Sony Pixel Power calrec Sony

45 Years Calls for a Celebration

06/06/2018

At 45, Motorola found its true calling.

There's no denying that it's difficult to imagine a world without cell phones whether it's staying connected with family and friends around the world or capturing memories on-the-go, the mobile phone plays more roles in our lives today than it ever has. The introduction of the world's first commercial handheld cellular phone by Motorola 45 years ago not only changed the game but continues to be the reason technology plays such a big role in our lives. A first of its kind, the phone was just the part of our legacy. A legacy that's marked by disruption, innovation and some of the most iconic devices of all time.

So to celebrate the mobile phone, we're taking a look back at the past 45 years of our rich history:

1983: Motorola DynaTAC

On this day in 1983 we launched the world's first commercial handheld cell phone. The Motorola DynaTAC (short for Dynamic Adaptive Total Area Coverage) was 13 inches tall and weighed 1.75 pounds. Think that sounds a bit bulky? Today's moto x4 is not even 6 inches tall and weighs less than half a pound. The world's first mobile phone offered about 30 minutes of use per charge, stored 30 phone numbers and took a whopping 10 hours to charge. It may not seem groundbreaking today, but back in the early 80s it was unlike anything anyone had ever seen.

1996: Motorola StarTAC

In 1996 we started one of the biggest trends in mobile phone history with the launch of the Motorola StarTAC: the world's first clamshell flip phone. Weighing just over 3 ounces and standing at almost 4 inches tall, the StarTAC was the smallest phone available at the time. The world's first flip phone remained incredibly popular until the early 2000s.

2004: Motorola RAZR

That's right. We're talking about the ICONIC Motorola RAZR. When the RAZR was launched in 2004, it immediately became the phone that would define a generation. A cultural icon at its finest, the original RAZR V3 had the thinnest profile of any flip phone on the market and proved that a cell phone was not just a tool, but also a fashion accessory (Hot pink, anyone? What about red or blue?) Not to brag, but the RAZR V3 is the best-selling clamshell phone of all time, and its undeniable cool factor inspires some to continue using it today.

2016: moto z + moto mods

We're not done yet! In 2016, we introduced a device that totally changed the game and pushed the boundaries of what a cell phone could be the only smartphone that could transform into a projector, smart speaker or a true zoom camera with the assistance of our signature moto mods, the moto z. With the endless opportunities offered by modular technology, the moto z is more than a smartphone. It's unlimited possibilities.

Today: Innovate with YOU in Mind

Here at Motorola we continue to innovate for you. Whether it's crowdsourcing ideas for new moto mods, offering premium features at value prices, or helping you manage the time you spend on your smartphone (take our phone-life balance quiz here), our desire to revolutionize the world of mobile phone technology is as strong as ever. All of us at Motorola have truly enjoyed being a part of the past 45 years of mobile phone history, and we can't wait for you to see what we have in store for the future!
LINK: https://blog.motorola.com/2018/04/03/45-years-calls-celebration/...
See more stories from motorola

Most recent headlines

09/11/2025

Dalet Unveils Agentic AI Media Workflows at IBC2025

Dalet today announced a transformative leap forward for media operations: Agentic Artificial Intelligence (AI) that unifies the Dalet ecosystem under one natura...

02/11/2025

Space42 Expands Earth Observation Constellation, Foresight, with Launch of Three New SAR Satellites

Abu Dhabi, UAE November 2, 2025: Space42 (ADX: SPACE42), the UAE-based AI-powe...

01/11/2025

Thunderbolt 3 and Symphony MkII

Thunderbolt 3 Now Standard on Symphony MkII - Starting November 11 Beginning November 11, all new Apogee Symphony I/O MkII units will ship with Thunderbolt 3 as...

01/11/2025

Expanding Symphony Desktop Using ADAT

How to Expand the Apogee Symphony Desktop with Cranborne 500ADAT Want to expand your Symphony Desktop beyond two inputs? Whether you're tracking a full drum...

01/11/2025

aconnic AG releases Half Year Financial Report 2025 and implements Change Measures

aconnic AG (ISIN: DE000A0LBKW6), Munich, has published the Financial Report for ...

01/11/2025

tvONE and Matrox Video Partner to Deliver Flawless AV-ove...

tvONE is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Matrox Video, combining CALICO PRO's high-performance video processing with the Matrox ConvertIP Ser...

01/11/2025

CJP Broadcast Joins Grass Valley Partner Programme to Str...

CJP Broadcast has joined the Grass Valley partner programme as both a Systems Integration Partner and AMPP Partner. The collaboration enhances CJP's ability...

