Discover the ‘beta’ version of 7 products we use daily

Technology is always advancing rapidly and many items that we usually use on a daily basis receive new versions or updates every year. And then the question that hangs in the air is: any idea how the first version of the famous products was? like headphones, computers or even TVs?

If you’re wondering, let’s show you how the ‘beta’ versions of the basic technological items we use in our daily lives are and the story behind each one.

How was the first version of famous products?

1. Computer

Computers come in all shapes and sizes. They serve a wide range of audiences, whether you’re a demanding gamer or someone who only wants to use equipment for professional purposes. And believe me, the first version of this substance was very different from what we know today.

The first computer was introduced to the world on February 14, 1946. It was developed by researchers John Eckert and John Mauchly. Electronic Digital Integrator and Computer (or just ENIAC for those who like abbreviations) weighed “only” 30 tons and covered a total area of ​​180 square meters.

This device, which cost around US$6 million to build at current prices, had no operating system and was primarily used by a team of female officers. Also, its construction began during the Second World War, more precisely, in 1943.

2. Notebook

While we’re still talking about computers, let’s talk about the first notebook model known in the way we know it today.

Developed in 1982, the GRiD Compass is seen by many as the world’s first laptop computer. At the time, he was already seen as a visionary, as it was the first model to feature the shell format (i.e. combining the screen with the keyboard). But it wasn’t light, or even cheap: It didn’t just cost around $8,000 back then, it also weighed around 5kg.

Because of its price and even weight, the GRiD Compass was initially adopted by government agencies and found on the desks of NASA and US military forces employees.

3. Cell phone

Frankly, in our first list of famous products, we could not pass without mentioning the famous mobile phones that have been on the market for a long time, especially since 1973.

Motorola Dynatac 8000X is considered the world’s first mobile phoneDue to its size and weight, it has earned an affectionate nickname as The Brick (or brick in good old Portuguese). This is the invention of engineer Martin Cooper, who first made the connection with the prototype of the device.

4. Video games

Video games are highly coveted items for many people today, and many models are even desired by many collectors around the world. However, we believe that the console, which is considered the first console in history, should be in the home of very few people.

Released by Magnavox (a subsidiary of Philips) in 1972, Magnavox Odyssey is considered the first known video game as well as the first game to allow the device to be connected to a television for game streaming.

By the way, its appearance is a far cry from anything we’ve seen in the last 40 years, as its two controls lacked arrow keys and also lacked color. To solve this problem, the console came with some plastic layers to be placed over the TV to add color and even some effects (like tennis court and football field) to games.

5.television

In this first version list of famous products, the TV is probably the product that has been on the road the longest. The first version of this equipment, which has a history of almost a century, was shown to the world in 1926 by Scottish John Baird.

The first television screen (made for scientists at the British Academy) used radio waves to transmit still images to the screen over wires. Without this initiative, we certainly wouldn’t be able to watch our favorite shows today, or even access streaming services on smart TVs.

6. Headphones

Headphones are often inconspicuous equipment and are used by many to listen to music or watch their favorite videos on the way to school or work. And believe me, this invention is older than many can imagine.

The history of the first headphones in history dates back to 1919. It was created by Nathaniel Baldwin. This equipment was originally thought to act as a kind of amplifier for telephones and radios.. In this way, in addition to being huge, heavy and uncomfortable compared to existing models, it remained a commercial equipment for a long time.

7. eBook

Nowadays, you can easily read books from your mobile phone, Kindle or any device, but those who think that digital books are a current invention or a few years old are wrong.

The history of the first known digital books goes back to 1971, when Michael Hart created the world’s first digital library. Known as the Gutenberg Project, the goal of this project was to protect copyright-free electronic books with physical volumes. In the meantime, write: The first digital book in history is the United States’ declaration of independence.

So, did you know the first version of the famous products we talked about here? Now that we’re talking about technologies, take the opportunity to find out which 10 old technologies are worth a lot of money right now.