bell labs
Computing

The Surprisingly Sophisticated Computer Graphics Behind The 1977 Yellow Pages

They’re a waste of paper these days, but back in 1977 the Yellow Pages were an essential communications tool. And in order to more easily produce ads so the thick tomes remained free, Bell Labs (now AT&T) developed a remarkably advanced desktop publishing system.

March 30, 2012
Science

How Bell Lab’s Radar Dismantled The Axis Powers

In 1937, the notion of beaming radio waves off distant objects was barely more than speculation, yet in just six years the minds of AT&T’s Bell Labs honed the technology into a potent weapon for the Allies. The Idea Factory by Jon Gertner discusses the fascinating history of the storied think tank.

November 26, 2010
Gadgets

How Ma Bell Shelved The Future For 60 Years

What would the world be like if fibre optic and mobile phones had been available in the 1930s? Would the decade be known as the start of the Information Revolution rather than the Great Depression?

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