Rad History 6. The Answering Machine - With Toni Trucks!
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Nov 6, 2024 
Toni Trucks, an actress known for her roles in The Twilight Saga and Seal Team, joins the discussion about the fascinating evolution of communication technology. They explore how answering machines shaped personal connections in the 80s and 90s and share nostalgic anecdotes about setting up messages. The conversation dives into the AT&T breakup and its impact on competition and innovation. Reflecting on how texting revolutionized communication, they reminisce about early mobile phone experiences and the emotional complexities of modern connections.
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Answering Machine Invented In 1935
- The answering machine was actually invented at Bell Labs in 1935 by Benjamin Thornton. AT&T shelved it and did not offer it to the public for decades.
Early Commercial Answering Devices Flopped
- Early commercial devices like the 1949 Tell Magnet and record-based Electronic Secretary existed but were expensive and failed commercially. High prices and AT&T resistance kept them niche.
Hushaphone Case Shifted Legal Ground
- The Hushaphone case set legal precedent that subscribers can use devices privately if they don't harm the public network. That ruling helped legal challenges that later weakened AT&T's control.