Year by Year
Reviews of specific years in internet history.
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What the Internet Was Like in 1995
In 1995, Netscape goes public and Microsoft notices the internet — the browser wars begin. Also this year, Amazon and eBay launch, JavaScript and PHP debut, and the web becomes mainstream.
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What the Internet Was Like in 1994
In 1994, the World Wide Web becomes the default multimedia channel of the Internet. With the launch of Netscape Navigator and early websites like Yahoo! and HotWired, the Web achieves lift-off.
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What the Internet Was Like in 2012
Internet culture pivots to images and videos over 2012, with the growing popularity of image sharing apps like Instagram and Pinterest, video creators on YouTube, and pictures on Reddit.
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What the Internet Was Like in 2011
The internet in 2011 sees power plays in social networking, mobile apps, cloud computing, and streaming. Facebook is challenged by Google+, while new powers like Netflix and Spotify emerge.
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What the Internet Was Like in 2010
2010 is the year of mobile apps — Instagram's launch, the rise of Foursquare, the release of the iPad, and the rapid growth of Facebook and Twitter via apps. The internet also impacts political uprisings.
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What the Internet Was Like in 2009
The social web goes mainstream in 2009, with everyone from Oprah Winfrey to Ashton Kutcher on Twitter — including via iPhone or Android apps. But Web 2.0 capitalism is also ramping up.
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What the Internet Was Like in 2008
The launch of app stores by Apple and Google shakes up the web ecosystem in 2008 — now there are potential gatekeepers. Although Google also launches its Chrome browser, so it covers all bases.
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What the Internet Was Like in 2007
The iPhone and Android both launch in 2007. But it is still a desktop web — social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr keep people glued to their computer screens.
