Technology

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  The Hidden Tech Inside Your Phone

  Most of us carry a smartphone everywhere we go. It wakes us up, guides us through traffic, captures our memories, and even counts our steps. But beneath that sleek glass surface lies a jungle of components—tiny, powerful, and quietly performing miracles. It’s easy to take them for granted, but your phone is one of the most sophisticated pieces of technology ever created.So, what’s actually inside your smartphone? Beyond the apps and emojis, there’s a world of sensors, chips, and miniature machinery that would have made NASA jealous a few decades ago. Let’s pop the hood and explore the surprising tech hidden in your pocket. Inside Your Phone Your smartphone contains a blend of advanced components that work together in harmony. Here’s a closer look at some of the most essential elements that power your device: The processor (CPU) acts as the 'brain,' handling everything from apps to gaming. Flash memory serves as your storage, fast and durable with no moving…

  Authored by Lila Barns 7th May
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  7 Inventions That Happened by Accident

  Some of the most brilliant inventions in human history didn’t come from careful planning or groundbreaking theories—they came from mishaps, miscalculations, and pure serendipity. These happy accidents not only revolutionized industries but also proved that sometimes the best discoveries are the ones we never intended to make.From melted candy to unexpected molds, let’s take a look at seven world-changing inventions that prove the universe occasionally rewards curiosity—and a little bit of chaos. The Accidental Geniuses PenicillinIn 1928, Alexander Fleming returned from vacation to find that a mold had killed the bacteria in his petri dish. Rather than tossing it out, he studied it—and discovered penicillin, the world’s first true antibiotic. That accidental contamination saved millions of lives and launched the era of modern medicine. Microwave OvenDuring World War II, engineer Percy Spencer noticed that a chocolate bar in his pocket had melted while he stood near a magnetron—a device used in radar. Intrigued, he experimented with popcorn, then eggs. The…

  Authored by Steve Harris 2nd May
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  How QR Codes Took Over the World

  Once a quirky black-and-white square tucked away on brochures and packaging, the QR code is now everywhere — from restaurant menus to concert tickets and vaccine records. It has gone from an overlooked curiosity to a staple of modern convenience. But how did this happen? Why did a piece of 1990s Japanese automotive technology suddenly go global in the 2020s? In this article, we’ll trace the fascinating rise of the QR code, explore how it works, and uncover how a humble invention became a worldwide tool for instant access and connection. How QR Codes Took Over the World QR stands for “Quick Response,” and that’s exactly what it was designed to do — deliver information fast. Invented in 1994 by Masahiro Hara at the Japanese company Denso Wave, the QR code was originally used to track parts in car manufacturing. But its design — storing data both horizontally and vertically — made it more powerful than traditional barcodes. Let’s explore…

  Authored by Lila Barns 20th Apr
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  What the Internet Looked Like in 1993

  It’s hard to imagine life without the internet. Today, it’s a slick, instant, mobile experience—rich with videos, social media, e-commerce, and real-time everything. But rewind to 1993, and the internet was a different beast altogether: slow, awkward, mostly text-based, and yet absolutely magical to those who braved its primitive frontiers.Before Google, Facebook, or even Internet Explorer, the online world of 1993 was taking its first baby steps into the mainstream. Let’s hop in a virtual time machine and explore what the internet really looked and felt like back then—quirks, dial-up noises, and all. The Backstory In 1993, the internet was still a mysterious concept to most people. It was primarily used by academics, scientists, and computer enthusiasts. Access was mostly limited to universities and government agencies, with commercial use just beginning to open up. The National Science Foundation lifted its restrictions on commercial traffic, paving the way for the web we know today.That same year, the first widely-used graphical web…

  Authored by Steve Harris 15th Apr
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  Can a Fridge Really Be Smart?

  Once upon a time, the fridge’s job was simple: keep things cold and leftovers edible. But in the age of smart homes and connected everything, even your humble refrigerator has gotten a tech upgrade. Today’s smart fridges promise to track your groceries, suggest recipes, and even display your family calendar. But does that make them truly smart—or just fancy iceboxes with Wi-Fi?Let’s open the door—literally and figuratively—on the world of smart refrigerators, and see what’s going on behind those glossy, stainless-steel doors. The Backstory The concept of a 'smart appliance' started taking shape in the late 1990s, as internet connectivity and home automation technologies emerged. In 2000, LG introduced one of the first internet-connected refrigerators, complete with a built-in webcam and an LCD screen for leaving notes. Though it was ahead of its time—and came with a hefty price tag—it sparked a new wave of interest in the potential of kitchen tech.Over the next two decades, companies like Samsung, Whirlpool,…

  Authored by Steve Harris 16th Mar
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  The Oldest Computer Still in Use

  We live in a world where new tech gets old fast. Last year’s smartphone? Obsolete. A decade-old laptop? Practically ancient. So, what would you say if we told you that the world’s oldest still-operational computer is over 70 years old—and still clicking away? It’s not flashy, and it won’t run Fortnite, but it’s a living, humming piece of history that continues to do the job it was built for.Meet the Harwell Dekatron, also known as the WITCH (Wolverhampton Instrument for Teaching Computing from Harwell). It’s more than just a machine; it’s a testament to resilience, careful engineering, and the beauty of analog computing. Let’s explore how this behemoth of blinking lights and relays is still computing in a digital world. How It Was Discovered The Harwell Dekatron was first commissioned in the early 1950s at the Atomic Energy Research Establishment in Harwell, England. It was built to automate tedious mathematical calculations previously done by hand. At the time, this machine…

  Authored by Steve Harris 14th Mar
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  How Elevators Changed City Life

  Imagine living on the 30th floor—with no elevator. Unthinkable today, yet not too long ago, the very idea of high-rise living was a challenge due to human limitations. The elevator changed all that. More than just a machine, it became a quiet force that transformed architecture, real estate, and the very shape of our cities.From its invention to its integration into our daily lives, the elevator enabled vertical expansion and urban innovation. It redefined convenience, accessibility, and even class dynamics. Let’s step into the world of elevators and see how they helped cities rise—literally and figuratively. The Backstory While rudimentary lifting devices date back to ancient civilizations, the birth of the modern elevator began in the 19th century. Elisha Otis famously debuted a safety brake in 1853 at the New York Crystal Palace Expo—calming fears of rope failure and making vertical transport viable. Four years later, the world’s first passenger elevator was installed in a Manhattan department store.Otis's breakthrough turned…

  Authored by Lila Barns 12th Mar
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  Why Typewriters Are Making a Comeback

  In the age of cloud syncing, voice typing, and AI-assisted editing, it might seem strange—charming even—that the old-fashioned typewriter is having a moment. But scroll through social media or peek into the toolkit of a modern writer, and you’ll notice something curious: typewriters are back. And not just as vintage décor pieces, but as functional tools, creative companions, and even symbols of rebellion against digital overload.So why are people returning to clacking keys and ink ribbons in a world of effortless tech? As it turns out, the comeback of typewriters isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about control, presence, and the strangely soothing sound of mechanics at work. Let’s explore what’s fueling this analog revival. The Backstory The typewriter’s history stretches back to the 19th century. While many inventors tinkered with typing machines, it was Christopher Latham Sholes who, along with his team, patented the first commercially successful typewriter in 1868. By the 1880s, typewriters had become indispensable in offices and newsrooms,…

  Authored by Steve Harris 24th Feb