How technology and digital advances have already shaped our world
We’re headed towards a cleaner, greener and more connected future, where everything from our heating systems to our movie choices are facilitated wirelessly by digital devices. Here’s a snapshot of how technology has changed the way we live – from the very first smart TV to robotic lawnmowers.
SMART TVS
In 2008 the first Smart TV, launched by Samsung, was able to connect to the internet. Fast forward 10 years and smart TVs can stream on-demand movies and TV programmes to multiple rooms. Now widely produced, around 42% of UK households own a smart TV.
SMART PHONES
The iPhone was announced by Steve Jobs in January 2007 and the first device released on June 29, 2007, launching the smartphone to the mainstream.
In the first year, 1.4m handsets were sold worldwide. In 2017 there were 214m devices sold globally and it’s estimated that there are 1 billion iPhone devices in the world today.
SMART SPEAKERS
Launched in 2014, the rise of the ‘smart speaker’ has been rapid. Smart speakers Alexa and Google Home are already selling in large numbers. Last year, there were 3.94m units sold in the UK alone – far higher than in Germany or France. With plans for the speakers to act as a home hub controlling everything from lighting to cooking, these devices are becoming integral to modern living.
LAPTOPS
The first laptop, invented by Adam Osborne in 1981 and called the Osborne 1, weighed in at 25lbs, had no battery facility and cost over $1800. Since then these computers have been refined by a multitude of companies. Last year, it was reported 79% of adults in the UK own and regularly use a laptop.
ELECTRIC CARS
The very first crude electric car designs were created as far back as 1832 with US car company General Motors releasing a model in 1920, which never really took off.
In 1999, Toyota released their first mass-produced hybrid car, the Prius. This gained huge popularity and paved the way for the next generation of electric vehicles.
By 2014, electric cars were a real alternative to traditionally powered vehicles with 23 types of plug-in models and another 36 hybrids on the market. This number continues to rise giving consumers a wide-ranging choice.
ROBOTIC LAWNMOWERS
The first electric lawnmower was invented in 1830 by English engineer Edwin Budding, from Gloucestershire.
The very first electric models were released in 1926 and continued to be developed and refined over the years.
In 1995, the first solar-powered robotic mower was invented.
Today there is a wide range of solar and battery robotic mowers available for gardens of all shapes and sizes, ranging in price from £500 to well over £2,000.