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Which consumer products began using microprocessors by the mid-1980s?
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computer
A laptop is often used for its portability.
By the mid-1980s, the falling costs and increased availability of microprocessors led to their integration into a vast array of consumer products. This technological shift enabled the computerization of many everyday devices that previously relied on expensive or purely mechanical controls.12
Common consumer products that began using microprocessors by this period included:
- Household Appliances: Programmable microwave ovens, clothes washers, dryers, and thermostats.12
- Entertainment and Media: Television sets (specifically self-tuning models), electronic games, videocassette recorders, and musical instruments.12
- Communication and Personal Tools: Telephones, answering machines, self-focusing cameras, and watches.2
- Security and Automotive: Security systems and automobiles featuring microprocessor-controlled ignition and fuel systems to enhance performance and fuel economy.12
These applications were made possible by very large-scale integration (VLSI) technology, which allowed for significantly higher circuit density on silicon chips, making sophisticated electronic control feasible for mass-produced consumer goods.12