Archive for the ‘Apple’ Category

World’s First Web Page

May 1, 2013

Reposted by CERN: 20 Years Later

Hayley Tsukayama, Washington Post:

In an effort to preserve the Web’s history, CERN (the European Organization for Nuclear Research) republished the world’s first Web site — two decades after physicists made the technology behind the Web open to everyone.

Preservation of the site is part of a larger project, she writes:

The group is also trying to preserve the first hardware used to host early Web files, including, the BBC reported, a 1990s era, $6,500 computer built by NeXT — the company founded by Apple co-founder Steve Jobs after he was ousted from the company in 1985. The computer is still intact but does not work.

History, intact.

Apple is the New Apple. Not Tesla

March 16, 2013

Tesla Is The New Apple

Steven Johnson:

The parallels between the two companies are easy enough to spot: Tesla has a rapidly accelerating (if still unproven) business driven by a radical new philosophy of transit, a business that has as its core product a sleek machine capable of its own, more literal, version of rapid acceleration.

The paragraph above (and story) suffers from “accelerating” “acceleration.”

Tesla is its own story.

Apple is the new Apple.

The Heart of Steve Jobs

October 7, 2011
An Untold Story: Steve Jobs made this Work, too

In 2003, a younger family member battled cancer in his Bay Area home. My son: Let’s go to Calif., care for family and visit WWDC. Me: As a single parent, how to afford WWDC and travel? I’ll ask Apple. Son: I’m a developer if that helps. Me: You’re just 13. Son: “Been programming since age 8 … on your Mac… .”

Fast forward: We both attended WWDC 2003 as “VIP” guests of Steve Jobs, who also saw to it that we had time to care for my family. Until now, our story’s gone untold. Apple / Steve Jobs made it “just work.” I want his family to know this … and more. See conclusion.

So, I email Apple PR: “We live in Colo., younger family in Bay Area is fighting cancer, my son just had a birthday and an idea: Can he attend WWDC as a student to see Mr. Jobs’ Keynote? He may be Apple’s youngest developer. If so, we could both do a trip that combines my son’s technical gifts with private family needs. Cancer – chemo.”

(pause)

Apple: “We checked. As a student/developer, your son can attend. He will be Mr. Jobs’ VIP guest.” Whoa! “Your son should check in at Moscone Center.” Me: “He just turned 13. Can I escort him to the door?” Apple: “Are you a developer?” Me: “No. I blogged before there was a public Internet, used Macs since they were invented, and may’ve been the first to do a master’s thesis (communications and physics) at UNM on a Mac. We’re trying to combine family care, experience our passion for Apple / Steve Jobs, and afford both.”

(pause)

Apple email: “You two will both be VIP guests of Mr. Jobs. You’re all set.” Guests of Mr. Jobs! Front and center. Below is a pic before the Keynote – son, Jake, already a programming / cyber security catch – now, out-of-the-park technical / leadership talent:

Apple, WWDC 2003

Apple WWDC 2003, S. Francisco

Keynote … innovation elegance. So many, “Why didn’t I think of that(s)?!”

Confession: During the Keynote, I secretly snapped a picture. I had to. Thank goodness no flash!

Steve Jobs, Apple, Keynote, WWDC  2003

Steve Jobs, Keynote, WWDC 2003

After his Keynote, in that huge room, Mr. Jobs greeted, Jake, my son, and his guest: Jobs: “So, what did you think?” Son: “Neat!” Jobs: “NO, what do you REALLY think?!” The two chatted. Mr. Jobs sought out the kid in the room, first, before the reporters, etc. He gave us all iSight’s – the cams. I still have mine, treasured.

Apple iSight 2003

Afterwards, chowder on the Wharf, combing through the press packet, reliving the Keynote. A dad, a birthday boy, Apple, Mr. Jobs. The Jobs-Keynote glow was insanely magical. Then, we drove over a Golden Gate Bridge to help my family face cancer. Very hard emotionally and physically, but we were there, thanks to Apple / Mr. Jobs. He helped get us to Calif. to help our family.

This was before Mr. Jobs announced his own cancer. During our time in the Bay Area, we made a difference – my family moves on, raising two, healthy kids. Mr. Jobs’ heart helped us provide support.

