What Advancements Have Taken Place in Technology in the Recent Years?

In our world, technology is still advancing exponentially. There seem to be new technologies or items that make our lives easier every day, but there are some breakthroughs that could be considered the most influential technology. Even though every new invention represents a development, not all are made equal. Through their creation, some have significantly changed the course of history to the point that our future has been altered. I have selected the top five most influential technologies that had the most extensive historical impact.

Printing Press

For decades, the printing press was the tool used to permanently document and disseminate people's ideas, together with paper. As technology made it possible for the very first time for textbooks and other documents to be printed, it updated the process by which individuals became educated. The era of monastic publications produced by hand is gone forever. The development of the printing press ushered in a new phase of enlightenment. When someone discusses this invention, most people will automatically bring Johannes Guttenberg of 15th-century (1440 AD) technology to mind.

Although his creation was innovative in and of itself, it wasn't the first printing press ever created. In reality, the printing press has a long history dating back to the third century, when it was widely used throughout China's Tang Dynasty to print text using a process similar to woodblock print but on fabrics (6th-10th Century AD).

Telephone

On March 10, 1876, Alexander Graham Bell placed the first call from Boston, ushering in the era of voice communication. The invention of the telephone changed people's lives and conduct. The history of telephone communication has seen a substantial transformation. The corded telephone, which required users to remain stationary, existed before the mobile phone. The development of social media and the web of things finally resulted from this invention, which transitioned humanity from the written to the vocal age of communication.

Woman holding a telephone – Free photo on Pexels

Personal Computers

The first electrical computers were introduced in the 20th century, although mechanical computing equipment was already in use in the 1880s. The market for personal computers emerged in 1977 as a result of the lower cost of microprocessor technology. We could easily store documents, arrange our work, and simplify tasks with only one instruction so that business could be conducted without constantly maintaining track of information. We now had a device that could solve even the trickiest mathematical equations instantly.

Internet

Since the invention of the Internet, people have relied on Google and other search engines to provide us with answers to any questions we have at any time. We can access data anywhere, anytime, due to the worldwide computer networks. The way we conduct our business, study, run for office, and so many other things have all altered as a result of technology. Like the printing press changed everything, it was expected that this technology would develop further and have an impact on how future technologies are developed.

Woman using a laptop – Free photo on Pexels

GPS Navigation

Thanks to GPS, getting lost is becoming a far less common experience. Nowadays, the majority of us utilize GPS via digital maps such as Google Maps. It might be said that Google Maps introduced GPS navigation to desktop computers (and ultimately mobile devices), making it simple to plan journeys, discover new towns and regions and navigate from point B to point A in whichever way you desire. Navigation technology has evolved to integrate traffic data, transit timings, and commuting and cycling directions.

GPS technology – Free photo on Pexels

Television

The cinema was king until TV and binge-watching. Although they remain the ideal place to see big-budget movies, the development of television opened the door for the modern home entertainment we take for granted. Black and white TVs were the initial type of television, followed by color televisions and the tv remote.

The very first Plasma TV, a 4-inch thick device that was able to be mounted on the wall, was introduced by Fujitsu in 1997. Both OLED and LED technologies gradually replaced plasma, as Samsung and LG stopped making plasma TVs in 2014 due to a decrease in demand. Although flat-screen TVs are still universal, many people watch television shows and films on their phones, iPads, or laptops.

Conclusion
Technological developments have always been thrilling. They encourage fresh ideas and subsequent innovation, frequently ushering forth a new era in transportation and communications. But the aforementioned five historical innovations were the most significant ones ever that have shaped our lives and future.