The man who had the midas touch

Friday 7 October 2011

STEVE Jobs demonstrated a Midas touch throughout his life that extended far beyond the personal computers that originally made his name.

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The driving force behind so many of the company’s inventions, time and time again he spearheaded the development of products that revolutionised their industries and markets.

1977: Released the first Apple computer, which produced colour graphics when rivals were limited to monotone colours.

1984: Produced the first Macintosh model computer that integrated the hard drive and monitor in one package. Pioneered the computer mouse.1985: Ousted from the company, Jobs formed Next Computers, where he developed what would one day become the world-renowned Mac Operating System (MacOS). Tim Berners-Lee invented what would become the worldwide web with one of their machines.1986: Jobs bought and became head of The Graphics Group, a company focused on high-end computer images and animation hardware. He renamed the company Pixar and joined with Disney in the production of computer animated feature films. 1995: Their first joint venture, Toy Story, became an instant classic and took £230 million worldwide at the box office.1996: After leaving Pixar in a strong position – the company was eventually sold to Disney in 2006 for £5 billion – Jobs returned to Apple, which bought Next computers.1998: The company’s fortunes were restored with the iMac – a colourful desktop computer marketed as an alternative to the “beige boxes” other PC manufacturers had been producing – which became a huge hit. It is still being upgraded and sold today.2000: Jobs cornered the laptop market in 2000 with the Powerbook G4. Its stylish design, lightweight feel, and ease of use meant it became a fashion item as well as a work tool, and many celebrities were spotted with one. 2001: He followed this up with the iPod in 2001, an instantly recognisable MP3 player whose slim black case and white earphones became an instant hit. Apple products were becoming as much about their style as their functionality.2003: Developed a mobile phone after he realised that the integration of the internet into such devices would transform the market in the coming years.2007: Released the iPhone. It became the top-selling phone in the US and spawned yet another hugely profitable profit line for Apple. 2010: Launched the iPad, a lightweight tablet PC that instantly became a fashion icon.

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The man who had the midas touch

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