In 1991, the first webcam was deployed at a Cambridge University computer lab. Its sole purpose is to monitor a particular coffee maker so that lab users could avoid wasted trips to an empty coffee pot.

Jan 27, 2026 · 6:06 PM UTC

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Replying to @ComputerLove_
& it had a frame rate of 1 fpm to avoid clogging the local network :)
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Replying to @ComputerLove_
youtube.com/watch?v=IOqlDsfT…
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Replying to @ComputerLove_

ALT You Make Gifs What Is My Purpose GIF
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Replying to @ComputerLove_
Running on X Windows and some flavor of Unix!
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Replying to @ComputerLove_ @CryptoBallX
Scratch the itch!
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Replying to @ComputerLove_
False story… @IlhanMN We al know why the internet was created
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Replying to @ComputerLove_
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Replying to @ComputerLove_
@spygeonX
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Replying to @ComputerLove_ @CiaoQuirkTax
Of course it was silly. ☕
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Replying to @ComputerLove_
couldn't they just have started a timer? but, then again, we wouldn't have webcams now 🤣
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Replying to @ComputerLove_
I remember this story.
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