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Steve Jobs Talks iBook, AirPort, and More in Newly Surfaced 1999 Video

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A newly surfaced 1999 internal video captures Steve Jobs discussing Apple’s product strategy shortly after the launch of the iBook G3 at Macworld New York, highlighting the completion of Apple’s four-quadrant product lineup and the introduction of AirPort wireless networking developed with Lucent. Jobs emphasized Apple’s advantage in integrating hardware and software to bring innovations like wireless networking and FireWire to market efficiently and stated that the company’s focus was on making great products rather than just financial recovery, aiming to make Apple great again by prioritizing creative professionals, education, and consumers over enterprise markets.

https://www.macrumors.com/2026/03/23/steve-jobs-talks-ibook-airport-and-more/

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LotusNotes

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Lotus Notes originated from the University of Illinois’ PLATO system, a pioneering multi-user, networked computer system emphasizing public collaboration and user-generated content, funded by the military and the NSF. Developed in the 1980s by Ray Ozzie and Iris Associates under Lotus Development, Lotus Notes evolved as a flexible groupware platform blending email, calendaring, and database functions with replication technology inherited from PLATO’s architecture. Despite its initial dominance in enterprise groupware, Lotus Notes declined significantly after IBM’s acquisition, largely due to competition from Microsoft Exchange and shifting industry standards favoring open protocols and web integration.

https://computer.rip/2026-03-14-lotusnotes.html

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The Most Important Software Innovations

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David A. Wheeler’s paper identifies the most important software innovations by focusing strictly on technological innovations that have had widespread and critical impact on programming, deliberately excluding hardware advances and non-technological developments such as legal or social inventions. The paper also argues that software patents have largely failed to promote innovation, often covering obvious ideas or prior art, and have instead impeded software development, with most key software innovations never patented; this challenges the effectiveness of patents as incentives in the software industry.

https://dwheeler.com/innovation/innovation.html

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ENIAC, the General-Purpose Digital Computer, Is 80

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ENIAC, unveiled on February 15, 1946, was the first large-scale, general-purpose, programmable electronic digital computer, developed at the University of Pennsylvania’s Moore School of Electrical Engineering. It marked a major breakthrough in computing, making high-speed calculations practical and laying the foundation for modern computers and the digital economy, while also highlighting pioneering contributions from women programmers and influencing the evolution of technology over the past 80 years.

https://spectrum.ieee.org/eniac-80-ieee-milestone

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I Don’t Know What Is Apple’s Endgame for the Fn/Globe Key, and I’m Not Sure Apple Knows Either

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Apple’s Fn/Globe key evolution reflects its struggle with modifier key functionality. Originally designed to simulate missing keys on compact keyboards, the Fn key expanded tasks but lacked standardization across devices. With the introduction of the Globe key on iPads and Macs, Apple introduced new shortcuts, but inconsistencies between devices and confusing user experiences emerged. The challenge lies in integrating a coherent system across third-party keyboards while managing existing shortcuts, ultimately complicating usage and confusing users. The article urges Apple to reconsider and simplify its approach to modifier keys for improved functionality and user experience.

https://aresluna.org/fn/

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Art Bits From HyperCard

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HyperCard, Apple’s early hypermedia system, influenced web development significantly. It included sample stacks like “Art Bits,” showcasing two-color clip art. Over 700 images from this collection have been optimized and shared online for users’ enjoyment, maintaining a small size. Categories include beasts, buildings, media, and more, each containing various clip art examples.

https://archives.somnolescent.net/web/mari_v2/junk/hypercard/

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“Our Programs Are Fun to Use.”

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Beagle Bros, a nostalgic 1980s software company for Apple II, was known for its quirky and fun applications. Their products combined practical tools with whimsical design, fostering a playful programming environment. Despite their eventual decline due to competition, their legacy inspires a community that values creativity in software development, illustrated by the ongoing interest in their catalog.

https://unsung.aresluna.org/our-programs-are-fun-to-use/

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PageMaker Pioneer Paul Brainerd, 1947-2026: Aldus Founder Devoted His Second Chapter to the Planet

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Paul Brainerd (1947-2026), founder of Aldus Corporation and pioneer of desktop publishing, died at 78 after battling Parkinson’s disease. He co-created PageMaker, revolutionizing printing for non-professionals and empowering many with desktop publishing tools. Following Aldus’s merger with Adobe in 1994, Brainerd focused on environmental philanthropy, founding the Brainerd Foundation, IslandWood, and supporting various initiatives in the Pacific Northwest and New Zealand. A respected leader and innovator, he significantly impacted both technology and conservation efforts throughout his life.

https://www.geekwire.com/2026/pagemaker-pioneer-paul-brainerd-1947-2026-aldus-founder-devoted-his-second-chapter-to-the-planet/

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C64 Graphics Explorer — View C64 Graphics the Authentic Way

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C64GraphicsExplorer is a macOS app for exploring modern Commodore 64 art, utilizing CRT simulation and pixel inspection. Users can view curated artwork, analyze creation techniques, and input their images for palette mapping. Features include a gallery of C64 graphics, authentic CRT effects, pixel magnification, mode detection, and adjustable pixel grids. It supports macOS Sequoia 15.0+ on Apple Silicon and maintains user privacy.

https://c64graphicsexplorer.com/

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