Steve Jobs - A modern genius

A WORLD reacted to the sad news of the death of one of the greatest geniuses to operate in our modern history two weeks ago.  Steve Jobs, the figurehead behind such innovations as the iPod, iPad and iPhone died a fortnight ago, aged 56 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.

     Jobs vision was to change the lives of us all and he managed to do that, turning Apple into one of the most profitable companies of recent times.  He understood the needs of people and has changed the way we communicate forever.  Along with Microsoft’s Bill Gates and founder of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, Jobs has to be one of the most influential worldwide figures of the past two decades.

     It wasn’t just recent times that Jobs has pioneered the way we used technology.  He founded Apple in 1976 along with Ronald Wayne and Steve Wozniak.  Eight years later, Apple launched the Macintosh computer, the first system to use a mouse.  Not only was it used in one of the greatest ever commercials to be seen, it paved the way for future successes in the computer industry, such as the iMac – a massive product in how Apple and Jobs managed to build its success.  In 2001, the music industry was revolutionised with the launch of the iPod.  Walkman’s and CD players became practically useless, by the ability to listen to our favourite music on the go with such lightweight equipment.  Six years later, the iPhone did exactly the same for the mobile phone market, launching the Smartphone craze, with rivals such as BlackBerry and Android still struggling to attract consumers in a similar field.  Last year, the iPad was launched and introduced the tablet market.  Once again, many have copied but failed to match Apple’s success in this department and this is because, Steve Jobs understood the needs of the consumer more than his rivals.

       Tributes came in from competitors and worldwide figures on hearing of his death.  UK Prime Minister David Cameron reminisced about his first uses of Apple technology; “I certainly can remember the first time I used an Apple computer, the first time I used an iPad.  He has certainly been inspirational for all of us.”  Barack Obama said “the world had lost a visionary.”  Tim Cook, who took over as chief executive of Apple at the beginning of September paid his tribute to Apple employees in a company e-mail; “Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being.  Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple.”

      It hasn’t always been plain-sailing for the Jobs/Apple partnership.  He resigned from the company in 1985 after clashes with the board over the direction the company were heading, only to spearhead them again a decade later.  His visionary ambition also has played its part in the movie industry, buying Pixar in 1986 and helping to create box office animation smashes such as Toy Story, Monsters Inc and A Bug’s Life before selling up twenty years later. 

Steve Jobs - February 24 1955 - October 6 2011

      Apple is now one of the leading figures in the world and certainly has not only ended Microsoft’s domination of the technology market; it has overwhelmed them in recent years.  Steve Jobs has transformed the company and changed the way we communicate and use technology in our lives.  His death leaves a real gap in the technology industry and although Apple will go on and probably still be full of success for many years to come, there will only ever be one Steve Jobs. 

RIP Steve Jobs - 24 February 1955 - 6 October 2011

Steve Jobs steps aside

THE face behind Apple has stepped aside, deciding that he can’t continue to fulfil his duties for medical reasons.  Steve Jobs announced his decision to step down as chief executive of Apple just under two weeks ago.  Mr. Jobs will stay on in a newly appointed role as chairman within the company, but in a backseat role.  The news saw Apple’s shares on the stock market fall by five per cent and means that an uncertain future awaits the company that has revolutionised technology in recent years with innovations such as the iPhone and iPod.

       In a resignation letter to the company, Jobs wrote;

"I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple's CEO, I would be the first to let you know.

"Unfortunately, that day has come.  I hereby resign as CEO of Apple.  I would like to serve, if the Board sees fit, as Chairman of the Board, director and Apple employee.

    

Steve Jobs founded Apple in 1976 alongside college friends Ronald Wayne and Steve Wozniak.  Eight years later, they launched the Apple Macintosh, which featured a famous TV commercial that was directed by Ridley Scott.  The Macintosh became the world’s first successful commercial computer, but tough times awaited Apple and its figurehead.   

     His relationship with management deteriorated and he was fired in 1985.  Apple nearly went bust, as they fell behind Microsoft in the computer market by quite a distance.  It was Apple’s purchase of Jobs next company, NeXT computer that saw him back as the main man.  In 1998, he launched the Apple iMac and since then, the enormous consumer appeal has driven Apple onto bigger and better things, with the iPod in 2003, iPhone in 2007 and the I-Pad last year, plus the success of the iTunes music store driving the company forward.   

RESIGNS: Apple must move on without Jobs

    Steve Jobs is also the largest shareholder in Disney and co-founder of Pixar Animation Studios.  Under his guidance, many animation successes have been created such as A Bug’s Life, Cars, Finding Nemo and Toy Story.  In 2004, he underwent treatment for pancreatic cancer and in recent years, his health has taken its toll.  Jobs began his third medical leave stint at the beginning of 2011.  Having held the chief executive post since 1997, his successor will be the man who has filled in while the latest medical leave has been taken.  Tim Cook has been with Apple himself for 13 years and one of Jobs disciples.  He faces a huge challenge to keep Apple ahead of the game, especially with increased competition from the likes of Google, Samsung and BlackBerry in the technology market.      

