Martin Cooper is an American inventor and entrepreneur who is known as the father of the modern mobile phone. He is best known for inventing the first handheld cellular mobile phone in 1973 while he was working for Motorola. Since then, he has become a legendary figure in the telecommunications industry. But the question that many people have been asking is whether Martin Cooper is still alive in 2014.
Martin Cooper's Early Life and Career
Martin Cooper was born on December 26, 1928, in Chicago, Illinois. He graduated from the Illinois Institute of Technology with a degree in electrical engineering in 1950. After graduation, he worked for several companies, including Teletype Corporation and Motorola, where he made his mark in the telecommunications industry.
The Invention of the Mobile Phone
In 1973, Martin Cooper made history when he invented the first handheld cellular mobile phone. The phone, which weighed 2.5 pounds, was called the Motorola DynaTAC 8000X. It was the first mobile phone that could be carried around and used to make calls from anywhere. The invention revolutionized the telecommunications industry and paved the way for the development of modern smartphones.
Martin Cooper's Legacy
Martin Cooper's legacy in the telecommunications industry is undeniable. He has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the field. In 2013, he was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame. He has also been awarded the IEEE Medal of Honor, the highest honor in electrical engineering, and the Prince of Asturias Award for Technical and Scientific Research.
Is Martin Cooper Still Alive?
As of 2014, Martin Cooper is still alive. He is 92 years old and lives in Del Mar, California, with his wife, Arlene Harris. Although he is retired, he still remains active in the telecommunications industry and is a sought-after speaker and consultant.
Martin Cooper's Views on the Future of Mobile Technology
Martin Cooper has always been a visionary and has been quoted as saying, "The future is not about better phones, it's about better applications." He believes that mobile technology will continue to evolve and that the focus will shift from the devices themselves to the applications that they can run. He also believes that mobile technology will play a key role in solving some of the world's most pressing problems, such as healthcare, education, and poverty.
Conclusion
In summary, Martin Cooper is still alive in 2014 and continues to be an influential figure in the telecommunications industry. His invention of the first handheld cellular mobile phone revolutionized the industry and paved the way for modern smartphones. He remains a visionary and believes that mobile technology will continue to play a key role in shaping the future of the world.