Big picture: Apple / Mr. Jobs knew about my family’s cancer … allowed my son and me to see his Keynote … and got us to SF to help my family. He got it.

Steve Jobs touched generations, and, until now, I’ve not told this story. But there’s one more thing.

This summer, many years later, my son, Jake, physics degree in hand, computer science degree soon, too, worked at Apple, for Mr. Jobs! I don’t know on what, and would not say if I did. Apple magic, I’m sure. Once a guest … he attended WWDC 2011 as an employee.

Apple Headquarters, Cupertino

Jake outside Apple Mothership 2011, Cupertino

Jake just wrote:

“I first met the man years ago, and finally had the opportunity to work under his culture this year. I have really come to admire the vision, leadership, and impact that has been exhibited by no other man in history. Rest in peace, Steve Jobs.

Let us look forward to the next Big Innovator; time will tell if he will compare with the greatest innovator the world has ever known.”

Peace and love, Steve Jobs and Apple. You’ve touched my family. There is great beauty and comfort in the Circle of Life. #ThankYouSteve

Apple, WWDC, Jeff Schwartz
WWDC 2011
Apple Headquarters, 2011, Cupertino

Author - Jeff: Outside Apple's Mothership Summer 2011, Cupertino

Disclosures: Jeff Schwartz is a Colorado-based communications consultant. He owned Apple common stock in the past as an individual. He uses Apple products as a consumer. He does not market or review them. His son worked for Apple this summer. Jeff wished he could’ve. Apple is not and has not been a client of his directly or indirectly. Jeff has worked directly with Nobel Laureates, astronauts, Presidential appointees, etc. – but considers himself blessed to have met Steve Jobs and experienced his innovation.

The Heart of Steve Jobs

October 6, 2011
An Untold Story: Steve Jobs made this Work, too

In 2003, a younger family member battled cancer in his Bay Area home. My son suggested: Let’s go to Calif., care for family and visit WWDC. Me: As a single parent, how to manage WWDC and travel? I’ll ask Apple. Son: I’m a developer if that helps. Me: You’re just 13. Son: “Been programming since age 8 … on your Mac… .”

Fast forward: My son and I were “VIP” guests of Steve Jobs at WWDC 2003, who also saw to it that we had time to care for my family. Until now, our story’s gone unshared. Apple / Steve Jobs made it “just work.” I want his family to know this … and more. See conclusion.

So, I email Apple PR: “We live in Colo., younger family in Bay Area is fighting cancer, my son just had a birthday and an idea: Can he attend WWDC as a student to see Mr. Jobs’ Keynote? He may be Apple’s youngest developer. If so, we could both do a trip that combines my son’s technical passion with very real, private family needs. Cancer – chemo.”

(pause)

Apple: “We checked. As a student/developer, your son can attend. He will be Mr. Jobs’ VIP guest.” Whoa! “Your son should check in at Moscone Center at (time / place).” Me: “He just turned 13. Can I escort him to the door?” Apple: “Are you a developer?” Me: “No. I blogged before there was a public Internet.  I’ve used Macs since they were invented, and may’ve been the first to do a master’s thesis (communications and physics) at UNM on a Mac. We’re trying to combine care for family, experience our passion for Apple / Steve Jobs, and afford both.”

(pause)

Apple email: “You and your son will both be VIP guests of Mr. Jobs. You’re all set.” Front and center. Below is a pic before the Keynote – son, Jake, already a programming / cyber security talent – now, out-of-the-park technical / leadership talent:

The Keynote .. innovation elegance. So many, “Why didn’t I think of that(s)?!” 

Confession: During the Keynote, I secretly snapped a picture. I had to. Thank goodness no flash!

Steve Jobs.JPG
My Photo

After his Keynote, in that huge room, Mr. Jobs greeted, Jake, my son, and his guest: Jobs: “So, what did you think?” Son: “Neat!” Jobs: “NO, what do you REALLY think?!” The two chatted. Mr. Jobs sought out the kid in the room, first, before the reporters, etc. He gave us all iSight’s – the cams. I still have mine, treasured.

iSight 2003 (3).jpg

Afterwards, chowder on the Wharf, combing through the press packet, reliving the moment over and over. A dad, a birthday boy, Apple, Mr. Jobs. The Jobs-Keynote glow was insanely magical. Then, a drive over the Golden Gate Bridge to help my family face cancer. Very hard emotionally and physically, but we were there, thanks to Apple / Mr. Jobs. He helped us get to Calif. to help our family. 

