We take it for granted – that little button by the front door that summons us from the depths of our homes. But have you ever stopped to consider the surprisingly complicated history of the doorbell? BBC Two’s “The Secret Genius of Modern Life” does just that in this Wednesday’s episode, unearthing the surprising origins of this ubiquitous device.
Hannah Fry leads the charge, traveling to Los Angeles to visit Ring, the current market leader in smart doorbell technology. The visit acts as a springboard for a broader exploration of the doorbell’s evolution, from its humble beginnings with a garage tinkerer to its unexpected connection to Cold War spy technology.
Who knew a student’s simple thirst for a refreshing beverage could play a pivotal role in the development of the doorbell? “The Secret Genius of Modern Life” connects the dots, revealing the surprising chain of events that led to the device we know today. The episode also touches upon the rise of the smart doorbell and its increasing popularity as security concerns mount.
Tune in to BBC Two this Wednesday, April 23rd, at 8:00 PM GMT to uncover the hidden history of the doorbell.
