Which invention from the 2000s is credited with sparking the true digital revolution?

The smartphone is credited with sparking the true digital revolution of the 2000s due to its pervasive influence on how people communicate, access information, and interact with technology. The introduction of smartphones brought together functions that were previously scattered across various devices—such as telephones, cameras, and portable media players—into a single compact device.

By incorporating touchscreens, powerful mobile processors, and access to the internet, smartphones enabled users to carry out a wide range of activities seamlessly, from social networking to online shopping and multimedia consumption. Furthermore, the proliferation of app ecosystems allowed for a continuous evolution of capabilities, fostering innovation and creating new avenues for businesses and developers.

This transformation changed consumer behavior significantly, creating an environment where digital services and applications became integral to everyday life, hence revolutionizing not only communication but also commerce, education, and entertainment. The other options, while important, did not have the same level of widespread impact or integration into daily life as the smartphone did during this period.