Eugene Polley was born on November 29, 1915, in Illinois. Growing up, he showed an early interest in technology and innovation that would later shape his career.
Polley began his career at Zenith Corporation in the stockroom. Through hard work and dedication, he quickly rose through the ranks within the company. It was during his time at Zenith that Polley made his most significant contribution to the world of technology.
Polley is best known for inventing the wireless TV remote control, a device that revolutionized the way people watched television. The remote, known as the Flash-Matic, made it much more convenient for viewers to change channels and adjust the volume without having to get up from their seats.
Polley's invention of the remote control had a lasting impact on the world of technology and entertainment. It paved the way for future advancements in remote control technology and made television watching a much more comfortable experience for millions of people around the world.
Outside of his career, Polley was a devoted family man. He was married to his wife Blanche and had one daughter named Joan. Despite his professional success, Polley prioritized his family and enjoyed spending time with them.
In his later years, Polley reflected on his invention and the impact it had on society. He once remarked in an interview that while the flush toilet may have been the most civilized invention ever devised, the remote control was the next most important. His sense of humor and humility made him a beloved figure in the world of technology.
Polley's colleague at Zenith, Robert Adler, also made significant contributions to remote control technology. Together, they changed the way people interacted with their televisions and paved the way for future innovations in the industry. Polley's legacy lives on today in every remote control that allows us to easily navigate our favorite shows and movies with the push of a button.