Key: This was before Mr. Jobs announced his own cancer. During our time in the Bay Area, we made a difference – my family moves on, raising two, healthy kids. Mr. Jobs’ heart helped us provide support.

Big picture: Apple / Mr. Jobs knew about my family’s cancer … allowed my son and me to see his Keynote … and got us to SF to help my family. He understood.

Steve Jobs touched generations, and, until now, I’ve not told this story. But there’s one more thing.

This summer, many years later, my son, Jake, physics degree in hand, computer science degree soon, too, worked at Apple, for Mr. Jobs! I don’t know on what, and would not say if I did. Apple magic, I’m sure. Once a guest … he attended WWDC 2011 as an employee.


Jake at Apple 8 May 2011.jpg
Jake outside Apple Mothership 2011, Cupertino

Jake just wrote:
“I first met the man years ago, and finally had the opportunity to work under his culture this year. I have really come to admire the vision, leadership, and impact that has been exhibited by no other man in history. Rest in peace, Steve Jobs.

Let us look forward to the next Big Innovator; time will tell if he will compare with the greatest innovator the world has ever known.”

Peace and love, Steve Jobs and Apple. You’ve touched my family. There is great beauty and comfort in the Circle of Life. #ThankYouSteve


Jeff Jake 10 June 2011 (2).jpg

Photo Caption: Jake and Jeff Schwartz, WWDC 2011

Jeff Apple 8 May 2011.jpg

Author – Jeff: Outside Apple’s Mothership Summer 2011, Cupertino

Disclosures: Jeff Schwartz is a Colorado-based communications consultant. He owned Apple common stock in the past as an individual. He uses Apple products. He does not market or review them. His son worked for Apple this summer. Jeff wished he could’ve. Apple is not and has not been a client of his directly or indirectly. Jeff has worked directly with Nobel Laureates, astronauts, Presidential appointees, etc. – but considers himself blessed to have met Steve Jobs and experienced his innovation.

One, Must Metric for Apple, CEOs…and You

April 15, 2010
Apple’s Stock Price: A Fast Metric for Evaluating the iPad’s Success

When Apple and Steve Jobs announce something new…people are quick to share their opinions. Including me.

Such is the case with the iPad’s recent launch. But was the launch successful and how would you know – reading newsclips, sales estimates, blog postings and product reviews? All are legitimate metrics.

Here’s another, powerful and fast way to evaluate the market acceptance of an announcement…and your company:  Analyze your stock chart. This fits with an old business adage, “The charts don’t lie.”

In Apple’s case (NASDAQ: AAPL) the stock is up almost $50 since the unveiling of the iPad. That’s significant. I’m not saying that the stock will remain ballistic. I am noting that key market research is in from the big institutions, hedge funds and large investors that “move” stocks. And according to the stock chart, Apple management and its products, including the iPad, earned widespread market confidence. In a nutshell, the investing whales voted with their money…and the vote is two-thumbs up. That is important and available information.

Question: How does your PR or Marketing firm measure success for your campaigns…can they read a stock chart and use it to help evaluate your reputation, business and ROI? Few can. “That’s something for Wall Street analysts,” they might say. I disagree. Stock charts are a metric available to all – and it is real information, and can be followed minute-by-minute.

I track stock charts all the time. They are part of my “toolkit” for measuring success and sizing up your reputation.

Short of that, there are other types of market research and reputation management. Enjoy this one:

The Bottom Line:
Just because analyzing a stock chart may be difficult is not a reason to leave the information it displays out of your set of reputation-management metrics. Why leave research to the dogs…err…cats.

I wonder what “story” Toyota’s stock chart is telling.

CEOs: "Real" iPad Research – A Model for You, too

April 15, 2010
Apple’s Stock Price: A Key Metric for Evaluating the iPad’s Launch

When Apple and Steve Jobs announce something new…people are quick to share their opinions. Including me.

