Can you believe it’s been 30 years since Apple introduced one of the world’s first Personal Digital Assistants (PDA)?
That’s right, before Siri and Alexa, there was the Newton MessagePad.
Talk about a blast from the past!
Launched on the 3rd of August 1993, this little gadget may not have been a commercial hit, but it certainly left its mark on the tech world. The term ‘PDA’ was actually coined by Apple’s then-CEO John Sculley in 1992. Bet you didn’t know that.
While the Newton MessagePad might be remembered as the device that wasn’t quite ‘the next big thing’, it set the bar for future PDA designs and paved the way for the smartphones we can’t live without today. So let’s give credit where credit is due.
Perhaps the most significant contribution the Newton made to the tech industry was the development of the ARM processor architecture. Apple poured heavy investments into this fledgling technology to power the Newton devices.
Fast forward to today, and the ARM architecture forms the foundation of most of the world’s mobile devices, including all versions of the Apple iPhone and iPad. Talk about a game changer!
Fun fact: In 1998, Apple sold their ownership interest in ARM, raking in a cool $800 million (£621+ million). This much-needed cash injection helped Apple navigate through some tough times. So in a way, we have the Newton to thank for the Apple we know and love today.
So here’s to the Newton MessagePad – the underdog that quietly revolutionised the tech world. You may not have made it into every pocket or handbag, but you sure did make a difference. Happy anniversary!
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