Whether you’re a hardcore tech fan, or have a mild tech interest, here are 5 fun tech facts you probably didn’t know.
Google processes more than 99,000 searches every second
The world’s leading search engine has been active since 1998 and has grown to an unbelievable scale. According to InternetLiveStats, when Google was first founded, it was completed around ten thousand searches every day.
By 2004, this number had risen to 200 million searches every day, and aside from in China where Baidu reigns supreme, Google has a global market share of around 92%.
The First Computer Mouse was Made From Wood
The first ever computer mouse was invented in 1964 by Doug Engelbert and was so named because the wire that jutted from the back reminded him of a mouse’s tail. Modern computer mice are usually made from plastic, sometimes with rubber grips for comfort.
Since then, computer mice have evolved over the years to include wired and wireless models, mice with buttons, without buttons, basic and ergonomic, with batteries and rechargeable.
Additionally, Wikipedia claims the initial mouse design involved 2 separate wheels tracking the movement of the mouse. Over time this evolved into a single ball, and later this changed into optical sensors, which don’t require any moving parts.
The Wires Controlling the Thunderbirds Puppets Carried Electrical Signals
Most people will remember the Thunderbirds TV series from the 1960s. It was a tremendous success in the media, with radio adaptations and a film adaptation in 2004.
However, did you know that the intricate facial movements displayed by the puppets were the result of tiny wires manufactured by British wire company Ormiston Wire that transmitted electrical signals?
This process allowed for the puppets to speak convincingly, and for puppeteers to have finer control to give a higher quality performance.
Steve Jobs Used Sleight of Hand During a Presentation of the First iPhone
The first iPhone model had significant running problems when Jobs first presented it to an inspired live audience six months before its release.
Therefore, he had to use sleight of hand to keep switching phones to prevent them from overheating and crashing.
It’s easy to see how the iPhone has evolved in leaps and bounds over the years. The original iPhone 3G had only 128MB of RAM, compared to the 6GB of the iPhone 14 Pro Max and a 3.5in display compared to the mammoth 6.7in display of the iPhone 14 Pro Max.
Nintendo Was Originally a Card Game Company
Nintendo is known in today’s society as the manufacturer of the DS, the Wii, and the creator of Super Mario Bros.
But from 1889-1956, before Nintendo found its global footing as a leading game console manufacturer, they manufactured hanafuda cards. These are typically smaller than Western playing cards, with flowers or plants on the face, and plain backing.
Do you know of any interesting tech facts? Leave your answer in the comments below!