Such is the case with the iPad’s recent launch. But was the launch successful and how would you know – reading newsclips, blogs, tracking sales estimates and monitoring reviews? Those are legitimate metrics.

Here’s another fast, powerful way to evaluate the market acceptance of an announcement…and your company: Analyze your stock chart. This fits with an old, business adage, “The charts don’t lie.”

In Apple’s case (NASDAQ: AAPL) the stock is up almost $50 since the unveiling of the iPad. That’s significant. I’m not saying that the stock will remain ballistic. I am noting that key market research is in from the big institutions, hedge funds and large investors that “move” stocks. And according to the stock chart, Apple management and its products, including the iPad, earned widespread market confidence. In a nutshell, the investing whales voted with their money…and the vote is two-thumbs up. That is important and available information.

Question: How does your PR or Marketing firm measure success for your campaigns…can they read a stock chart and use it to help evaluate your reputation, business and ROI? Few can. “That’s something for Wall Street analysts,” they might say. I disagree. Stock charts are a metric available to all – and it is real information, and can be followed minute-by-minute.

I track stock charts all the time. They are part of my “toolkit” for measuring success and sizing up your reputation.

Short of that, there are other types of market research and reputation management. Enjoy this one:

The Bottom Line:
Just because analyzing a stock chart may be difficult is not a reason to leave the information it displays out of your set of reputation-management metrics. Why leave research to the dogs…err…cats.

iPad: Steve Jobs Makes History. Again

April 3, 2010
Apple’s iPad is Here: Confessions of a Media-Technology Veteran

Steve Jobs, Apple, make history because they are about innovation. Not about being biggest, (although the firm’s market share is increasing). But about being first, being inventors. It’s what he and his teams live for.

Apple Steve JobsMy son and I were VIP guests of Mr. Jobs at WWDC 2005, where he reinforced Apple’s value proposition by showing a single slide to capture the firm’s passion, “Innovate.” One word: ‘Innovate.”

I quietly took the picture to the left. The picture I wish I had taken was that of Mr. Jobs and my son. After he finished another historic keynote address, Jobs came down to the audience, bypassing initially the reporters to ask my son, “What did YOU think?” He wanted feedback from the youngest tech-KID-guru in the crowd! He wanted feedback straight and unpolished. They chatted it up. Two “kids” connected before my eyes.

I admire greatly the view of tech-journalism-legend Walt Mossberg of The Wall Street Journal. He has already test-driven the iPad and says:

Wall Mossberg iPad Apple“What’s missing? If you asked me. I wish it played Flash.”

“It’s wicked fast.”

And, wrote Mr. Mossberg:

“For the past week or so, I have been testing a sleek, light, silver-and-black tablet computer called an iPad. After spending hours and hours with it, I believe this beautiful new touch-screen device from Apple has the potential to change portable computing profoundly, and to challenge the primacy of the laptop.

It could even help, eventually, to propel the finger-driven, multitouch user interface ahead of the mouse-driven interface that has prevailed for decades.”

The iPad could revolutionize (rescue) the print media, publishing industry, academia and personal computing. Put another way, how many read a newspaper every day or a book? Now, how many of you surf the web for your news and information? I thought so. Me, too.

And, with a nod to Jobs (because it’s his line), “One more thing.” The iPad is the start. Just as iSight and iPod morphed seamlessly into Mac Laptops and the iPhone, so will the iPad evolve. In a short order, it could be so thin that it is a smart “refrigerator magnet” or multi-media wall display for living and bedrooms.

Steve Jobs Apple iPadRemember, the iPad is not a stand-alone product. Apple innovations have a magical way of fitting together, like pieces of a puzzle. One leads to the next. Applications sprout, too.

I admit to saying many times since the launch of the Mac in 1984: “How did they do THAT…and why didn’t I think of it, too?!” Generations will be grateful that this moment, the unveiling of the first Mac, was captured.

One thing is very clear from Mr. Mossberg and other iPad testers: Wherever they carried the iPad, people NEEDED to TOUCH it…to pass it around and SHARE what they had on the screen. The iPad created, no attracted, social interaction, with the mere touch of fingertips. No mouses and cords.

