The Microchip

Image Of A Modern Day Microchip
(Courtesy: thereelnetwork.net)

PBS Article: History Of The Microchip

The link above directs you to PBS.org where readers can learn about the history of the microchip.

The microchip, an invention that has spurred so many others that it can be considered a building block for most future technologies. Most commonly, it serves to be used as a personal computing device. Due to Moore's law, microchip technology is advancing, reaching greater computing power at cheaper costs. Due to this defined law, the average smartphone in 2016 has more computing power than Apollo 11 in 1969 when it ventured to the moon, says Time magazine. As described in a 2012 NASA post, "smartphones have more than 100 times the computing power of the average satellite, with fast processors, high resolution cameras, GPS receivers and several radios and sensors built in". With such vast capabilities and advanced technology, the power to create increases exponentially.

The reality, however, is that the average smartphone owner will not use their phone to develop anything useful, but remain a consumer only to download applications or send text messages. For those who have contributed to the advancement of society with life improving products or services, the world thanks you and hopes to see more inspiring people like yourself.

Stengel, Richard. "Making Sense of Our Wireless World." Time. Time Inc., 27 Aug. 2012. Web. 16 Apr. 2016. 

Yost, Bruce. "This Week @ NASA, November 23, 2012." NASA. National Aeronautics and Space Administration, 23 Nov. 2012. Web. 16 Apr. 2016.

Battery

Various Battery Types (Courtesy: durham.ca)

About.com Article: History Of The Battery 

The link above directs you to About.com where readers can learn about the history of the battery

By reading this article, it becomes clear that the battery was far from a modern day invention. In fact its concept dates back to the 18th century, when Benjamin Franklin coined the term battery. According to the article, he described it as "an array of charged glass plates" . The concept of containing electricity in a confined space for future use may seem like a mediocre explanation of an electrical cell, however, at the birth of this concept was a groundbreaking technology. By the mid 19th century improvements had been made and further revolutionized in 1859 when Gaston Plante, a French inventor made the first rechargeable battery. It was only in 1901 when Alkaline batteries were invented and 1954 when solar cells reached the market. All of which are taken for granted now that almost every small appliance or device requires some form of battery.

With a majority of the world carrying around their own personal rechargeable battery cell in their pockets on the daily basis, it is difficult to forget about its humble beginning. Yet somehow society still manages to overlook this detail integrated into their cell-phone(s). Perhaps it is all the distractions and applications that can be installed on today's smartphones. Consideration towards the battery only occurs when the owner has expended their battery life low enough to where they receive notification. It is during this event that the owner experiences a sense of panic and then urgency to recharge the cell takes precedence in order to remain connected to the digital world. The point of all this being that despite being disposable as well as negligible in many modern day instances, the battery has had a long journey since its introduction to the world, one that if suddenly nonexistent would change the lives of many.

Edison Kinetoscope Films

Youtube Video of Edison Kinetoscope Films (1894-1896)

(Courtesy: Therese Grisham)

In the Edison Kinetoscope Films (1894-1896), a series of attractions can be seen. A couple, boxing match, strong man, serpentine dancer, cock fight, barber shop, doves, and seminary girls can all be seen in this cinematic clip. All of which can be appreciated for its simplicity and ability to set a precedence for all of the entertainment industry after. Prior to this post I was unaware that Thomas Edison created the Kinetoscope as he is primarily well recognized for the invention of the light bulb. Society should acknowledge the contributions he has made along with his colleagues towards the progression of modern technology on a daily basis. It is astounding that at the turn of the 20th century, so much was accomplished.

The Kinetoscope was made famous by Thomas Edison and his team for bringing a personal motion picture device using a confined space to display images on a perforated film over a light source in which an individual can view from a peep hole. This was a precursor to the earliest forms of video and projection. This film, despite its short length sets a standard for the industry as well as inspired future projects that would add to the history of cinematography and animation. My love for movies would not existed had this invention not been created. Overall, I thought the clips were well made, capturing the essence of life at the time of its filming in addition to drawing attention to a new medium that entertainers could reach their audience through.