Today in History: 14 February
Today was a big day in computer history, as on this day in 1946, John Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert unveiled the ENIAC computer for the first time, though it wouldn’t be officially dedicated until the next day. Able to perform 5000 calculations per second, 1000 times faster operation than its contemporaries, and occupying only 1500 square feet of space, the ENIAC was a marvel of its time. Read more here
Also on this day….
1747 – Astronomer James Bradley presents his discovery of the wobbling motion of the Earth on its axis to the Royal Society, London
1849 – James K Polk becomes first serving US President to have his photograph taken
1924 – Thomas J. Watson renames the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company (CTR) as International Business Machines (IBM)
1929 – St Valentine’s Day Massacre in Chicago, 7 gangsters killed, allegedly on Al Capone’s orders
1931 – The original “Dracula” film starring Bela Lugosi is released
1967 – Aretha Franklin records her single “Respect” at Atlantic Studio in NYC; her rendition of Otis Redding’s song becomes Billboard Song of the Year
1978 – 1st “micro on a chip” patented by Texas Instruments
1989 – The first of 24 satellites of the Global Positioning System are placed into orbit.
1990 – Space probe Voyager 1 takes a photograph of the entire solar system, the images transmitted in real-time with earth a ‘pale blue dot’
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1817 – Frederick Douglass, African-American abolitionist, lecturer, and editor
1894 – Jack Benny, American comedian
1917 – Herbert A. Hauptman, American mathematician whose models for determining the chemical crystal structures vital for life revolutionized chemistry
1934 – Florence Henderson, American actress (The Brady Bunch – Carol) and singer
1948 – Teller, American magician (Penn & Teller) and illusionist
1970 – Simon Pegg, English comedian & actor
Unrecoverable Error –
1400 – Richard II, King of England, murdered
1779 – James Cook, British explorer, navigator, and cartographer, killed by native Hawaiians
1994 – Andre Chikatilo, Soviet-Russian serial killer, executed
Technology News of the Future – Courtesy of chat.openai.com
Microsoft has officially launched its latest operating system, Windows 14, which promises to bring a new level of interoperability between Windows and Apple devices. The release of Windows 14 comes after years of rumors and speculation, and it is being hailed as the most significant update in the history of the Windows platform.
The latest generation Intel processor provides the foundation for several new security features in Windows 14. One of the most notable features is a new “Dynamic Defense” system that uses artificial intelligence to detect and prevent cyber threats in real-time. The system uses the latest processor technology to analyze data and identify potential security threats, and it can automatically respond to prevent any damage to the system or user data.
In addition to the new security features, Windows 14 offers seamless integration with Apple devices. Users can now access their Windows files and apps from their Apple devices, and they can also transfer files and data between the two platforms with ease. Microsoft has also introduced a new feature called “Microsoft Stream” which enables users to stream their Windows apps to their Apple devices, allowing them to work seamlessly across platforms.
In addition to the new security features and interoperability with Apple devices, Microsoft has also introduced a new, more intuitive AR interface in Windows 14. The AR interface utilizes cutting-edge technology to create an immersive and interactive user experience. Users can now use hand gestures and voice commands to control their devices and interact with their apps and files in a more natural and intuitive way. The AR interface also provides new opportunities for productivity, as users can now work with virtual objects in a 3D environment and collaborate with others in real-time. Microsoft’s new AR interface is set to change the way people think about and interact with technology, making it more accessible and user-friendly for everyone.
The launch of Windows 14 has been met with great excitement from users and the technology industry, and it is expected to revolutionize the way people interact with technology. Microsoft has once again shown its commitment to providing innovative and secure solutions that meet the needs of users in a fast-changing world.
The Funnies:
Quote of the Day
YouTube Song of the Day
Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone!
Comic of the Day
Mouseover: ‘Pour one out for precipitation data integrity,’ I say, solemnly upending the glass into the rain gauge.
Explain XKCD
Image Credit: XKCD
Inspirobot Sometimes Controversial Inspirational Quote of the Day:
Read yesterday’s poetic Spark! by @lonnyl over here and make sure to leave some Spice before you go!
On a personal note, this is the last Spark I will be writing at my current employer. Next Tuesday’s Spark! will be written by @jontydda as I will be training my replacement, and the following week I will be starting a new position at a new employer. Big and exciting change is in the air!
Would you rather…
Spark! Pro Series - 14 February 2023
- have all the fancy chocolate tonight with your sweetie
- have all the fancy chocolate tonight by yourself
- have the half price leftover chocolate with your sweetie
- have the half price leftover chocolate by yourself
- I’m one of the weirdo’s who doesn’t care for chocolate
