Long before the advent of cellular phones, walkie-talkies made portable wireless communication possible. The result of the research of two diffferent inventors, walkie-talkies were first made to aid the military.
Childhood Discovery
While traveling aboard a Great Lakes steamer in 1927, 9-year-old Al Gross found the ship's radio equipment and became fascinated with radio and wireless communications.
1938
Al Gross completed and tested his high-frequency two-way radio in 1938, giving it the name "walkie-talkie."
World War II
Gross's invention caught the attention of The U.S. Office of Strategic Services, now known as the C.I.A. It recruited Gross to develop mobile walkie-talkies for covert surveillance use for troops during World War II.
Gross Electronics Inc.
Gross established Gross Electronics Inc. after the war to manufacture 11-ounce walkie-talkies for consumer use.
Donald Hings
Canadian Donald Hings is also credited with inventing two-way radio technology for the Canadian Military in 1942.
Tags: Donald Hings, Gross Electronics, two-way radio, World Gross