Ta-da! It’s Windows
Over the years, Microsoft has made at least ten iconic startup sounds for Windows—from the triumphant “Ta-da!” of Windows 3.1, to the ambient chime that Brian Eno crafted for Windows 95, to the orchestral sweep of Windows XP. In this episode, we explore the creation of the classic Windows startup sounds through Windows 7, and what each one says about Microsoft’s evolving technology. Featuring former Microsoft Lead UI Designer Jensen Harris and Sound Designer Matthew Bennett.
Apply for the full time Associate Producer position here. The application closes on May 11th.
Follow the show on Twitter, Facebook, & Reddit.
Subscribe to our Youtube channel here.
Become a monthly contributor at 20k.org/donate.
If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org.
Subscribe to Jensen Harris’ Youtube channel.
Learn about Matthew Bennett’s latest work here.
To check out full sets of default Windows sounds, visit winsounds.com.
Sign up for a MEL Science subscription at melscience.com/sBGX to get 60% off your first month. This limited offer is available for 1 month only.
Hiring? Sign up at Indeed.com/Hertz and get a $75 credit to sponsor your first job post for better visibility, more applications, and quicker hiring times.
Visit zocdoc.com/20k to download the Zocdoc app and sign up for free.
Episode transcript, music, and credits can be found here: https://www.20k.org/episodes/tadaitswindows
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
More episodes from Twenty Thousand Hertz
Siri
When Siri launched in 2011, she permanently changed the way people interacted with their technology. What was it like to be the voice behind that …
NBC Chimes
NBC’s three little chimes didn’t just define a television network, they defined a generation. Where did they come from and what is the surprising impact they have had on current and future …
8-bit
Primitive, yet iconic, 8-bit audio defined a generation through video game sounds and music. Discover the history and innovation behind those audio marvels that still fascinate today. …
Mystery Hum
There's this place right at the border between Detroit, MI, and Windsor, ON where there's this hum… It rattles dishes, makes people sick, it's even making people move away. And the …
Sound of Extinction
When was the last time you heard a dial-up modem? A dot matrix printer? A CD dropping into its plastic tray? Did you know it would be the last time? …
From Analog to Digital
The transition from analog to digital seemed like a fairly simple and expected process. So why are so many people reverting back to analog? In this episode, you'll learn about the Jedi …
How you can listen to this podcast
You can listen to episodes right here on the website, or if you prefer, in a podcast app. Listening in an app makes it easier to keep track of what you’ve already heard, listen without using your data plan and many other conveniences.