The invention of the smartphone is the result of one of the greatest technological advancements in recent history, transforming numerous industries. Smartphones today are hubs for everything, allowing people to make calls, watch videos, translate languages, and perform hundreds of other helpful tasks in everyday life. The entertainment sector has undergone significant change since the introduction of the smartphone, altering how people create and consume media. Today’s smartphones allow people to become creators with a few taps, transforming the industry into something once considered impossible.
Entertainment Through The Years
Throughout the years, civilisations have found ways to entertain, dating back to times when technology was not even a concept. The ways civilisations kept themselves entertained have changed over the years, with the early and ancient times utilising storytelling, music, dance, and sports. These forms are among the earliest to be noted, and many remain popular today, although over the ages they have changed.
Changes in entertainment over the years reflected changes in society and lacked any significant shift until the 20th century. The Middle Ages saw some of the previously mentioned forms continue to grow, as well as the introduction of jousting tournaments. Not only did these jousting tournaments entertain the masses at the time, but they also allowed civilisations to express their dominance against rivals.
Shakespeare is one of the most influential figures in English history, contributing massively to the entertainment industry through his poetry. In the period from 1500 to 1800, theatre was massive, and Shakespeare’s writing skills elevated the industry. It was his way to integrate complex plots and blend genres effectively, which entertained the masses to a new degree in the theatre. He transformed the entertainment sector, changing how people engage with theatre, making it more immersive and relatable.
The Industrial Revolution was huge for the entertainment industry, with long working hours for many changing the ways they entertained themselves. For the working class, 72-hour working weeks were common, with a Saturday half-day allowing some limited free time that many dedicated to sports. During the Industrial Revolution, sports changed dramatically, altering how people entertained themselves across cultures. For sports like cricket, the working-class masses were often paid by the more wealthy to field, whilst they batted, a role considered more enjoyable. Additionally, the Industrial Revolution aided sports such as football by creating formalised teams and improving transport, enabling wider competition. Also, during the Industrial Revolution, media products such as newspapers became incredibly common and were widely utilised as a form of entertainment.
The 20th century saw technological advancements significantly impact entertainment, with the creation of coloured film, video games, television, radio, and more. Media products could now entertain millions simultaneously. During this era, the casino sector also experienced significant growth, from mechanical slot machines to early digital platforms, laying the groundwork for later developments such as casino live experiences accessed through modern devices.
The Smartphone Creation
The first smartphone was announced in 1992, although it was not released to the masses until two years later. Before the advent of the smartphone, all people ever knew was the cell phone, which had limited features and served mainly as a phone. IBM developed the first smartphone, commonly known as the IBM Simon, which initially worked only in 15 states in the USA. The IBM Simon had many features similar to modern smartphones, including a touchscreen display and a battery life of only an hour. The first smartphone came with built-in features, including a calendar, address book, calculator, email, and more. Despite not being a hub for entertainment as of yet, the smartphone set the foundations and remains a notable landmark in history.
The Innovative Period
Following the creation of the first smartphone, an incredible period of innovation ensued, ultimately leading to what we see in the industry today. Through a mix of technological advancements, creativity, and changes in user behaviour, the smartphone has become one of the main devices for entertainment in the 21st century. Over the years, smartphones have evolved with improved hardware, enabling better display features and faster processing speeds, making watching videos and playing mobile games more advanced and enjoyable.
Mobile internet and connectivity improved in the 2000s, allowing smartphones to be used anywhere, at any time. Additionally, Wi-Fi has become more accessible for all, with nearly all businesses offering a connection, allowing people to use their smartphones everywhere.
The rise of the app store has transformed the entertainment industry, with streaming apps such as Netflix and YouTube available. These apps allow smartphone users to watch videos, shows, live streams, reels, and more online, entertaining to a new extent. These streaming sites have begun broadcasting live sports, with YouTube showcasing major football games for free and Netflix broadcasting some major boxing events as of late.
In recent years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become widely utilised on smartphones, with algorithms recommending content based on user habits. These AI algorithms have made content more tailored to each user, increasing engagement and overall entertainment.
