Wired was founded in 1993 by Louis Rossetto Jr. and Jane Metcalfe. The first issue was published in March 1993 and was a print-only magazine. The founders aimed to create a publication that would cover the intersection of technology, business, and culture, with a focus on the emerging digital revolution.
In 1995, Wired launched its website, wired.com, which quickly gained popularity. The website was designed to be a companion to the print magazine, featuring articles, news, and features from the print edition, as well as exclusive online content.
During the dot-com boom of the late 1990s, Wired's online presence grew rapidly. The website became a go-to source for news and information on the latest technology trends, startups, and innovations. Wired's online audience swelled, and the website became one of the most popular online publications.
After the dot-com bubble burst, Wired continued to evolve and adapt to the changing media landscape. The website expanded its coverage to include more in-depth reporting on technology, business, and culture. Wired also launched several spin-off websites, including Wired News, which focused on breaking news and updates.
In 2006, Condé Nast Publications, the publisher of Vogue, Vanity Fair, and other prominent magazines, acquired Wired. The acquisition brought significant resources and expertise to the publication, allowing Wired to expand its editorial team and coverage.
In the 2010s, Wired underwent a significant digital transformation. The website was redesigned to feature a more modern and user-friendly interface. Wired also launched several new digital products, including a daily newsletter, podcasts, and video content.
Today, Wired is one of the most popular and respected online publications, with a global audience of millions. The website features in-depth reporting on technology, business, and culture, as well as exclusive interviews with industry leaders and innovators. Wired has also expanded its coverage to include topics such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and climate change.
Overall, Wired has played a significant role in shaping the conversation around technology, science, and culture, and continues to be a leading voice in the digital media landscape.
Early Years (1993-1995)
Wired was founded in 1993 by Louis Rossetto Jr. and Jane Metcalfe. The first issue was published in March 1993 and was a print-only magazine. The founders aimed to create a publication that would cover the intersection of technology, business, and culture, with a focus on the emerging digital revolution.
Online Expansion (1995-1999)
In 1995, Wired launched its website, wired.com, which quickly gained popularity. The website was designed to be a companion to the print magazine, featuring articles, news, and features from the print edition, as well as exclusive online content.
Dot-Com Boom (1999-2001)
During the dot-com boom of the late 1990s, Wired's online presence grew rapidly. The website became a go-to source for news and information on the latest technology trends, startups, and innovations. Wired's online audience swelled, and the website became one of the most popular online publications.
Post-Dot-Com (2001-2005)
After the dot-com bubble burst, Wired continued to evolve and adapt to the changing media landscape. The website expanded its coverage to include more in-depth reporting on technology, business, and culture. Wired also launched several spin-off websites, including Wired News, which focused on breaking news and updates.
Conde Nast Acquisition (2006)
In 2006, Condé Nast Publications, the publisher of Vogue, Vanity Fair, and other prominent magazines, acquired Wired. The acquisition brought significant resources and expertise to the publication, allowing Wired to expand its editorial team and coverage.
Digital Transformation (2010s)
In the 2010s, Wired underwent a significant digital transformation. The website was redesigned to feature a more modern and user-friendly interface. Wired also launched several new digital products, including a daily newsletter, podcasts, and video content.
Current Status (2020s)
Today, Wired is one of the most popular and respected online publications, with a global audience of millions. The website features in-depth reporting on technology, business, and culture, as well as exclusive interviews with industry leaders and innovators. Wired has also expanded its coverage to include topics such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and climate change.
Notable Milestones
Overall, Wired has played a significant role in shaping the conversation around technology, science, and culture, and continues to be a leading voice in the digital media landscape.