Michael Aldrich's Teleshopping System

British inventor Michael Aldrich developed and introduced a transactional videotex system, connecting a modified domestic TV to a real-time transaction processing computer. This allowed for online ordering from retailers like Tesco.

Significance

Considered by many to be the first instance of online shopping, demonstrating the fundamental concept of B2C electronic commerce years before the internet became mainstream.

Key facts

Date
1979-05-01
Type
invention
Location
Gateshead, UK