Featured moment
Facebook Launches from Harvard
Mark Zuckerberg launched "TheFacebook" from his Harvard dorm room, beginning the social media revolution that would connect billions.
The social web is born.
Facebook launched from a Harvard dorm room. Gmail changed email. A devastating tsunami reminded the world of nature's power.
The Cost of Living in 2004
Gallon of Gas
$2.14
Loaf of Bread
$1.08
Gallon of Milk
$3.11
World Population
6.45 billion
Featured moment
Nintendo DS Released
Nintendo's dual-screen handheld introduced touch gaming to the mainstream and sold over 154 million units worldwide.
Featured moment
Indian Ocean Tsunami
A magnitude 9.1 earthquake triggered a devastating tsunami across the Indian Ocean, killing over 230,000 people in 14 countries.
The wider picture
More from 2004
A few more things worth remembering.
Internet
Gmail Launches by Invitation
Google launched its email service with 1GB of free storage—500x more than competitors—changing email forever.
Gaming
World of Warcraft Launches
Blizzard's MMORPG launched and eventually grew to 12 million subscribers, defining online gaming for a generation.
Science & Space
Mars Rovers Spirit and Opportunity Land
NASA's twin rovers landed on Mars. Opportunity would operate for 15 years, far exceeding its 90-day mission.
Cinema & TV
The Incredibles Released
Pixar's superhero family film proved animated movies could deliver thrilling action alongside heart.
Sports
Athens Olympics
The Olympics returned to their birthplace in Greece, with Michael Phelps winning 6 gold medals.
Gaming
Halo 2 Release Shatters Records
Halo 2 earned $125 million on its first day, the biggest entertainment launch in history at that time.
Science & Space
SpaceShipOne Wins X Prize
The first privately funded spacecraft reached space twice in two weeks, winning the $10M Ansari X Prize.
Cinema & TV
Lost Premieres on ABC
The mystery-drama about plane crash survivors on a strange island became a cultural phenomenon.
Music
Green Day Releases "American Idiot"
The punk-rock opera captured post-9/11 disillusionment and became one of the decade's defining albums.
You arrivedin 2004.
The longer view
This was only the opening scene.
Follow the world as it changed around you, from 2004 to today.