Know a Little More
About the Computer Mouse
Sep 21, 2023
Explore the history and origins of the computer mouse, including its silly name and why Steve Jobs is associated with it. Learn about the development and functionality of the mouse, as well as other input devices that were being developed alongside it.
18:56
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The computer mouse was invented by Douglas Engelbart and originally had two wheels to control X and Y coordinates on a display.
- The computer mouse revolutionized computing by popularizing graphical user interfaces and transforming human-computer interaction.
Deep dives
The Invention of the Mouse
The invention of the computer mouse can be credited to Douglas Engelbart, who was inspired by a tool called a planimeter. Engelbart developed the idea further at the Stanford Research Institute and created a prototype with help from Bill English. This early mouse had two wheels that controlled the X and Y coordinates on a display. Despite being scooped by Germany's AEG telefunken, Engelbart gained recognition for his mouse during the Mother of All Demos in 1968. Xerox Park and later Apple and Microsoft helped popularize the mouse, leading to its mainstream adoption with the release of Apple's Macintosh in 1984.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
