Why our tech fails us: Learning from century-old light bulb that never goes out
SMRTR summary
A century-old light bulb in Livermore, California, has been burning since 1901, challenging modern disposable culture. This "Centennial Light" highlights how planned obsolescence became standard in consumer electronics. The Phoebus Cartel, formed in 1924, deliberately limited light bulb lifespans to 1,000 hours to boost sales. Today, LED technology offers more efficient lighting, but planned obsolescence persists. Global "Right to Repair" legislation is pushing back, aiming to make products more durable and repairable across industries from electronics to medical devices.
SMRTR provides this summary for quick context. The original article belongs to Interesting Engineering.
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