In 1999, Steve Jobs needed one more product launch to complete the four-computer matrix he introduced on his return to the company three years earlier. That product was the iBook—a portable version of the hugely popular iMac G3.
iBook had a striking design with eye-popping colors. But what really set it apart was AirPort, Apple’s proprietary version of WiFi, which ushered in the age of wireless computing.
AirPort was such a revolutionary concept that Jobs wanted to prove no wires were required. So he persuaded VP of Worldwide Marketing, Phil Schiller, to jump from a great height while holding an iBook, during a live keynote event.
Based on industry-standard WiFi technology, the story of AirPort's launch, development, and eventual demise, provides a valuable insight into how Apple thinks about emerging standards and adopts them in its products.
LINKS
iBook & AirPort launch at MacWorld New York 1999
https://youtu.be/Fve4x6VFiF8?si=CpzUPli3nrnXOJzi
49:20 iBook Introduction
1:03:20 "One More Thing" - AirPort
1:10:30 AirPort TV Ad
1:14:15 Phil Schiller's AirPort death drop
AirPort Base Station Teardown
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4vy5K7_FW4
AirPort Card Image @ Ashley Pomeroy 2020
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AirPort#/media/File:Apple_AirPort_7877.jpg
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.