In the tech world, everything that gets launched is - by definition - new. You release a new phone, that's a new phone simply because of the irrefutable fact that it didn't exist before. It's all in the remit of straightforward physics. Or is that pragmatics?

Either way, it can be easy to lose focus in the face of a non-stop barrage of tech. Every now and again though, a shining, beacon-like buoy of important tech lifts its luminous shoulders above the pack and provides a much-needed respite and milestone along the gadget path.

Path? Buoy? We appear to be mixing metaphors. The point is; some new things in the tech universe are more special than others. Some things stand out as true, innovative and important firsts - whereas others just add the letter 'S' onto an existing product...

For no reason other than we like the number, we've picked 20 such firsts throughout history to parade in front of your impressionable, eager eyes with a sense of almost parental pride. Enjoy.

Via T3.com