Technology is woven into our everyday lives, but how much do we really know about its colourful and quirky history? Did you know the world’s very first computer weighed over 27 tonnes? Or that a coffee pot was the inspiration for the first webcam?
Beneath the surface of modern technology lies a treasure trove of fascinating stories and unexpected moments. Join us as we explore 10 surprising tech facts that will leave even the most seasoned tech enthusiasts in awe.
10 Facts
1. The First Computer Weighed Over 27 Tons
Meet the ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer), the world’s first general-purpose computer. Built in 1945, this massive machine took up an entire room, measuring 8 feet tall and 80 feet long. Weighing more than 27 tonnes, it was far from the sleek laptops we’re used to today.
What did it do? ENIAC could perform calculations 1,000 times faster than any other existing technology of its time, revolutionising computing forever.
Visual Idea: An image of the colossal ENIAC computer to provide context.
2. A Bug in Early Software Created the Term “Computer Bug”
Ever wonder where the term “computer bug” came from? It dates back to 1947 when engineers found a real, physical moth stuck inside the circuits of the Harvard Mark II computer. They quite literally “debugged” it, and the term has stuck around ever since.
Visual Idea: A screenshot of early software code or a mockup of the moth discovery.
3. The Internet Was Initially Called ARPANET
Before the Internet as we know it existed, there was ARPANET. Developed by the US Department of Defence in the late 1960s, ARPANET connected just four computers. This network became the foundation of the modern Internet, proving that even small beginnings can lead to technological revolutions.
Visual Idea: A diagram or map of the original ARPANET network.
4. The First Smartphone Was Invented in 1992
Apple wasn’t the first to enter the smartphone game. That honour goes to the IBM Simon, unveiled in 1992. Equipped with a touchscreen and apps, it was capable of sending emails and faxes. Although it was bulky and expensive, it laid the groundwork for the powerful devices we carry in our pockets today.
Visual Idea: A picture of the IBM Simon smartphone.
5. 90% of the World’s Currency is Only Digital
Here’s a staggering thought: Only about 10% of the world’s currency exists as physical coins and notes. The rest is entirely digital, circulating through online transfers, banking systems, and cryptocurrency networks. We’re living in a world where money is becoming more intangible by the day.
Visual Idea: A graphic showing the distribution of digital vs. physical currency worldwide.
6. The “QWERTY” Keyboard Layout Was Designed to Slow Down Typing
Have you ever wondered why keyboards use the QWERTY layout instead of a more intuitive one? Surprisingly, it was designed in the 1870s to slow typing down. Why? Early typewriters often jammed when users typed too quickly, and the QWERTY setup was engineered as a workaround for that issue.
Visual Idea: A vintage typewriter with the QWERTY layout.
7. There Are More Devices Connected to the Internet Than People in the World
It’s official: the Internet of Things (IoT) has conquered the world. According to recent studies, there are now more than 13 billion devices connected to the Internet globally, far surpassing the population of the world. From smart fridges to wearable tech, we’ve taken connectivity to unprecedented levels.
Visual Idea: A graph showing the rise of connected devices over time.
8. The First Webcam Was Created to Monitor a Coffee Pot
Tech innovation and caffeine go hand in hand. Back in 1991, researchers at Cambridge University developed the first-ever webcam to keep an eye on their coffee pot! The webcam allowed them to check the coffee level remotely, saving them trips to an empty pot.
Visual Idea: A photo of the famous Trojan Room coffee pot webcam.
9. The Apollo Guidance Computer Had Less Processing Power Than a Modern Smartphone
NASA’s historic Apollo 11 mission wouldn’t have been possible without the Apollo Guidance Computer. However, what’s astonishing is that this computer had less processing power than a modern smartphone. Despite its limitations, it played a critical role in landing humans on the moon.
Visual Idea: A side-by-side comparison of the Apollo computer and a modern smartphone.
10. The First Video Game Was Created in 1958
Forget Mario or Pong; the first-ever video game was called “Tennis for Two,” created in 1958 by physicist William Higinbotham. Displayed on an old oscilloscope, it featured simple graphics where players controlled dots to simulate a tennis match. It’s a humbling reminder of how far gaming technology has come.
Visual Idea: A screenshot or recreation of “Tennis for Two.”
What These Facts Tell Us About Technology
From coffee pots inspiring webcams to smartphones surpassing NASA’s computers, technology’s past is packed with peculiar and inspiring milestones. These fun, surprising moments aren’t just bits of trivia; they remind us how rapidly innovation is reshaping the world.
These facts highlight one thing above all else: technology evolves in leaps and bounds, often surpassing our imagination. But it also has humble beginnings, grounded in clever ideas and quirky challenges.
What about you? Which fact caught you off guard? Or do YOU know any other surprising tech tidbits? Share your favourite tech fact in the comments—we’d love to hear it!
