🧠 Inventions of 1996
Breakthroughs and everyday innovations from the year.
1 
USB Standard Deployment
2 
Online Social Network Concept
3 
Flash Memory Expansion
4 
Web-Based Mapping Service
5 
Online Education Platforms
6 
Video Conferencing Software
7 
Portable Digital Camera
8 
Speech-to-Text Software Expansion
9 
Search Engine Ranking Algorithm
10 
Online Payment Gateway
The Sounds of
The biggest hits of the year — Top 10 Pop & Country chart toppers
HEADLINES ON June 29, 1996
Full News Archive
- Headline: German Farce: Love and Complications. Impact: This flimsy German farce inadvertently set the tone for countless rom-coms, leading to an explosion of awkward love triangles and the invention of the 'quirky best friend' trope. All because someone thought a love story needed a roommate for comedic relief.. Fact: In the world of cinema, the term 'flimsy' has been synonymous with plots that are just a little too thin, much like the characters in this film..
- Headline: Film Review: What's a Mother to Do?. Impact: The absurdity of a stripper fighting for custody against a Congressman sparked a new genre of political satire, ultimately leading to the rise of reality TV stars in politics. Thanks for that, 21st century!. Fact: In 1990, the phrase 'What’s a mother to do?' was actually the title of a self-help book for bewildered parents. Spoiler: the answer usually isn't to run for office..
- Headline: Transformation in 'A Big Wonderful Guy'. Impact: This film's premise of a potion that transforms a sweet guy into a thin, obnoxious type served as a cautionary tale about the dangers of superficiality. Who knew a comedy could predict the rise of influencer culture?. Fact: The Rat Pack was actually known for their charm and talent, unlike the obnoxious character in this film. Maybe Hollywood just can't resist a good transformation story... even if it's a trainwreck..
Wall Street Time Machine
The Right Call: If you'd invested $1,000 in any one of these companies in 1996, here's what it would be worth in 2025.
Rank #2
MSFT
Microsoft
Price in 1996
$3.43
Value in 2025
$141,245
Microsoft - If you invested $1,000 in 1996, it would be worth $141,245 today (141.2x return)
Rank #3
AAPL
Apple
Price in 1996
$0.24
Value in 2025
$1,130,051
Apple - If you invested $1,000 in 1996, it would be worth $1,130,051 today (1130.1x return)
🦸 Top 5 Comics
Ultimate Spider-Man #1
$150
Superman: The Wedding Album
$150
Kingdom Come #1
$120
The Amazing Spider-Man #418
$4.00
Preacher #12
$150
🧸 Top 5 Toys
Tickle Me Elmo
$125.00
Beanie Babies
$10.00
Tamagotchi
$200.00
Space Jam Action Figures
$150.00
Nintendo 64
$300.00
🎮 Top 5 Video Games
Super Mario 64
$200.00
Tomb Raider
$200.00
Resident Evil
$243.85
Quake
$24.48
Pokã©Mon Red And Blue
$150.00
⚾ Top 5 Trading Cards
Charizard - Base Set (Shadowless) - 1st Edition
$300,000
Kobe Bryant Fleer Ultra Rookie Card
$1,200
Allen Iverson Topps Chrome Rookie Card
$3,000
Michael Jordan 1996 Skybox E-X2000 A Cut Above
$4,500
Delver Lens of Truth - 1996 Magic: The Gathering World Championship
$250,000