These days, you can find a decent one for under $100, and they're getting smaller and more sophisticated all the time.
The First MP3 Player Was Released in 1998
Did you know that the first MP3 player was released in 1998? The MP3 player was created by a company called SaeHan Information Systems, and it was called the MPMan.
The MPMan could hold up to 32mb of data, which is the equivalent of about 8 songs. The device was pretty popular, and by 1999, there were a bunch of imitators on the market.
In 2001, the first iPod was released, and the rest is history.
The First Smartphone Was Released in 1992
You probably didn't know that the first smartphone was released in 1992. It was called the Simon Personal Communicator and it was created by IBM.
The Simon Personal Communicator was a phone, pager, fax machine, and address book all in one. It had a touch screen and could send and receive emails and texts.
However, the Simon Personal Communicator was not a success. It was too big, too expensive, and the battery life was terrible. Nevertheless, it paved the way for the smartphones we use today.
The First Tablet Was Released in 2010
You might be surprised to learn that the first tablet was actually released in 2010. It was called the iPad, and it was created by Apple.
What made the iPad so special was that it combined the features of a phone and a computer into one device. It had a color display, a built-in camera, and could run apps.
The iPad was a huge success, and it spawned a whole new category of devices. Now there are tablets made by all sorts of different companies, and they come in all shapes and sizes.
If you're in the market for a new tablet, there's sure to be one that's perfect for you. And who knows, maybe in a few years you'll be able to say that you were an early adopter of this amazing technology.
Google Street View Launched in 2007
You might not have realized it, but 2007 was a big year for technology. Not only did the iPhone launch, but Google Street View also made its debut.
For those who don't know, Google Street View is a technology featured on Google Maps that provides 360-degree panoramic views of streets all over the world. The images are captured by a fleet of specially equipped cameras mounted on cars, and they're updated regularly to give users the most up-to-date information possible.
Since its launch, Street View has been used by millions of people to explore destinations all over the globe. It's been particularly useful for travelers who want to get a feel for an area before they visit in person.
So next time you're planning a trip, be sure to check out Street View on Google Maps. You might just find yourself booking a ticket to somewhere you never would have thought of otherwise!
Apple Maps Launched in 2012
You probably didn't know that when Apple Maps launched in 2012, it was roundly criticized for its inaccuracies. In fact, it was so bad that then-CEO Tim Cook issued a public apology.
Since then, Apple has been working hard to improve its mapping technology and it's now on par with Google Maps, if not better in some cases. So the next time you're lost, don't be afraid to give Apple Maps a try.
Snapchat Launched in 2011
You probably didn't know that Snapchat originally launched as a way to share photos with friends and family that would disappear after 10 seconds.
The app was created by Evan Spiegel, Reggie Brown, and Bobby Murphy, who were all students at Stanford University. They originally wanted to call the app "Picaboo," but eventually settled on Snapchat.
Fun fact: the name Snapchat actually comes from the idea of "snapping" a photo and then it disappearing.
Pinterest Launched in 2010
You probably didn't know that Pinterest was only founded in 2010, but it's now one of the hottest social media networks with over 175 million monthly active users. The site allows users to create and share image-based collections or "pinboards" on a variety of topics.
Conclusion
So there you have it—20 amazing facts about technology that you probably didn't know. From the history of some of our most popular technologies to the secret lives of our favorite gadgets, there's a lot to learn about the world of technology.
Which fact did you find most interesting? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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