The Beginnings of Answering Machines

The answering machine, initially invented in 1935, faced significant hurdles in reaching consumers due to AT&T's monopoly. It was developed at Bell Labs by Benjamin Thornton but remained buried as AT&T prioritized maintaining their established communication system over introducing innovative technology. Early answering machines recorded messages on magnetic tape or wire, but their prices and lack of consumer interest at the time complicated commercialization efforts. Companies like Tell Magnet and the Electronic Secretary attempted to market the technology but ultimately failed due to prohibitive costs and stiff competition from AT&T.