Ep 18. '80s Tech
- May 24, 2006
- 43 min
From boomboxes to home computers, Modern Marvels takes a remarkable look back at the technology that shaped the decade in '80s Tech. With interviews from innovators and experts in the field, this episode dives into the incredible advancements and game-changing inventions that helped pave the way for the digital age we know today.
The episode kicks off with a look at personal computers that revolutionized the way we learn, work, and play. From Apple to IBM, learn about the race to put computers in every home and how the computer paved the way for tech entrepreneurs.
Next up is the introduction of the compact disc, or CD, as we know it. After decades of vinyl records and cassette tapes, the introduction of digital sound technology gave us access to pristine, high-quality sound. Join the team on Modern Marvels as they explore the history, creation, and impact of this groundbreaking technology.
With the rise of home computers and digital sound, it was only a matter of time before video games were thrust into the limelight. No longer relegated to arcades, video games exploded in the '80s with hits like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong. Modern Marvels takes game enthusiasts on a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the people and technology behind the first video game consoles.
Moving on from entertainment to communication, the episode explores the birth of the cell phone. From massive bricks to sleek flip phones, the cell phone revolutionized the way we communicate and paved the way for mobile technologies that have changed our lives forever.
Modern Marvels then goes full circle with the advent of the Sony Walkman. In the '80s, music went mobile with the iconic portable cassette player. Learn about the engineering and design that went into creating the world's first truly portable music device and how it became a cultural phenomenon and symbol of the '80s.
Finally, the episode looks at the birth of the internet. From early chat rooms to the first web browsers, the team at Modern Marvels examines the evolution of this groundbreaking technology and how it forever changed the world.
Packed with fascinating facts and interviews with experts of all stripes, '80s Tech is a must-watch episode for technology enthusiasts and anyone who wants to dive deep into the roots of the digital world we know and love today.