    Steve Jobs has transformed Apple’s fortunes in the last two decades and although the company will continue, it will be interesting to see how well they do now with the absence of their figurehead.

Kinect is launched and makes a good start

KINECT, the next step in video game technology was launched across Europe at midnight on Wednesday.  The device, which has been launched by Microsoft and will consequently work for the Xbox 360 is set to compete with the Playstation Move for the PS3 and its main rival in this department, the Nintendo Wii. 

MACHINERY: Can the Kinect change video games forever?

The Kinect system allows gamers to take part in computer games without the need for any wires or controllers.  It overtakes the Wii in this form, as you are likely to require some form of extra device to play games, such as dance mats and steering wheels.  Kinect can detect various gestures and body movements that are made by players and with a camera installed inside the device, upto 48 points on the body of an individual can be picked up.  Whilst this is a fantastic idea, it will be interesting to see what happens when a player needs to make a unnecessary movements – such as stroking your hair or scratching your rear end!

The Xbox 360 menu has also been changed for Kinect users, as the console can be controlled via means of speech instead of touching buttons and using a degree of different battery manufacturers.  This is a major move by Microsoft, who has usurped Sony in recent years for gaming supremacy.  Whilst Xbox Live has been a major success, as have exclusive titles such as Halo and Forza Motorsport, Microsoft have struggled to attack the Nintendo Wii’s dominance of the family, party atmospheric game.

If Kinect does turn out to be a huge success and personally, I think it will be – the longetivity of the Xbox 360 could be increased by at least another three years.  19 titles have been launched with the Kinect and most focus on the fitness and party games that are familiar with the Wii.  Further developments however will be required in this area by the publishers and creators if they are going to outsell the Wii on its strongest area.

Initially, the early signs are good with consoles selling out in various stores across London in its early hours and Microsoft has upped its sales expectations to 5million units between now and the New Year.  Kinect costs £130 to begin with, though it will be more if gamers don’t have the updated version on the Xbox 360 machinery.  It’s a good start, let’s see if it continues.

Microsoft Reveal XBox 360 Is Coming - Will It Continue It's Gaming Domination?

On Tuesday, Microsoft finally confirmed the rumours that have been persisting for a while, that the Xbox 360 will be coming out in a slim, lighter format.  What was more surprising was the news that Microsoft was already shipping consoles to several stores in America, and consequently, it will make its debut tomorrow.  European stores and UK users will be waiting until late August before the Xbox heads to these shores.

The new model will directly go head-to-head with its major rival, Sony and its slim PlayStation 3 version, which debuted last August.  Since the slim version was released, Sony’s sales for the PS3 have slowly been rising, after a stuttering start, which saw the console being plagued by a hosts of technical problems.

The Xbox 360 Slim edition will have a Wi-Fi connection installed in the hard-drive, which will be a major boost to its users.  On the previous Arcade and Elite versions, Wi-Fi connection had to be used through an Ethernet cable, or by buying packs that cost upto £70.  The hard-drive will also store upto 250GB of space, allowing plenty of space for users to store the many games, programmes and music that they will want to use.

Microsoft wouldn’t reveal much more at the launch, and probably will wait for the feedback from potential buyers and other gaming experts.  However, they did leave another jaw-dropper by announcing that the Slim version will be available at a much similar price to the older, reliable version.  Consequently, in the US, it will be available from $299.99.  In the UK, prices will begin from around £195, making it at least £40 cheaper than its Sony competitor.  This will make it an absolute bargain, and shows Microsoft are taking full consideration for its many consumers, and the problems that some maybe facing with costs as the world begins to slowly recover from worldwide recession.

Microsoft also went onto say, that they will be producing a knockdown sale of its older Elite and Arcade versions, making it a very tempting proposition for many, who are after a decent, popular games console.  The Xbox 360 already has access to Sky Player, Twitter, Facebook and Skype, and there are plans for the BBC I-Player to become an extra ingredient on the new model.  I-Player’s capacity is a big unique selling point for the PS3.

So, will this Slim Xbox 360 version continue to see Microsoft on top of the gaming establishment?  I think it will.  Sony’s PS3 got a lot of criticism on its delayed release, and it hasn’t really recovered.  After failed attempts by Sega and until the Wii, constant letdowns by Nintendo, Microsoft might have well and truly taken the mantelpiece and the crown from Sony as the new ‘Gaming King.’