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Hardware

Tech nostalgia: The top 10 innovations of the 1970s

By Conner Forrest May 19, 2015, 11:03 AM PDT

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Tech nostalgia: The top 10 innovations of the 1970s

Intel 4004

Image: Intel

Intel 4004

In the decade of all things “groovy,” modern technology was advancing at lightning speed. Here are the most important innovations of the 1970s.

In 1971, Intel released the first programmable microprocessor to the market, the Intel 4004. Three of its inventors, Stanley Mazor, Federico Faggin, and Ted Hoff, were awarded the National Medal of Technology and Innovation by US President Barack Obama for working on the 4004.

Image: Intel
Tech nostalgia: The top 10 innovations of the 1970s

Sony Walkman

Image: Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Sony Walkman

Commonly referred to as an 80s invention, the Sony Walkman was actually first marketed in 1979. The name Walkman became synonymous with portable tape players and the brand is now used to market Sony’s line of MP3 players.

Image: Andrew Hoyle/CNET
Tech nostalgia: The top 10 innovations of the 1970s

C (programming language)

Image: Paul Travers/CBS Interactive

C (programming language)

The programming language C first appeared in the early 1970s. The creation of C is often credited to Dennis Ritchie and his work at AT&T Bell Labs.

Image: Paul Travers/CBS Interactive
trs80.jpg
trs80.jpg
Tech nostalgia: The top 10 innovations of the 1970s

TRS-80

TRS-80

In 1977, the Tandy Corporation launched the TRS-80 through RadioShack stores. The TRS-80 became one of the best-selling computer product lines of its time.

Tech nostalgia: The top 10 innovations of the 1970s

Atari 2600

Image: Conner Forrest/TechRepublic

Atari 2600

Atari was founded in 1972, but the release of the Atari 2600 put both the company and console gaming on the map. The 2600 was originally called the Atari VCS (Video Computer System).

Image: Conner Forrest/TechRepublic
Tech nostalgia: The top 10 innovations of the 1970s

The Voyager program

Image: NASA

The Voyager program

Two of NASA’s robotic probes, the Voyager 1 and Voyager 2, launched in 1977. The probes originally collected valuable data on Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, and they are still in use today.

Image: NASA
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By Conner Forrest
Conner is a former Senior Editor for TechRepublic. He is now a Senior Research Analyst at 451 Research.
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