Jeff Bezos officially launches Amazon.com from his garage in Bellevue, Washington. Originally billed as “Earth’s Biggest Bookstore,” it sells its first book (Fluid Concepts and Creative Analogies) in July, forever changing retail. Part of the 16 Internet… Read More »The Birth of Amazon
The voice-over-IP software sees massive updates, becoming the absolute communication standard for multiplayer online gaming communities and early esports teams. Part of the 20 Internet Evolution Facts: The 2005 Edition archive. HistoricallyVerified
Developer Dave Winer and VJ Adam Curry create “iCatcher,” standardizing RSS feeds to include audio files. The innovation enables automated downloads, birthing the modern podcast industry. Part of the 18 Internet Evolution Facts: The 2004… Read More »The Podcasting Revolution Begins
Christopher “moot” Poole launches an anonymous English-language imageboard based on Japanese otaku culture. It evolves into the primary incubator for global internet meme culture. Part of the 16 Internet Evolution Facts: The 2003 Edition archive.… Read More »The Creation of 4chan
Macromedia introduces a massive upgrade to its multimedia platform. It enables video playback within browsers, setting the stage for future web video. Part of the 16 Internet Evolution Facts: The 2002 Edition archive. HistoricallyVerified
A highly sophisticated malware targets computers running Microsoft IIS servers. It causes billions in damages and exposes corporate vulnerabilities. Part of the 16 Internet Evolution Facts: The 2001 Edition archive. HistoricallyVerified
AOL launches AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) as a standalone service. The distinctive “door opening” and “door closing” sounds become the soundtrack of a generation’s social life. Part of the 18 Internet Evolution Facts: The 1997 Edition archive.… Read More »AOL’s “Buddy List” Goes Mainstream
An Israeli company, Mirabilis, releases ICQ (“I Seek You”), the first global instant messaging service. It introduces the concept of an “Online Buddy List,” forever changing real-time digital social interaction. Part of the 17 Internet Evolution Facts:… Read More »The Birth of ICQ
Pierre Omidyar launches AuctionWeb as a hobby. The first item sold is a broken laser pointer for $14.83. The site is later renamed eBay and proves that the internet can facilitate trust between strangers. Part of the… Read More »eBay (AuctionWeb) Emerges
Moving beyond the Music Genome Project research phase, Pandora launches as an automated music recommendation service. It introduces millions of users to custom digital radio streaming. Part of the 20 Internet Evolution Facts: The 2005… Read More »The Arrival of Pandora Internet Radio