Sinclair launches the ZX Spectrum

23rd April 1982
Sinclair launches the ZX Spectrum

On the 23rd April 1982, Sinclair Computers launched the Sinclair ZX Spectrum.

Released just one year after the Sinclair ZX81, the Spectrum boasted more memory, a better keyboard, sound, and colour graphics. It was available with either 16K or 48K of memory, and connected to a standard TV of the time. Games and other software were loaded from cassette tapes.

The ZX Spectrum sold very well and many cite the Sinclair ZX Spectrum as the computer that kick started the UK games industry.

The ZX Spectrum is considered a design icon due to the work of Rick Dickinson.

The ZX Spectrum earned Sir Clive Sinclair a knighthood for "services to British industry" and a lasting place in popular culture as "Uncle Clive". Sinclair and his computers were so popular that in 1983 Margaret Thatcher personally presented a Spectrum to the Japanese Prime Minister as a symbol of British technological prowess.

The ZX Spectrum was sold around the world including the United States under the Timex brand name.

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