Today music can be commonly listened to on phones, computers, and mp3 players, but in the past, music recording wasn’t simple or easy. Let’s see how the music players have evolved during the years and have made listening to music so convenient for everyone.
Gramo Phone – 1888
Thomas Edison attempted the first design of a music recording and playing device in 1877. He termed his invention a “phonograph”, and it worked by recording sounds on round cylinders.
However, the quality of the production was extremely poor, and each recording could only be played once.
Improving on Edison’s design, Alexander Graham Bell invented the first graphophone, which worked by using wax cylinders.
Therefore, in 1887 Emile Berliner patented the first successful sound recorder and called it the gramophone. They are the oldest form of music recording.
Want to see it today, either go to a museum, or check out Logo of HMV, a popular music company
Transistor Radio – 1954
A transistor radio is a smaller device that receives radio frequencies. Following their development in 1954 they became the most popular electronic communication device in history, with billions manufactured during the 1960s and 1970s.
Villagers across the country will get together around it in the evening to listen to the music or cricket commentary.
Compact Cassette – 1962
In 1962, Philips invented the Compact Cassette. Introduced in the 1963, it was at first not very much liked for its low-quality sound.
But by the 1980s pre-recorded cassettes became a hit. Why? Because they were more convenient and portable, that’s why.
Walkman – 1979
The original Walkman, released in 1979, was a portable cassette player that changed listening habits by allowing people to listen to music on the move.
It was an instant rage and a common sight on the roadside
Compact Disc – 1982
Sony introduced the CD audio player in the market on 1st October, 1982. As soon as the player hit the market, the compact disc format started to gain popularity and became very popular in Japan and Europe.
You can still find a few CDs in your home if you look around.
iPod – 2001
iPod adventure began in 2011 when Apple launched its first portable music player. It revolutionized the way people stored their music.
The earlier devices could store quite a few songs and they were big and bulky. But after the introduction of iPod, the way people carried their music changed forever.
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