What Happened?
In the early 1990s, researchers at the University of Cambridge pointed a camera at the Trojan Room coffee pot so they could check whether coffee was available before making the trip down the hall. The live image became one of the world’s first webcams and, later, one of the Internet’s earliest live streams.
Why Did It Win the Internet?
It perfectly captured the Internet’s playful spirit. A simple engineering solution to an everyday problem became a global curiosity, proving that even the most ordinary things could become fascinating online.
Why Did It Matter?
The Trojan Room Coffee Pot foreshadowed webcams, live streaming, and the idea that the Internet could connect people to everyday life in real time.