Top Technology Innovations that Changed the World

Man has always been trying to make life easier and more productive. This is evident since the very beginning. Starting with the wheel and fire, our minds have been creating creative new ways to improve our lives. As technology evolves, more and more methods and devices have become part of our "natural" lives. All of us rely on many of these devices to survive and thrive. Whether it be as simple as electricity and vehicles, or as complex as cell phones and laptops, these advances have changed the face of the world. Many of these have broken through international boundaries and even helped to conquer new lands. All of these have become a fixed part of our daily lives.

(These are arranged chronologically and not in order of importance. )

1 - Electricity (circa 1646)

This one advance in technology is perhaps the most important discovery ever. Our entire world is driven by electricity. Unless you are Amish, you have at least one electronic device. Whether it is battery powered, alternator driven, or plugged into the power grid, almost everything in our lives is powered with electricity. It was this advance in technology that spurred the rest of the innovations in the modern world.

2 - Computers (1206 - first programmable analog device, but first computer is under debate. 1837 - first modern computer)

Computers are actually attributed to an early Egyptian implement called the abacus. For our purposes, the real computers did not start until the machine versions were created. The first computers were monstrosities that would need an entire room to themselves. These early computers were only used by the mega corporations, since they were the only ones that could afford one. Handling mainly payroll or other mathematical equations, these early computers used punch cards to function. As things advanced, the computer shrank and became much better. With microchips and mother boards growing smaller, the computer can now be a pocket sized device that can perform any number of functions. Anyone that is part of the modern world has a computer, or at least uses one on a regular basis. Whether it be a public computer at the library or a personally owned computer, we all rely on them for many of our day to day tasks. There is no way that the world would be the same without computers. Businesses have completely changed the way they are run and people have adapted their entire lives to fit around a computer.

3 - Gas engines (1860)

Whether you like to admit it or not, our society is dependent on the vehicle. Whether it is planes, trains, or automobiles, all of us use some form of transportation daily. Many people think that the gas powered engine was developed by Henry Ford, but he just made it more affordable and created the mass production methods we still use to this day in almost every factory. The birth of the gas engine was well before Ford's time. These "horseless carriages" revolutionized every aspect of our lives. From cross town or cross country travel to the way we fight wars or deliver goods, our lives are pinned to the gas engine. Until we can find an electric or renewable source vehicle, we will remain dependent on this innovation. Even with the introduction of the electric motor, the gas engine will forever have one of the largest impacts on our lives and our world. Try to imagine how small our personal realm would be without this invention.

4 - Telephone (1876)

From the utterance of those first words by Alexander Graham Bell that were heard across the nation, the telephone has been our main source of communication. This development has enabled us to not only communicate across any distance, but it has brought us the ability to connect with others around the globe. Whether they are friends, associates, or family, the telephone has made it possible to bridge any terrain to keep in touch. For many of us, life without a phone is just unthinkable. Not only have we been able to talk across long distances, but the phone was also the backbone of the internet. Without the telephone, our world would be stuck in the days of the Pony Express.

5 - Movies (1878)

Motion pictures really revolutionized the entertainment industry. From the old silent movies to today's blockbuster flicks, the ability to watch these shows still amazes viewers and drives a multi-billion dollar industry. Just try to imagine what life would be like without the motion picture theater. There are few people that have been to a play, and some that don't even know what they are. The motion projector took entertainment to a whole new level. Now you no longer had to travel to Broadway to see the latest show. Anyone could take a trip to the local movie house and watch in awe as the pictures actually moved before your eyes. This invention brought about so many advances. From cartoons and news reels to 3D and IMAX, it all began at the local movie house in black and white with an effects person sounding out the score on the side.

6 - Television (1884)

With the popularity of radio and the capability of movies, television was not far off. The ability to broadcast images across the airwaves truly revolutionized the way we acted and how our lives are now. The television is the driving force in many of our lives. Whether you have to rush home to catch your favorite show, stop work to catch the March Madness games, watch a movie with the family, or use it as a cheap babysitter, the television is a key part to our lives. Most people have multiple televisions and just about everyone has at least one. With all the cable or satellite channels, high-def, flat screens, and thousands of shows all airing at the same time, everyone can find their niche. This monster may even have surpassed the motion picture for being the biggest industry in the world. It doesn't matter what your tastes are, there is something that will suit you. Whether it be news, weather, sports, hobbies, movies, or shows, most of us could not imagine life without the "boob tube."

