The 1960s were a revolutionary time in many ways, but the technological advancements are often overlooked.
Right alongside the counterculture, massive social change, and the Cold War were substantial leaps ahead in technology and innovation. The first communication satellites, lasers, ATMs, basic computer languages, and a lot more were all pioneered throughout the sixties.
Take a look at some inventions that brought the world into the Information Age.
1
First Electric Calculator
The ANITA MK-8 was developed by Bell Punch in 1962.
2
First High-Speed Rail
The Shinkansen was the first high-speed rail, invented in Japan in 1964.
3
Bubble Wrap
Bubble wrap first hit the market in 1960, originally sold as wallpaper.
4
Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs)
The invention of LEDs introduced a new method of generating light, utilizing semiconductors to convert electricity into light with minimal heat production.
5
Audio Cassette
The invention of the compact audio cassette by Philips in 1962 revolutionized portable music playback.
6
Push-Button Phones
The Western Electric 1500 was the first commercially available push-button phone, invented in 1963.
7
BASIC Programming Language
BASIC, the first computer language, was created throughout the 1950s and 1960s in response to the difficulties of software development at the time.
8
Minicomputer
Digital Equipment introduced the PDP-8, the world's first computer to use integrated circuit technology, which was relatively small and affordable.
9
Integrated Circuit
The development of integrated circuits in 1960 allowed for the miniaturization and increased efficiency of electronic devices.
10
ARPANET
In 1969, ARPANET, a precursor to the internet, was established, linking four computers and introducing the concept of "packet switching".
11
First Computer Game
'Spacewar!' was created by Steve Russell in 1962.
12
Communication Satellites
Telstar 1 was the first communication satellite which enabled two-way, interactive communication between individuals over global networks.
13
First Laser
The first laser was built by Theodore Maiman on May 16, 1960 at Hughes Research Laboratories in Malibu, California.
14
The First Computer Mouse
The X-Y Position Indicator, later known as the computer mouse, was invented in the early 1960s, revolutionizing how people interacted with computers.
15
ATM
The first ATM (Automated Teller Machine) was installed at the Chemical Bank in New York in 1969.
