Tony Fadell was a young computer designer who had worked at General Magic when he was hired as a contractor to design the fi rst iPod. He went on to lead the hardware development of the first iPhone, and then left Apple to found Nest, a company that designed a connected thermostat and was sold to Google for $3.2 billion in 2014.
In a conversation with CHM historian John Markoff, Tony describes his experiences as an entrepreneur and inventor and speculates about where tech is headed in the future.
This guide is intended to introduce provocative questions to enhance and extend what you learn through watching the video. It is suitable for mature high school students and college and adult learners in an educational, professional, or social setting. It may be particularly interesting for people who are curious about innovation, entrepreneurship, and the start-up ecosystem of Silicon Valley. Consider the discussion questions below or download a PDF of the Discussion Guide.
Try to remember how you felt when you first used a computer or a mobile phone. Were you amazed, surprised, excited, intimidated, or was it no big deal? What do you feel when you use your computer or cell phone these days?
Note any of Tony Fadell’s personal characteristics, experiences, or opportunities that in your mind mark him as an innovator or entrepreneur.
Tony Fadell, Apple iPod and iPhone inventor and Nest cofounder, in conversation with CHM Historian John Markoff
Tony Fadell grew up in the 1980s along with the personal computer (PC) industry.
This discussion was part of the Exponential Center’s iPhone 360 series. Coinciding with the 10th anniversary year of the iPhone launch in 2007, iPhone 360 included integrated initiatives across the CHM that explored the story of iPhone from its prehistory, inception, and launch, to its evolution and impact.
