His Contributions
Even though the computer was around for decades before Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak laid their hands on it, the Apple II was a vast improvement from the original. The Apple II, marketed in 1977 by the newly-founded Apple Computers, made computers a household appliance; everyone could now afford and have a computer at home and in schools. This changed the way society functioned by providing everyone with an efficient word processor and research tool.
In 1998, the iMac came out as the all-in-one computer. Sleek and stylish, the new computer was the first to replace the floppy disk slot with a CD drive and was Internet-ready right out of the box.
The new millennium saw the iPod take the stage as the best and most successful mp3 player, a mobile device that plays and stores media. Its success was so great that the term “iPod” has become synonymous with the mp3 player. Also introduced at the same time was iTunes, a program to assist those who adore music in organizing and download ing music on their computers and iPods, redefining how people acquired music, especially after the launch of the iTunes Online Music Store in 2003.
Smart phones, a device that combines the functions of a cell phone and a handheld computer, were also changed dramatically after the release of the iPhone in 2007. iPhones added web-surfing to smart phone’s chatting and e-mailing, as well as a large array of apps.
In 2010, Jobs came out with the iPad, a tablet computer with more functionality in playing games and watching movies, as opposed to writing term papers. Despite its lacking keyboard and USB port, its success was over the top: 15 million were sold the first year and over 40 million in the next.
One of Jobs’ non-technological contributions includes the glass staircase. As one of Apple’s stylish designs, the glass staircase’s patent was given in 2002 with Jobs’ name listed first. It is a mark of incredible engineering and architecture. Many offices and companies desire the glass staircase and pay quite a large sum for such an item in their offices. Another non-technological contribution is Jobs’ founding of Pixar which changed the animated movie industry forever. Pixar is behind the hit movies—Toy Story, Finding Nemo and Up.
A genius and hard-working man, Steve Jobs will always be remembered for his many influences on modern society.
Jennifer Pierce
Copy Editor