With #PushForward, you showed us that buttons do not just belong onto clothes. Learn where and how the beginnings of “pushing” took their course. Bosch, pushing Innovations!
How the button changes the world
Less work, more relaxation. Thanks to connected technologies any number of things are possible at the push of a button, which continue to make your everyday life a little bit better. But when did people first start ringing doorbells instead of knocking? Have a look at the infographic to learn about the origins of technical solutions that function at the push of a button − right up to connected innovations like the Bosch Indego Connect, which can be operated from anywhere at the tap of a finger.
1890 — Smile and push
The history of the button begins at the end of the 19th century. The first camera for the general public is launched on the market. The slogan is “You push the button, we do the rest.”
1900 — The ease of pushing
The world says goodbye to door knockers and begins ringing doorbells to say “hello”. It is possible to light up a room at the push of a button thanks to light switches that turn electric bulbs on and off.
1920 — Radio broadcasts at the push of a button
Radio is the internet boom of its day in the 1920s and ’30s. For the first time, people are able to enjoy opera from the comfort of their homes at the push of a button. Bosch goes a step further and manufactures the first car radio in volume production: the “Blaupunkt Autosuper.” In 1938, more than 30 million radios were sold. Their buttons provided the first kind of basic memory. Listeners were able to set their favorite radio station to a specific button.
1940 — The visibility button
Over time, “push-button technology” becomes its own term and “push button” starts to replace adjectives such as modern, simple, communicative, and progressive. In 1959, Bosch ensures that car drivers have a clear field of vision at the push of a button with the first windshield washers at the time. “Electromatically, of course,” boasts one description.
1977 — Revolutionizing gaming
The Atari joystick changes the computer game industry and marks the dawn of a new era in gaming. Its red button enjoys cult status to this day.
1983 — Push in the right direction
Continue straight ahead! Bosch develops the prototype for navigation systems, which it calls EVA (Elektronischer Verkehrslotse für Autofahrer, or “electronic pilot for drivers”).
1984 — The virtual button
Macintosh invents the first virtual button. A button no longer has to be something that users physically touch. Now even more is possible in the digital world at the push of a button.
1995 — Guardian Angel at your fingertips
Bosch remains safely on the road to success and invents the ESP® electronic stability program. Even now, the ESP® remains one of the most successful mobility solutions from Bosch. The electronic stability program reduces the risk of skidding and increases road safety — a guardian angel that can be switched on at the push of a button.
2000 — Touch it, to push it!
Buttons become something users can touch again — and remain virtual at the same time. Touch technology on mobile devices becomes the innovative standard.
2015 — Pushing connectivity — full speed ahead!
One push of a button is all it takes to experience technological progress: Users can conveniently control the Bosch Indego Connect with their smartphone or tablet from anywhere. All it takes is the tap of a finger. The robotic lawnmower is a “connected” device that makes life easier via the Bosch Smart Gardening app. It reliably and efficiently mows areas of up to 1,200 square meters, leaving users more free time to enjoy in their yards.
Buttons have been making everyday life a little easier for many decades. Using connected technologies, Bosch is taking these improvements to a whole new level. You told us what buttons you would like us to push in the future.