7 - Radio (1894)

The beginning of the entertainment era has its roots in radio. Back in simpler times, the radio brought families together as they would all huddle around the little box and enjoy the many classic shows that began over the airwaves. The radio brought families together and gave them something to talk about. This also brought the ability to spread news and bring about the information age. It was the radio shows that enabled politicians and news anchors alike to come into people's living rooms. We were now able to listen to events as they unfolded. From Pearl Harbor and the Super Bowl to Fireside chats with the president, the people were now able to keep up with the world just by turning a knob.

8 - Cell phones (1947)

The cell phone has made a huge impact on our lives and it is not done yet. With every new innovation in cell phones, they make another piece of technology obsolete. The payphone is nearly dead, and home phones are quickly being replaced. The release of every new smart phone will eventually lead to the elimination of the personal computer. There are so many things that you can do with a cell phone. You now have a leash for your kids, a portable game system, an office on the go, and a lifeline to anyone in the world no matter where you are. It seems like almost everyone over the age of 10 has a cell phone, and all of us are constantly on them. No matter whether you are texting or calling, the cell phone has become part of our daily tech diet.

9 - Cassette Tapes (1958)

The eight track is actually the beginning of this innovation, but many people have no clue what an eight track is, so I will use the cassette tape as the next global changer. The eight track was, in reality, just a huge cassette tape anyways. The world of personal music came with the record, but the true advance that launched music to what it is today is the tape. The ability to carry your music with you and rock out on the go started with the cassette tape. This was the birth of a new era where people could take their music or radio shows with them. You could listen to books, learn new languages, or just relax to your favorite tunes. From this launch pad the CD and, eventually, the MP3 was born. All of this started with the creation of the cassette tape and the Walkman.

10 - Internet (1958)

The biggest breakthrough of the information era was spawned by a project that the military deemed slow and incapable of creating a viable method to coordinate operations from the other side of the nation. DARPA was scraped by the government and picked up by the universities that helped to create it. The earliest form of the internet (DARPA) was actually deemed a failure for military tactics, but was found as a viable way to share knowledge and text between colleges. These colleges used their new tool (ARPA) to send notes, lectures, and textbooks all over the country. As more people gained access to this network through study, research, or as students, the exchange of information increased. With the increase of demand came innovations in performance and capabilities. Soon, ARPA evolved into the internet. As it spread globally through the use of phone lines, the world wide web was born. Not much needs to be said about this innovation. To know how it has effected your world, try to imagine the lack of ATM's, internet, cell phones, satellite links, and several other internet dependent services.

11 - Laptops and Portable Computers (1973)

The ability to carry a computer with you seemed absurd about 15 years ago. Even with smaller computers, no one expected a battery powered version to be released. Well it happened and it has impacted this world incredibly. Now you can have your business on the go, connect to your site, your job, your clients, your games, or whatever you want to connect to, no matter where you are. Imagine what this world would look like without laptops. Starbucks would not be the same, nor would many other cafes, restaurants, or establishments. More people are now using a laptop in place of their desktop. Some of us may have both, but many people are switching to the laptop. With the introduction of the netbook and flash drive, you can have a very small and lightweight way to constantly stay in touch via e-mail. If you don't think they have made an impact, try going a week without one. Not many people can do that. Even if you can, look around. I would almost bet that you see one in less than an hour as you walk around.

People will continue to evolve and innovate with every passing day. It is our nature to try and make things better and easier. Every passing day brings new developments. Each of these developments have their impact on the world and we are far from done yet. No matter what it is that we do, someone will strive to improve on it. Technology is no different. We have come a long way in our technical stroll through history, and there is still more to come. These are just a few of the most major breakthroughs. I can't wait to see what the future brings.