01/11/2025

TAG Video Systems Earns Dual Recognition for ESG Initiati...

TAG Video Systems, the leader in software-based IP end-to-end workflow monitoring, deep probing, and real-time visualization, has earned a higher-rated DPP Comm...

01/11/2025

Operative Announces New CEO to Drive Next Phase of Growth

Michael Napodano Appointed New CEO Of Operative Media Operative today announced the appointment of Mike Napodano as Chief Executive Officer, marking the next s...

01/11/2025

Cine Gear Expo Atlanta 2025 Success at Trilith Studios

Film industry professionals flocked to Cine Gear Expo Atlanta 2025 at celebrated Trilith Studios in Fayetteville, Georgia, on October 3 and 4. Back for its 6th ...

01/11/2025

Christopher Ross BSC and 300 Asteras Light the Border Cro...

Photo courtesy of Peacock and Sky Christopher Ross, BSC, began his cinematic obsession early. He cites reading Scorsese on Scorsese as a teenager with teaching...

01/11/2025

ITN, Magnite Launch New Private Marketplace for Local Linear TV

NEW YORK ITN and the sell-side advertising company Magnite have announced the launch of what they are billing as the industrys first Local Linear TV Private Mar...

31/10/2025

FanDuel Sports Network To Deliver Selected Live NBA, NHL Games to Major Streaming Services for In-Market Viewers

FanDuel Sports Network To Deliver Selected Live NBA, NHL Games to Major Streamin...

31/10/2025

NBC Jumps Out of the Gate in Extended Breeder's Cup Deal With Dual Drones, Jockey Cams, RF Super-Mo

NBC Jumps Out of the Gate in Extended Breeder's Cup Deal With Dual Drones, J...

31/10/2025

Tribute: Remembering Segomotso Keorapetse (28 May 1968 22 October 2025)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 30 October 2025 It is with great sadness that we mourn the passing of Segomotso Keorapetse, an award- winning South African television d...

31/10/2025

Nexstar Extends Chairman and CEO Perry Sook Through 2029

IRVING, Texas As station groups move into an era that promises rapid tech, regulatory and economic changes, Nexstar Media Group said its board has extended chai...

31/10/2025

Late Night Thrives on Social Media With Billions of Views in 2025

While some analysts have questioned the ongoing economic viability of broacast-TV late night shows amid ongoing declines in linear viewing, new data from Tubula...

31/10/2025

Disney Programming Dropped From YouTube TV

The contentious contract negotiations between The Walt Disney Co. and YouTube TV have resulted in a blackout of Disney-owned programming on the pay TV operator....

31/10/2025

tvONE Integrates CALICO PRO Video Processing With Matrox ConvertIP Series

CINCINNATI Video conversion and AV signal distribution specialist tvONE and Matrox Video have struck a strategic partnership, combining CALICO PRO's video p...

31/10/2025

IAB Urges Standards for CTV Ad Measurement

NEW YORK The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) today released a new industry guide that discusses the urgency of adopting new standards that will help advert...

31/10/2025

Late Night Shows Thrive on Social Media with Billions of Views in 2025

While some analysts have questioned the ongoing economic viability of late night shows on broadcast TV amid ongoing declines in linear viewing, new data from Tu...

31/10/2025

Berklee Celebrates the Inauguration of President Jim Lucchese

Berklee Celebrates the Inauguration of President Jim Lucchese In his inaugural address, Lucchese shared an optimistic vision for Berklee's future as a for...

31/10/2025

Family, Food, and Films: Netflix's 'Dining with the Kapoors' Arrives November 21

Back to All News Family, Food, and Films: Netflix's Dining with the Kapoors...

31/10/2025

DPA 4055 Featured in Technologies for Worship Magazine

The review highlights DPA 4055 Kick Drum Microphone for its compact design, ease of placement, and authentic tone that captures the true character of the drum p...

31/10/2025

RT Raidi na Gaeltachta Award 2025 to be presented to Piln N Chiarin

The RT Raidi na Gaeltachta Award 2025 will be presented to journalist P il n N Chiar in at the Oireachtas na Samhna in Belfast tomorrow, Saturday 1 November,...

31/10/2025

Share the magic: RT lyric fm Choirs for Christmas Competition 2025 open for submissions

RT lyric fm is calling for choirs across Ireland to share their festive music-m...

31/10/2025

Dnall Mac Ruair, Cuan Seireadin and Ts ite among the winners at the Oireachtas Communications Awards 2025

Three awards were presented to RT Raidi na Gaeltachta broadcasters at the Oire...

31/10/2025

RT is Supporting 29 Arts and Cultural Events across Ireland this November

RT continues its proud tradition of championing Ireland's vibrant arts and cultural landscape through its RT Supporting the Arts initiative. This November...