That…that is the stuff of behavioral change, and the potential start of a new consumer-technology revolution. I’m not surprised. Apple — Steve Jobs and his teams — live for moments like this.

He is a modern-day Edison.

Apple iPad Steve JobsP.S. Somehow I will resist the urge to buy immediately. I’ll wait for the second version of iPad. But I admit: I want to stand in line at my local retail store in a few hours and get one RIGHT NOW. Waiting will not be easy. Apple is hip, cool, but it’s revolutionary. Apple’s about innovation…about being first, about “trying it first.”

I still have my Apple II. And even my Mac Performa circa 1993 still just gets “it.” Apple lives to innovate this “just-gets-it” for the world…and for the history books.

Apple is about experiencing “next”…now.

The iPad: Apple’s Steve Jobs Makes History. Again.

April 3, 2010

Apple’s iPad is Here: Confessions of a Media-Technology Veteran

Steve Jobs, Apple, make history because they are about innovation.

Not by being biggest, (although its market share is increasing). But by being first. Being “next.”

As VIP guests of Mr. Jobs at WWDC 2003, my son and I watched as he reinforced Apple’s value proposition through a single slide that captured the firm’s passion, “Innovate.” One word: ‘Innovate.”

I quietly took the picture to the left. The picture I wish I had taken was that of Mr. Jobs and my son. After he finished another historic keynote address, Jobs came into the audience, bypassing initially the reporters to ask my son, “What did YOU think?” He wanted feedback from the youngest tech-KID-guru in the crowd! He wanted feedback straight and unpolished. They chatted it up. Two “kids” connected before my eyes.

I admire greatly the view of tech-journalism-legend Walt Mossberg of The Wall Street Journal. He has already test-driven the iPad and says:

“What’s missing? If you asked me. I wish it played Flash.”

“It’s wicked fast.”

And, wrote Mr. Mossberg:

“For the past week or so, I have been testing a sleek, light, silver-and-black tablet computer called an iPad. After spending hours and hours with it, I believe this beautiful new touch-screen device from Apple has the potential to change portable computing profoundly, and to challenge the primacy of the laptop.

It could even help, eventually, to propel the finger-driven, multitouch user interface ahead of the mouse-driven interface that has prevailed for decades.”

The iPad could revolutionize (rescue) the print media, publishing industry, academia and personal computing. Put another way, how many people read a newspaper every day or a book? Now, how many of you surf the web for your news and information? I thought so. Me, too.

And, with a nod to Steve Jobs (because this is his line), “One more thing.” The iPad is the start. Just as iSight and iPod morphed seamlessly into Mac Laptops and the iPhone, so will the iPad evolve. In a short order, it could be so thin that it is a smart “refrigerator magnet” or multi-media wall display for living and bedrooms.

The iPad is not a stand-alone product. Apple innovations have a magical way of fitting together, like pieces of a puzzle. One leading to the next. Applications sprout, too.

I admit to saying many times since the launch of the Mac in 1984: “How did they do THAT…and why didn’t I think of it, too?!” Generations will be grateful that this moment, the unveiling of the first Mac, was captured:

One thing is very clear from Mr. Mossberg and other iPad testers: Wherever they carried the iPad, people NEEDED to TOUCH it…to pass it around and SHARE what they pulled up on the screen. The iPad created, no attracted, social interaction, with the mere touch of fingertips. No mouses and cords.

That…that is the stuff of behavioral change, and the potential start of a new consumer-technology revolution. I’m not surprised. Apple — Steve Jobs and his teams — live for moments like this.

He is a modern-day Edison.

P.S. Somehow I will resist the urge to buy immediately. I’ll wait for the second version of iPad. But I admit: I want to stand in line at my local retail store in a few hours and get one RIGHT NOW.

I still have my Apple II. And even my Mac Performa circa 1993 still just gets “it.” Apple lives to innovate this “just-gets-it” for the world…and for the history books.

Together, the iPod, iPhone and iPad, create an entirely new, world-leading, smart, mobile-services venture.

Apple is about experiencing “next”…now.