Apple co-founder Steve Jobs passed away today at the age 56. The Northern California native created a revolution of computer technology and its uses amongst all walks of human life.
Born in San Francisco in 1955, Steve Jobs founded the Apple company in 1976 with Steve Wozniak. The two launched the Apple l computer the same year and shortly after the Apple ll, which found success within the market. Even after IBM’s increasingly popularity began to surpass Apple, the company began to strike back with the unveiling of the Macintosh in 1984.
After parting from Apple in 1986, Steve Jobs founded the company NeXT which specialized in computer work stations. Jobs also purchased Pixar in 1986 for $10 million, which catered to computer animation. Although Pixar proved profitable, Steve Jobs found less success with NeXT than he had acquired with Apple. However, Apple too found itself struggling in the market amidst Jobs’ absence.
Apple made the smart move to purchase NeXT in 1996, putting Steve Jobs back in his rightful “home” and the magic began to happen. Savy ideas combined with big investments allowed Apple to move in an upward direction.
The introduction of the iMac in 1998, once again proved to be a radical move with the computer boasting a clear blue backing. The Power Mac G4 was introduced to the market in 1999. However, it was the 2001 introduction of the iPod that won the hearts and money of consumers around the world as the portable mp3 player overtook the market only a few years after it launched. When Steve Jobs made the announcement of the Apple iPhone in 2007, the company quickly dominated the cellular phone industry as this new smartphone contained touch screen ability. In 2010, Apple quickly conquered the tablet market with the unleashing on the iPad.
Steve Jobs was without a doubt a genius who helped restructure the computing landscape. Millions of people have consistently waited throughout the years for Jobs to step on stage, wearing his signature black sweater and announce the latest gadget from Apple. Even though his physical is no longer here, his legacy shall forever live on.