31/10/2025

RT selects Irish independent production company to produce Christian Worship on RT One and RT Player

RT selects Irish independent production company to produce Christian Worship on...

31/10/2025

Korea Joins AI Industrial Revolution: NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang Unveils Historic Partnership at APEC Summit

Amidst Gyeongju, South Korea's ancient temples and modern skylines, Jensen H...

30/10/2025

Midwich Secures UK & Ireland Distribution Deal with X2O Media To Revolutionize Hybrid Learning

Midwich has signed a UK and Ireland distribution deal with X2O Media, a worldwid...

30/10/2025

SVG Students To Watch: Sam Newitt, Kansas State University

SVG Students To Watch: Sam Newitt, Kansas State UniversityThe South Dakota native thrives in many roles behind the scenes at K-StateHD.TVBy Brandon Costa, Direc...

30/10/2025

SVG Sit-Down: Swerve Sports' Christy Tanner Explores the Young FAST Channel's Early Success

SVG Sit-Down: Swerve Sports' Christy Tanner Explores the Young FAST Channel&...

30/10/2025

SVG Campus Shot Callers: Andy Liebsch, Senior Director, Video Services, Kansas State University

SVG Campus Shot Callers: Andy Liebsch, Senior Director, Video Services, Kansas S...

30/10/2025

Diversified Names Paul Lidsky CEO, Expanding Leadership Role After Serving as Board Chairman

Diversified Names Paul Lidsky CEO, Expanding Leadership Role After Serving as Bo...

30/10/2025

NBA, Cosm Enter Long-Term Partnership for Shared Reality Production, Distribution

NBA, Cosm Enter Long-Term Partnership for Shared Reality Production, Distributio...

30/10/2025

FanDuel Sports Network to Deliver Select Live NBA, NHL Games to Major Streaming Services for In-Market Viewers

FanDuel Sports Network to Deliver Select Live NBA, NHL Games to Major Streaming ...

30/10/2025

If I Had Legs, I'd Kick You, East of Wall, and More Sundance Institute-Supported Films Nominated for 35th Gotham Awards

As the year comes to a close, we can feel the invigorating wind sweeping in for ...

30/10/2025

Give Me the Backstory: Get to Know Max Walker-Silverman, the Writer-Director of Rebuilding

By Bailey Pennick One of the most exciting things about the Sundance Film Festi...

30/10/2025

Excellent training at SGL Carbon's Bonn site

The SGL Carbon site in Bonn has a long tradition of training. For many years, young talent has been successfully trained here, regularly achieving excellent exa...

30/10/2025

SBS, NITV and Screen Australia announce 2025 Digital Originals Shortlist

SBS, NITV and Screen Australia announce 2025 Digital Originals Shortlist 29 October, 2025 Media releases SBS, NITV and Screen Australia are excited to unve...

30/10/2025

Remarks for the 2025 APEC CEO Roundtable

Jon Rambeau, President of Integrated Mission Systems at L3Harris Technologies, speaks about industrial collaboration at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (A...

30/10/2025

L3Harris Technologies Reports Strong Third Quarter 2025 Results, Increases 2025 Guidance

MELBOURNE, Fla., October 30, 2025 - L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) reports th...

30/10/2025

FCC's Brendan Carr Issues Draft Proposal for More C-Band Spectrum Sales

WASHINGTON Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr said he has circulated a proposal for the agency to auction additional midband spectrum in the U...

30/10/2025

Diversified Names Paul Lidsky as CEO

PLANO, Texas Technology solutions provider Diversified has named Paul Lidsky as CEO, tasked with guiding the company's next stage of growth, driving market ...

30/10/2025

Interra Adds Stream Recording, BATON Integration to ORION

CUPERTINO, Calif. Interra Systems today unveiled ORION stream recording support and seamless integration with BATON Media Player, a combination that lets broadc...

30/10/2025

InterDigital Buys AI-Driven Video Codec Startup Deep Render

WILMINGTON, Del. InterDigital today announced the acquisition of Deep Render, an artificial intelligence startup with a team of AI experts focused on video code...

30/10/2025

TAG Video Systems Earns Two ESG Recognitions

NEW YORK TAG Video Systems has earned a higher-rated Digital Product Passport (DPP) Committed to Sustainability badge and the Aclymate Climate Wise Silver Tier ...

30/10/2025

Nexstar Extends Employment Agreement with Perry Sook Through 2029

IRVING, Texas As station groups move into an era that promises rapid tech, regulatory and economic changes, the Nexstar Media Group, Inc. has announced that its...