Today in Tech History: June 11, 2008 Video
Today in Tech History: June 11, 2008 Video Transcript
Hi, I'm Molly Wood. It's June 11, 2008, and here's what happened today in technology history. On this date in 1935, American electrical engineer and inventor Edwin Armstrong gave the first public demonstration of FM broadcasting in the United States. Armstrong patented his invention, wideband FM, in 1933. Unfortunately, his employer did not approve. It was the Radio Corporation of America, and not only did RCA fire Armstrong, it pushed the FCC to protect its AM radio dominance and undermine the rollout of wideband FM. Then, RCA claimed to have invented FM, and got its own patent on the technology. The patent fight that followed left Armstrong penniless, and he committed suicide in 1954. His widow went on to fight RCA on his behalf, and finally won in 1967. And in other sad patent stories, it was today in 2002 that the U.S. House of Representatives acknowledged that Antonio Meucci was the first inventor of the telephone. WHAT!? Yes. NOT Alexander Graham Bell. Meucci just couldn't afford to pay for a patent application, and Bell SWOOPED in and grabbed the credit. So, that's nice that the Congress finally acknowledged Meucci's accomplishment. One hundred and thirteen years after his death. Patents. What a mess. And that's it for today in tech history. I hope we've made you question everything you think you know. More of that, tomorrow.
Related Videos
Robotic car takes control of the wheel, Webby Award nominees announced, HDTV quick quiz, iPod hits a milestone, and cleaning your pool is as easy as iRobot.
Resort wants to bring the moon to Earth, video downloads from your local library, a megapixel quick quiz, turning your 2D photos into 3D ones, and let the Great Turtle Race begin.
World's largest cruise ship makes maiden voyage, giant iPods for airline passengers, quick quiz on physical CDs, Silverlight ready for its close-up, and making your own lotto tickets.
Intel antes up with new chips, Yahoo folds auction site, a wireless satisfaction quick quiz, Weebly's fast site maker, and 1,900 miles per gallon.
Yahoo searches for green city; mobile Web sites brought to you by the letter M; a quick quiz on net shopping; and fast Web-based photo editing.
YouTube determining the future of free speech; a Quick Quiz on mobile information; Lindsay Lohan's alcohol bracelet explained; a Web site to help you find icons; and surveillance video of a candy heist at the Wonka factory.
NASA plans to digitize its past, an electric motorcycle, a Quick Quiz on home photo printing, Bloglines gets refreshed and goes beta, and digital e-books that smell like the real thing.
The Queue: Rich says goodbye...
Wii Sports cleans up in Britain, a Quick Quiz on mobile video, a Ferrari Segway, a Prius limousine, the never-before-seen Queue Pilot, and why Rich is bidding farewell.
Microsoft 'surfaces' touch screen computer, iTunes fortifies with DRM-free music, Google's street view paparazzi, a quick quiz on keeping our cell phones longer, plus a site that converts docs to PDFs for free through e-mail.
The Queue: What do you wish for?
OnStar helps stop crooks in their tracks; WinAmp celebrates 10 years with a new player; a holiday wish list quick quiz; why electronics shoppers shun warehouse clubs; and MyVu expands offerings to all video devices.
